What Is Ty Murray’s Net Worth?
Ty Murray, the celebrated American rodeo cowboy and entrepreneur, has accumulated a net worth of approximately $6 million as of 2025. This wealth is a result of his successful rodeo career, strategic endorsements, and various television appearances.
Early Life and Career Beginnings
Born on October 11, 1969, in Phoenix, Arizona, Ty Murray was immersed in rodeo from a young age, with his parents, Harold “Butch” and Joy Murray, teaching him the fundamentals. He was mentored by world champion bull rider Larry Mahan. By the age of nine, Murray declared his ambition to surpass Mahan’s achievements. Murray spent his summers in New Mexico (Ruidoso, Santa Fe) and lived in Pena Blanca. He honed his skills through high school, becoming the All-Around Champion Cowboy and contributing to Arizona’s first National High School Rodeo Association Championship in 1987. He attended Odessa College and competed in school rodeo events. In 1996, Murray started the Ty Murray Invitational at Tingley Coliseum.
Professional Rodeo Career and Earnings
At 18, Ty Murray joined the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and quickly became the youngest All-Around Rodeo Cowboy. His dominance in the sport is highlighted by winning the World All-Around Rodeo Champion title for six consecutive years from 1989 to 1994, and again in 1998. During these peak years, he consistently ranked as the top money earner in bull riding, bareback riding, and saddle bronc events. In 1993 and 1998, he also secured the PRCA World Bull Riding Championship. By 23, Murray became the youngest cowboy to surpass $1 million in earnings. Throughout his PRCA and PBR career, Murray accumulated nearly $3 million in earnings. In 1993, Murray set a single-season earnings record with $297,896. Murray ranks second on the PRCA Career Earnings list.
PBR and Entrepreneurial Ventures
Ty Murray is not only known for his rodeo skills but also for his entrepreneurial spirit. He co-founded the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) in 1992, an organization that has significantly elevated the profile of bull riding as a standalone sport. Each of the 20 founding bull riders invested $1,000 to start the PBR. The PBR features the Top 35 bull riders in the world. In 1999, Murray won the PBR Bud Light Cup World Championship event in Las Vegas, earning $265,000, which was the highest amount won at a single rodeo or PBR event at that time. Murray served as the President of the PBR from 2004 to 2007. In 2007, Spire Capital Partners acquired the interests of many of the founding riders and invested in the PBR. Murray continues to be recognized for his contributions to the sport through awards like the PBR Ty Murray Top Hand Award.
Endorsements and Media Appearances
Murray’s successful rodeo career opened doors to various endorsement opportunities. He has been featured in commercials for Miller Lite and has made appearances in television shows such as “Walker, Texas Ranger” and “CSI.” Ty Murray took product endorsement deals to the next level when he refused to sign for less than his perceived value. He has partnered with brands like Wrangler and Professional Bull Riders. In 2000, Pam Minick interviewed Ty Murray about his endorsements and life outside of the arena. Murray was also a contestant on the eighth season of “Dancing with the Stars”, showcasing his versatility beyond the rodeo arena.
Real Estate and Investments
While specific details regarding Ty Murray’s real estate holdings and investment portfolio are not publicly available, it is common for high-net-worth individuals to diversify their assets. Murray’s investments likely include a mix of real estate, stocks, and other business ventures. Real estate investments ensure a steady flow of income beyond rodeo. Murray has always worked towards long, safe investments. The Ty Murray Invitational moved to The Pit in 2009 and regularly plays to sold-out crowds.
Personal Life
Ty Murray’s personal life has also garnered media attention. In 2008, he married singer-songwriter Jewel, but they divorced in 2014. Together, they have a son named Kase Townes. Murray later remarried Paige Duke in 2017, a cookbook author and former sideline reporter.
Accolades and Hall of Fame Inductions
Ty Murray’s contributions to rodeo have been widely recognized through numerous awards and hall of fame inductions. He was inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in 2000. In 1988, Murray was the PRCA Resistol Overall and Bareback Rookie of the Year. He was inducted into the Texas Cowboy Hall of Fame in 2002. Murray was inducted into the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum Rodeo Hall of Fame in 2006. In 2011, Murray was inducted into the Arizona Sports Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the Texas Sports Hall of Fame in 1999.