When Real Housewives of Atlanta returns via Season 16, we will meet Angela Oakley, the wife of Charles Oakley. Charles has a name that most households recognize. This man lasted 19 seasons in the National Basketball Association, AKA the NBA. So, fingers crossed that any sports lovers residing in our households might start joining us on our couches as we take in all things RHOA this season.
But, as we prepare to meet this family on Bravo, let us first discuss who this baller is. What is his backstory, and what does he do now when not offering Angela his assists on RHOA? Likewise, when did he and Angela wed, and how many people reside underneath their palatial roof in Atlanta? We will tell you everything we know about Charles now, just in time for the premiere of RHOA Season 16.
Basketball has always been present in the life of Charles Oakley, the newest husband on RHOA
Charles was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He graduated from John Hay High School in 1981 after landing a spot on their basketball team, as expected. Charles still pops into his alma matter at times, offering the basketball teams an ear and a word of advice as needed.
After high school, Charles became a Panther at Virginia Union University, a Division II, historically black university in Richmond, Virginia. According to their website, when Charles was a senior, he led the basketball team to the 1985 NCAA championship. The Panthers had a 31–1 overall record this year, with Charles averaging 24 points and 17.3 rebounds per game. Therefore, Charles was named the NCAA Division II Player of the Year.
However, the main highlights of his career came after Charles’ graduation. In 1985, the NBA entered the chat, launching Charles into the next chapter of his life.
Before semi-starring on RHOA Season 16, Charles Oakley starred in 19 seasons of the NBA
Charles is about to start his newest gig as a (hopefully) supportive man on RHOA Season 16. As a legendary NBA star, here is a brief explainer of his resume, which will likely be touched on at least once on RHOA.
Charles joined the Cleveland Cavaliers in 1985, but then he was traded to the Chicago Bulls, where he played until 1988. Michael Jordan led this squad, and yes, Michael has also seen his name sounding on Bravo, thanks to his son.
Charles next landed with the New York Knicks in 1988. He stayed with this team until 1998. After this, Charles took a spot with the Toronto Raptors until 2021. Once this ended, Charles returned to play with the Bulls until 2022.
In 2022, Charles met back up with Michael after signing as a free agent for the Washington Wizards. Finally, Charles ended his NBA career after playing one final season as a Houston Rocket in 2004.
In honor of his 19-year professional basketball career, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame and Museum inducted Charles in 2016. As experienced with high-pressure situations as he is, can Charles handle the other husbands off the courts on RHOA Season 16? Only time will tell. But as he stressed in a career-explaining interview on the Showtime With Michael Cooper Lakers Podcast, possession is key, so possess your upper hand(s) quickly on RHOA, Charles.
In 2016, Charles Oakley wed Angela Oakley, and their blended family will film a vow renewal ceremony on RHOA Season 16
Photo Credit: Wilford Harewood/Bravo
We already covered his career. So now, let us look at his family, whom we will meet during Season 16 of RHOA. In 2016, Charles married Angela, a first-time peach holder on Bravo. Their blended family includes four children.
But all marriages are tricky, even the best ones. Charles and Angela are no different. According to Bravo, they will attend a handful of therapy sessions, which exposes “underlying issues” in their relationship. However, therapy plays a vital role in healthy relationships, so it’s nice knowing that Charles is open to outside opinions and advice.
It seems like their sessions worked, as Charles and Angela will deliver us “a show-stopping vow renewal” during Season 16 of RHOA. Yes, we have seen this film before, and no, fans did not like the ending(s). Nevertheless, hopefully Charles and Angela fare better after their renewals than their other not-so-luckily-in-rebirthed-love predecessors on Bravo.
In 2017, Charles Oakley got arrested at Madison Square Garden, and he is still fighting this event civilly via a Manhattan-based lawsuit
The Real Housewives franchise understands controversy via lawsuits. Charles also comprehends negative headlines, as in 2017, he got arrested at Madison Square Garden. As ABC and other outlets reported, Charles got ejected after he allegedly yelled at James L. Dolan, the Executive Chairman of Madison Square Garden and MSG Networks. Other accounts claimed that Charles hit one security guard in his face while shoving another before being dragged away from the game and handcuffed.
Charles earned himself three counts of misdemeanor assault and criminal trespassing. He fought these charges, stating that he only became combative after learning that James was ousting him from the arena. In 2017, Charles initiated a civil lawsuit against James, and this messy matter remains in litigation in 2025.
With his award-winning NBA career, therapy sessions, lawsuit, and upcoming vow renewal ceremony on Season 16 of RHOA, it stands to reason that Charles and Angela will have a lot to discuss this season on Bravo.
What else has Charles Oakley done before filming on Season 16 of RHOA?
When Angela struts herself onto RHOA Season 16, her man Charles will be at her side. But Charles is so much more than his career and legal follies. He is also a humanitarian. Charles has supported many charities, and when our unhoused communities need help, Charles often provides them with a lay-up, helping to feed communities all over, including Cleveland and Atlanta.
In 2020, Charles started the Charles Oakley Foundation. One year later, his foundation initiated a campaign called Oak Out Hunger. The goal was to provide 10,000 meals across the United States. In 2022, Charles put his hands where his money and mouth were, cooking and serving many of these meals in person.
Charles has also lent his time, resources, and support to over a hundred charities. From the courts of life to the world of reality television, viewers are eager to learn more about the Oakley family and their characters as RHOA Season 16 progresses on Bravo.