The highest-paid basketball players in 2025

The NBA is home to some of the world’s highest-paid athletes, with superstars signing contracts worth hundreds of millions. But who tops the earnings list for the 2024-25 season? Let’s break down the biggest salaries, lucrative endorsement deals, and what these numbers mean for the future of the sport.

The 10 highest-paid NBA players in 2024-25

The following is a list of the highest-paid NBA players for the 2024-25 season, including salary and endorsements, according to Sportico:

1. Stephen Curry - $155.8M ($55.8M salary, $100M endorsements)

The Golden State Warriors' sharpshooter continues to reign as the highest-paid player in the league. His contract, coupled with endorsements from brands like Under Armour, pushes his total earnings past $150 million annually.

2. LeBron James - $133.7M ($48.7M salary, $85M endorsements)

At 40, LeBron remains a financial powerhouse. His deal with the Lakers, Nike’s lifetime contract, and various investments make him one of the richest athletes ever with a net worth estimated to be about $1.2 billion.

3. Giannis Antetokounmpo - $103.8M ($48.8M salary, $55M endorsements)

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The “Greek Freak” earns from his Milwaukee Bucks contract and a massive Nike endorsement deal, along with endorsements from JBL, Google Pixel, T-Mobile, and others. 

4. Kevin Durant - $97.9M ($49.9M salary, $48M endorsements)

Durant’s Phoenix Suns contract, along with deals from FanDuel, Fanatics, and Prime puts him in the fourth slot on the list. He also has a lifetime endorsement deal with Nike. 

5. Damian Lillard - $66.8M ($48.8M salary, $18M endorsements)

Lillard’s move to Milwaukee in 2023 added excitement to the league and secured his place among the top earners. His lifetime contract with Adidas makes him one of the only active NBA players to have lifetime shoe deals.

6. Joel Embiid - $59.4M ($51.4M salary, $8M endorsements)

The former league MVP’s earnings come from his 76ers contract and endorsement deals with companies like Mountain Dew and Skechers.

7. Nikola Jokić - $59.4M ($51.4M salary, $8M endorsements)

The reigning league MVP and winner of three of the last four MVPs has a supermax contract with the Denver Nuggets that solidifies his place among the highest-paid players. He also has an endorsement with Chinese shoe brand 361 degrees, where he will wear and help develop shoes for the brand. 

8. Devin Booker - $58.2M ($49.2M salary, $9M endorsements)

The Suns' young star’s contract, along with Nike and Call of Duty endorsements, place him among the top earners.

9. Paul George - $57.7M ($49.2M salary, $8.5M endorsements)

Paul George’s new deal with the 76ers and endorsement deals that include Nike, Gatorade, AT&T, and Foot Locker put him inside the top 10. 

10. Bradley Beal - $57.7M ($50.2M salary, $7.5M endorsements)

Beal’s contract with the Suns and endorsements with Nike (Jordan brand), PepsiCo, and Tissot rounds out the top 10. 

The evolution of NBA salaries

NBA salaries have skyrocketed in recent years, thanks to a variety of factors, including:

• TV and streaming deals: The NBA makes a lot of its money from broadcasting rights. Major networks and streaming platforms pay billions to air games, and a chunk of that revenue goes to teams and eventually into players' pockets. The more people who tune in, the more valuable these deals become. In 2024, the NBA agreed to a new deal with ESPN/ABC, NBC, and Amazon worth $76 billion over 11 years, beginning in the 2025-26 season. 

• Endorsements and personal brands: Modern technology has allowed NBA stars to expand their reach and influence through channels like social media. This has allowed players to develop massive, global personal brands that attract endorsement deals from companies like Nike, Under Armour, and even video games. Sometimes, these deals pay more than their actual NBA salary.

• Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA): This is the rulebook that governs how money is shared between NBA owners and players. Every few years, the league and players' union negotiate updates to this agreement. The current version, updated in 2023, allows for higher "max contracts," meaning the top players can legally earn more than ever before.

Together, these forces create an environment where top athletes earn eye-popping figures, but also where smart money management matters more than ever.

Beyond salaries: Understanding contract structures and financial trends

NBA player contracts go far beyond just a base salary. They include a mix of terms that can significantly affect both short- and long-term earnings. Here are a few key elements to know:

• Supermax contracts: These are reserved for the league's top-tier players and offer the highest salaries allowed under NBA rules. To qualify, a player must meet certain performance benchmarks, like making the All-NBA team.

• Player options: Built into some contracts, these allow a player to decide whether they want to continue with their team for another year or become a free agent and explore other opportunities.

• Incentives and bonuses: Players can earn more money based on their individual or team performance, such as leading their team to playoff appearances or winning an MVP award.

• Deferred payments: Some players arrange to receive parts of their salary over many years, even after they retire. This can help with long-term financial stability. The NBA's collective bargaining agreement limits deferrals to a maximum of 25% of a player's salary. 

These features not only shape a player's earnings over time but also impact how teams plan their budgets and build competitive rosters under the league's salary cap rules. So while the headline numbers are big, the fine print in these contracts plays a huge role in how that money is earned, saved, and spent.

Lessons young athletes can learn

For young athletes — and really any young person learning to manage money — there’s more to financial success than earning a high salary. Some of the highest-paid NBA players offer financial lessons worth studying.

• Invest wisely: Many athletes use their earnings to build wealth outside the game. LeBron James has invested in everything from pizza franchises to production companies. Kevin Durant has stakes in tech companies and venture capital firms. These investments can create long-term security, well after a playing career ends.

• Build your brand: Players like Stephen Curry and Giannis Antetokounmpo have expanded their income through personal branding. Their presence on social media and strategic partnerships with brands like Under Armour and Nike have boosted their earnings beyond what they make on the court. For young people, this translates to building a reputation rooted in trust, consistency, and professionalism — skills that apply to any job or entrepreneurial pursuit.

• Plan for the future: Despite earning millions, most athletes plan early for retirement. Injuries or early exits from the league are common, so financial planning is essential. This could mean saving a portion of each paycheck, creating multiple income streams, or setting long-term goals. Even for teens with part-time jobs or allowances, learning to budget and save now builds habits for lifelong success.

• Surround yourself with trusted advisors: NBA players often work with financial advisors, agents, and mentors who help them make smart choices. For young people, this could mean talking to parents or guardians, teachers, or using tools like the Greenlight app to learn money basics and get guidance on saving and spending.

Whether you dream of going pro or just want to be smart with your money, these strategies apply to all walks of life. 

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This blog post is provided "as is" and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional advice. Some content in this post may have been created using artificial intelligence; however, every blog post is reviewed by at least two human editors.

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