Basketball is not just a sport; it’s a multi-billion-dollar industry where the best players earn massive contracts and lucrative endorsement deals. From max contracts to sponsorships, NBA superstars make money both on and off the court. In this article, we’ll look at the 20 highest-paid basketball players in 2024, detailing their salaries, endorsements, and overall earnings.
Top 10 Highest-Paid NBA Players in 2025
| Rank | Player | Team | Annual Salary |
| 1 | Stephen Curry | Golden State Warriors | $55,761,216 |
| 2 | Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | $51,415,938 |
| 3 | Nikola Jokic | Denver Nuggets | $51,415,938 |
| 4 | Bradley Beal | Phoenix Suns | $50,203,930 |
| 5 | Kevin Durant | Phoenix Suns | $49,900,000 |
| 6 | Devin Booker | Phoenix Suns | $49,200,000 |
| 7 | Paul George | LA Clippers | $49,200,000 |
| 8 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | $48,800,000 |
| 9 | Damian Lillard | Milwaukee Bucks | $48,800,000 |
| 10 | LeBron James | Los Angeles Lakers | $48,728,845 |
List of 20 Highest-Paid Basketball Players in 2025
- Stephen Curry – The Highest-Paid Player in the NBA
Stephen Curry remains the top earner in the NBA, leading the Golden State Warriors with his exceptional shooting and leadership.
- Annual Salary: $55,761,216
- Key Endorsements: Under Armour, Chase, Rakuten, Infiniti
With multiple championships and a legacy as the greatest shooter of all time, Curry’s brand power extends beyond basketball.
- Joel Embiid – Philadelphia’s MVP Cashing In
Joel Embiid has dominated the league as one of the best big men, earning a massive paycheck from the 76ers.
- Annual Salary: $51,415,938
- Key Endorsements: Under Armour, Crypto.com, Mountain Dew
His MVP performance and dominant presence ensure he remains one of the league’s top earners.
- Nikola Jokic – The Serbian Superstar’s Payday
Nikola Jokic, the back-to-back MVP and Denver Nuggets’ leader, is among the highest-paid players for his elite skills.
- Annual Salary: $51,415,938
- Key Endorsements: Nike, Western Union, Panini
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Jokic’s unique playstyle and MVP status make him one of the most valuable players in the NBA.
- Bradley Beal – The Suns’ Big Investment
Bradley Beal secured a massive contract before being traded to the Phoenix Suns, ensuring financial security for years.
- Annual Salary: $50,203,930
- Key Endorsements: Nike, Panini
Beal’s scoring ability and leadership make him a valuable asset on and off the court.
- Kevin Durant – The Versatile Superstar
Kevin Durant continues to earn top-dollar while playing for the Phoenix Suns.
- Annual Salary: $49,900,000
- Key Endorsements: Nike, Coinbase, Gatorade
With multiple championships and MVPs, KD’s financial dominance continues.
- Devin Booker – The Face of the Suns
Devin Booker is the future of the Suns, and his contract reflects his value.
- Annual Salary: $49,200,000
- Key Endorsements: Nike, Call of Duty, Sweetgreen
His elite scoring and leadership have made him one of the highest-paid guards in the league.
- Paul George – The Clippers’ Star Earning Big
Paul George has been a consistent force for the LA Clippers, earning a high salary for his two-way play.
- Annual Salary: $49,200,000
- Key Endorsements: Nike, Gatorade, New Era
His ability to score and defend at a high level keeps him among the league’s top earners.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – The Greek Freak’s Wealth
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a two-time MVP and a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks.
- Annual Salary: $48,800,000
- Key Endorsements: Nike, JBL, Hulu
Giannis’ international appeal has helped him become one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.
- Damian Lillard – Milwaukee’s New Superstar
Damian Lillard’s trade to Milwaukee didn’t impact his massive earnings.
- Annual Salary: $48,800,000
- Key Endorsements: Adidas, Gatorade, Hulu
Lillard remains one of the most loyal and respected players in the league.
- LeBron James – The King’s Everlasting Wealth
LeBron James may be in the final stretch of his career, but he remains one of the richest athletes in the world.
- Annual Salary: $48,728,845
- Key Endorsements: Nike, Beats by Dre, PepsiCo
LeBron’s wealth extends beyond basketball, with ownership stakes in multiple businesses.
Conclusion
The NBA’s top stars earn enormous salaries, but their financial success isn’t limited to their contracts. With lucrative endorsement deals and smart investments, these players continue to grow their wealth. Whether it’s Stephen Curry’s record-breaking contracts, LeBron James’ business empire, or Giannis Antetokounmpo’s international appeal, the league’s highest-paid players are making history both on and off the court.
FAQs
- Who is the highest-paid NBA player in 2024?
Stephen Curry leads the league with an annual salary of $55,761,216.
- Which NBA player makes the most money from endorsements?
LeBron James and Stephen Curry are among the top earners from endorsements, thanks to deals with Nike, Under Armour, and other global brands.
- Who is the highest-paid international NBA player?
Nikola Jokic and Giannis Antetokounmpo are among the top international earners in the NBA.
- Which NBA team has the most high-paid players?
The Phoenix Suns have three players (Kevin Durant, Bradley Beal, and Devin Booker) in the top 10 highest-paid list.
- Do NBA players make more money from salary or endorsements?
While NBA salaries are massive, players like LeBron James and Stephen Curry often earn more from endorsements and business ventures.
Victor