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Aside from the lucrative contracts they receive from basketball, most NBA players earn even more from endorsements, investments, and other types of income. The NBA has produced and promoted some of the world’s richest stars. The players, of course, earn more money and more quickly compared to previous generations. The NBA has, with the hard work of its leaders, gained the level of prominence akin to other global enterprises, making it a world leader.
As documented in reports by entities like Forbes and Celebrity Net Worth, the list below tries to provide the most accurate information and estimates, even though athletes’ wealth can change from one year to the next.
1. LeBron James, Net Worth: $1.2 Billion
Why is he the sole winner? Out of all NBA athletes, James was the first to become a billionaire and was the only one to do so during his active career. The estimate is that his Nike contract is worth in excess of 1 billion. His 2-decade-long involvement in extracurricular activities, mergers, and purchases brought him ownership of businesses like Springhill Entertainment and other global sports like Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox. This has further contributed to LeBron’s financial wealth and stability, making him the NBA’srichest player.
With a career spanning basketball, James has earned more than $430 million dollars.
2. Kevin Durant, Net Worth: $400 Million
Why is he the sole winner? Along with his NBA income, Durant’s earnings can be attributed to his remarkable business skills.
Over the years, he has partnered with Coinbase, Postmates, and SeatGeek and worked on media initiatives like The Boardroom, the first of which led to an NBA media rights deal with Nike. Now, these and the investments he made through Thirty Five Ventures, Nike, and other companies have diversified his wealth and, as a result, made him one of the wealthiest players in the NBA.
NBA career earnings: ~$350 million.
3.Stephen Curry—Net Worth: $330 Million
Why he ranks high: He made history in 2017 as the first player to sign a $200 million deal, and then he made history again in 2021 for being the first to sign a $215 million deal, and these two record-breaking NBA contracts have positioned him as one of the highest-paid athletes in the entire world.
Annual earnings (2024): Over $100 million.
4.Giannis Antetokounmpo—Net Worth: $120 Million
Why he is rising fast: He signed a Giannis 5-year contract where he got $228 million in 2020, which is one of the biggest contracts in NBA history. Adding on to that, he also has endorsement deals with Nike, JBL, and Google, which helps him gain wealth.
Future outlook: He has a bright outlook given that his major years are still ahead of him.
5.James Harden—Net Worth: $165 Million
How he has built: Harden has benefited from his NBA salaries and $200 million Adidas shoe deal alongside it, which has given his net worth a boost.
He has investments in sports franchises (holds some ownership stake in the Houston Dynamo MLS team) and has various endorsements in the lifestyle and fitness industry. He may not be a billionaire contender yet, but he’s firmly locked down in the nine-figure club.
5.Russell Westbrook – Net Worth: $170 Million
Why he stays wealthy: Westbrook’s long row of maximum contract deals (which at a point in time was the biggest contract in the history of the NBA) contributes a big chunk of his wealth. He also has a contract endorsement with the Jordan Brand and has some business investments in fashion and media, which helps in supporting his net worth. His constant cash flow and lifestyle branding maintain his position in the upper echelons.
6.Damian Lillard – Net Worth: $120 Million
Wealth foundation: In the NBA, Lillard has one of the best contracts and also has a four-year $196 million extension in 2019, making him one of the highest-paid point guards. Outside of his endorsement deal with Adidas and his rap career as ‘Dame D.O.L.L.A,’ he is also a multifaceted financial industry professional. His financial journey is a reflection of his personality: loyal, reliable, and dynamic.
LeBron James remains a firmly established billionaire, while the rest of the world has yet to come close to his status.
Kevin Durant and Stephen Curry come in the next financial tier, combining top-tier NBA salaries with elite off-the-court business endeavors.
The younger players like Giannis Antetokounmpo represent the next generation of colossal riches, and how fast they ascend depends on the off-the-court endeavors.
In 2025, it is obvious that NBA players do not only count the points they score on the court. They accumulate lasting wealth as well by branching out into business ventures, global marketing, and strategic investments. Today’s NBA star is equally an athlete, business tycoon, and cultural figure whose success is now measured in financial terms.
