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The King has kept his crown — for an eighth-straight year — after Forbes unveiled its rankings of the NBA’s highest-paid players.
The league’s top 10 earners this season will pocket a combined $714 million, up 28% from last season.
Four-time NBA MVP LeBron James is set to earn $111.2 million this upcoming season between his $41.2 million salary and an estimated $70 million from off-court ventures.
Some of King James’ rivals and teammates aren’t far behind.
- Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry ($92.8 million)
- Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant ($87.9 million)
- Milwaukee Bucks power forward Giannis Antetokounmpo ($80.3 million)
- Los Angeles Lakers guard Russell Westbrook ($74.2 million)
NBA players have benefited from a salary cap that’s nearly doubled in the past decade. This season, the cap is $112.4 million with a luxury tax threshold at $136.6 million.
Off the court, the NBA’s highest-paid players are set to make more than $305 million combined this season, surpassing last year’s record total of $260 million — when the NBA had to slash player salaries by 20% due to financial woes caused by the pandemic.
The league projects a return to pre-pandemic revenue levels for the 2021-22 season thanks to the return of live fans and increased sponsorship opportunities.
The NBA’s 75th season tips off on Tuesday.
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