• Loading stock data...
Sunday, February 16, 2025

NBA’s Top Earners to Make $714M Combined

  • Forbes unveiled its rankings of the NBA’s highest-paid players.
  • The top 10 earners this season are set to pocket a combined $714 million.
lebron_james_in_suit
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks

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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; Osceola Magic guard Mac McClung competes in the slam dunk competition during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center

Mac McClung’s Dunk Contest Winnings Eclipse His NBA Guaranteed Salary

The three-time dunk contest champion has played just five career NBA games.
Feb 15, 2025; San Francisco, CA, USA; NBA commissioner Adam Silver speaks in a press conference during All Star Saturday Night ahead of the 2025 NBA All Star Game at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-Imagn Images

Adam Silver: ‘I’m Empathetic’ With Mavs Fans Angry After Luka Trade

The commissioner played down conspiracy theories about the Luka trade.
Feb 18, 2024; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Eastern Conference guard Damian Lillard (0) of the Milwaukee Bucks reacts after a play during the second half of the 73rd NBA All Star game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

The NBA’s Latest Attempt To Solve the All-Star Game Conundrum

A new mini-tournament on a lame-duck network may not solve the problem.
Oct 23, 2024; Miami, Florida, USA; Miami Heat president Pat Riley addresses the crowd during the Pat Riley Court dedication ceremony at halftime at Kaseya Center.

Here’s Where Pat Riley’s Three-Peat Trademark Money Goes

Riley has the phrase trademarked despite having no three-peat of his own.

Featured Today

Feb 15, 2025; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team United States forward Matthew Tkachuk (19) and Team Canada forward brandon Hagel (38) fight in the first period during a 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey game at the Bell Centre.

Inside the Push for the NHL’s Next Era of International Competition

Players have been clamoring, and the league is all in.
Aug 11, 2024; Paris, France; Medals are carried out on Louis Vuitton trays after the women's volleyball gold medal match during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at South Paris Arena
February 16, 2025

LVMH’s New Push: World’s Most Powerful Luxury Group Is Coming for Sports

LVMH is making long-term deals—and they’re not done.
Jan 9, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Edmonton Oilers center Connor McDavid (97) checks Pittsburgh Penguins center Sidney Crosby (87) during the third period at PPG Paints Arena
February 11, 2025

‘Important’ 4 Nations Face-Off Can Be NHL’s All-Star Antidote

“The stars have been lobbying the league for an event like this.”
Brady and Mahomes
February 8, 2025

Chiefs Fatigue Is Real. It’s Nowhere Near Patriots Hate Yet

People who have covered both teams say the difference is stark.
February 13, 2025

Kelsey Plum Introduced in L.A., Throws Jab at Las Vegas Aces

She won two championships with the Las Vegas Aces.
Dec 22, 2024; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins wide receiver Tyreek Hill (10) runs with the football before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Hard Rock Stadium.
February 14, 2025

After Months of Trash-Talking, Noah Lyles and Tyreek Hill Agree to Race

The Olympic sprinter and NFL wideout will race after months of talks.
Sponsored

How UBS Crafts Impactful Partnerships Across Sports, Arts, and Culture

As UBS continues to expand its impressive array of sports and entertainment partnerships, the company solidifies its position as a leader in wealth management.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley (26) talks to the media with his daughter, Jada, after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Caesars Superdome.
February 13, 2025

Saquon Barkley Chides Eagles Fans for Booing Taylor Swift: ‘Only Helping’

Barkley made the comments in an interview with Howard Stern on SiriusXM.
February 13, 2025

Steph Curry, Sabrina Ionescu 3-Point Contest Out After Caitlin Clark Passes

Curry eked out a 29–26 win over Ionescu last year.
Joe Burrow
February 13, 2025

Joe Burrow Wants the Bengals to Spend Like the Eagles

“The Eagles are paying everybody,” Burrow said. “That seems like the way.”
February 11, 2025

Caitlin Clark Raves About Indiana Fever’s Offseason Moves

DeWanna Bonner said she came to Indiana to “win another championship.”