Sunday December 3, 2023

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
Linkedin
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

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
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Dallas Mavericks guard Luka Doncic looks to move the ball past Houston Rockets forward Jabari Smith Jr. during the second quarter at the American Airlines Center.

The NBA Has Autumn Relevance Thanks To In-Season Tournament

The league set a new attendance record in the month of November.
LeBron-James

Would Disney's ESPN Walk Away From The NBA?

Will financial pressures impact the company's decision with a longtime partner?

New Indiana Pacers Investor Could Offer Succession Option

The Pacers are selling a 20% minority stake in the team.
Dallas Mavericks owner Mark Cuban celebrates court side behind Luka Doncic

Blockbuster Mavs-Cuban Deal Puts Dallas Casino Complex In Spotlight

Deal valuing NBA team at about $3.5 billion premised on arena-casino development.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

CFP Looking to Super Bowl for Media Rights Plan

0:00
0:00

Featured Today

The College Football Playoff is considering rotating TV networks for the national championship game.

CFP Considers Super Bowl-Like Rotation For National Championship Game

Multiple networks could share rights to the championship game, sources told FOS.
Brett Favre
November 27, 2023

Favre Welfare Case Hold-Up? "AG’s Office Has Not Expressed Interest In Pursuing"

The DOJ interviewed Brett Favre in early 2020.
The future of the Pac-12 rests on a court decision.
November 24, 2023

The Pac-12 Plays Its Final Regular-Season Game. Then A Court Decides Its Fate.

The conference's future rests with a court decision.
Lane Kiffin
November 9, 2023

Ole Miss, Lane Kiffin Lawyers Argue for Dismissal of Player Lawsuit

FOS obtained audio of Lane Kiffin's interaction with the player behind lawsuit.

Careers

Powered By

Careers in Sports

Looking for a new job? Check out these featured listings and search for openings all over the world.
Wasserman
Multiple - USA Careers
Live Nation
Multiple - USA Careers
Saco Bay PT
Multiple - USA Careers

Ohtani's Future Deal Takes Center Stage As Winter Meetings Kick Off

The two-way phenom is expected to sign the largest-ever player contract in U.S. team sports.
November 30, 2023

Tracking Devices and Bags of Cash: A Soccer Scandal in Turkey

Former Atletico Madrid player Arda Turan is involved in the scandal.
Shaquille O'Neal
exclusive
December 1, 2023

A.I. Shaq? Authentic Files Trademarks Hinting at Virtual Shaquille O’Neal

Shaquille O’Neal and licensing group claim “ASK SHAQ” and “SHAQ A.I.”
Sponsored

NHL’s Chris Foster on Amplifying Content Distribution With Automation

Learn how the NHL is using WSC Sports to increase fan engagement.
November 30, 2023

Ronaldo Sued For $1B In Latest Fallout From Athlete Crypto Deals

Soccer superstar latest to be hit in legal fallout from crypto decline.
Red Bull Racing driver Max Verstappen of The Netherlands celebrates his victory of the Las Vegas Grand Prix at Las Vegas Strip Circuit.
November 30, 2023

The 10 Highest-Paid Formula 1 Drivers For 2023

Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen tops the list with $70 million.
Inter Miami CF forward Lionel Messi smiles as he walks on the field against the New York Red Bulls during the second half at Red Bull Arena.
November 16, 2023

The Results of Messi Mania Are In

A million people per match tuned in for Messi and Inter Miami.
Rory McIlroy reacts to his putt on the third green during the third round of the TOUR Championship golf tournament at East Lake Golf Club.
November 15, 2023

Rory McIlroy Resigns From PGA Tour Policy Board

The 34-year-old served on the Board for two years.