• Loading stock data...
Friday, July 11, 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

Jeff Kaplan

Letting PE Invest in Family-Owned Teams Is a ‘Watershed’

Liquidity gives owners greater flexibility to manage salary cap.
Jul 10, 2025; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Cooper Flagg (32) dunks against the Los Angeles Lakers in the first quarter of their game at Thomas & Mack Center.

Cooper Flagg Makes Mavericks, New Balance Debut in Win Over Bronny

Thursday marked Flagg’s first game donning New Balance shoes.

Jalen Williams Signs Max Deal As Thunder Commit $822M to 3 Stars

Oklahoma City also extended Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and Chet Holmgren.
May 28, 2025; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder forward Chet Holmgren (7) and guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) celebrates during the second quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves in game five of the western conference finals for the 2025 NBA Playoffs at Paycom Center.

How Does the NBA Salary Cap Work?

The NBA salary cap gives teams a spending limit for their rosters.

Featured Today

Rimouski, QC - JUNE 1: Final Game of the 2025 Memorial Cup between the Medicine Hats Tigers and the London Knights on June 1, 2025, at the Colisée Financière Sun Life in Rimouski, Qc.

CHL Is Facing a ‘Pandora’s Box’ of Questions Amid NCAA Talent Departure

As players defect to college, the Canadian Hockey League won’t cede ground.
Jun 28, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Seattle Mariners catcher Cal Raleigh (29) bats during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field.
July 9, 2025

The Torpedo Bat Business Is Still Going Strong: ‘Here to Stay’

Demand for the oddly shaped bats has stayed strong across the sport.
July 6, 2025

American Celebs Want to Be Sports Owners. Soccer Is Where They Start

As U.S. team prices climb, investors set their sights abroad.
July 5, 2025

Baseball’s Celebrity Row: Behind MLB’s First-Pitch Ritual

Often planned, sometimes spontaneous, the ritual throw is baseball’s celebrity row.

Najee Harris Contract Situation Unclear Following Fireworks Injury

The running back signed a one-year, $5.25 million contract with the Chargers in March.
Apr 9, 2025; New York, New York, USA; Katie Taylor (left) and Amanda Serrano (right) pose in front of Jake Paul during a press conference ahead of their boxing match at Madison Square Garden.
July 11, 2025

Serrano vs. Taylor 3 Set to Be Biggest Women’s Boxing Match in..

“I’m just sick of the whining and complaining from your team.”
Sinner
July 11, 2025

ESPN Gets Dream Alcaraz–Sinner Rematch in Wimbledon Final

The pair have won the last six men’s majors.
Sponsored

Game On: Portfolio Players Stories, Brought to You by E*TRADE from Morgan Stanley

Dealmaker Jeffrey Kaplan maps the evolution of sports as an asset class
Hall of Fame Open at the International Tennis Hall of Fame, Newport.
July 10, 2025

Andy Roddick Slams Billionaire Bill Ackman’s Pro Tennis Gambit

“This was the biggest joke I’ve ever watched in professional tennis.”
July 10, 2025

Suns All In on Booker, Who Signs Record Extension Amidst Chaos

The Suns changed their head coach for the fourth time in four years.
Jul 10, 2025; Wimbledon, United Kingdom; Amanda Anisimova of the United States celebrates winning her match against Aryna Sabalenka on day 11 at All England Lawn Tennis and Croquet Club.
July 10, 2025

Amanda Anisimova Stuns Sabalenka to Reach Wimbledon Final, Clinches $2M

The American’s Wimbledon run will continue with her first major final.
Apr 9, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bulls guard Josh Giddey (3) defends Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) during the second half at United Center.
July 9, 2025

Why Are the NBA’s Biggest Restricted Free Agents Still Unsigned?

Draymond Green said the new CBA is responsible for ending free agency.