NBA players are among some of the highest-earning athletes in the world, with LeBron James retaining the bragging rights as the only active NBA billionaire in the league.
For the 11th straight year, James is the NBA’s highest-paid player, making $48.7 million on the court and $80 million annually from endorsements, licensing, memorabilia and other business endeavors, according to Forbes. His total of $128.7 million (before taxes and agent fees) is the highest in the 15-year history of Forbes’ NBA ranking. He made $124.5 million from 2022-23.
In July this year, James re-signed with the Lakers on a two-year, $104 million deal and recently made league history as the first father to play alongside his son. Off the court, Forbes said he has added partnerships with DraftKings, Fanatics and Hennessy and invested in the golf tour’s new commercial arm, PGA Tour Enterprises.
Closely following James is Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry with a total of $105.8 million. Since coming to the NBA, he has consistently ranked among the highest-paid players.
Curry started with the Warriors in 2009 as the seventh overall pick in the draft and has since accumulated a huge fortune. One of the greatest three-point shooters in the history of basketball, the 36-year-old became the first player with a $50 million salary in 2023-24.
Kevin Durant came in third with $99.9 million total. He is expected to have a $3.4 million raise next season, the final year of his contract with the Suns after becoming the first men’s basketball player to win a fourth gold medal and breaking Team USA’s career scoring record at the Summer Games. Durant has business relationships with several brands including Prime sports drinks, Nike, FanDuel and 2K.
All in all, this year’s group of NBA’s top 10 earners have a total of $787 million, beating 2022’s record of $751 million.
Here are the 10 highest-paid NBA players in 2024, according to Forbes.
10. Bradley Beal: $ 57.7 million
Beal makes $50.2 million on the court and $7.5 million off the court.
9. Luka Doncic: $58 million
On-Court: $43 million • Off-Court: $15 million
8. Devin Booker: $58.2 million
He makes $49.2 million on-court and $9 million off-court.
7. Jimmy Butler: $58.8 million
He makes $48.8 million on-court and $10 million off the court.
6. Joel Embiid: $61.4 million
He makes $51.4 million on-court and $10 million off-court.
5. Damian Lillard: $64.8 million
He makes $48.8 million on the court and $16 million off-court.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo: $93.8 million
He makes $48.8 million on-court and $45 million off-court.
3. Kevin Durant: $99.9 million
He makes $49.9 million on-court and $50 million off-court.
2. Stephen Curry: $105.8 million
He makes $55.8 million on the court and $50 million off the court.
1. LeBron James: $128.7 million
He makes $48.7 million on-court and $80 million off-court.
