Basketball has long since transcended the boundaries of sport, becoming an industry where millions of dollars move faster than the ball on the court. Contracts with clubs, sponsorship deals, and advertising campaigns shape the multi-million dollar incomes of NBA stars. The highest-paid NBA players earn their money through basketball skills and the ability to turn a name into a brand. Forbes annually publishes rankings of athletes whose financial performance goes far beyond playing time.
The 2024/2025 season promises new salary records, deals with major corporations and, of course, high-profile transitions. Basketball players who win on the court and earn at the level of top businessmen. Who topped the rating? Breaking down the season’s top financial stars.
Top 10 highest paid NBA players of 2024/2025
LeBron James – basketball player, businessman, icon
A name that has long been synonymous with a successful sports business. His contract with the Los Angeles Lakers remains one of the largest in league history. In addition to his basketball career, LeBron James owns a significant stake in several companies, including Fenway Sports Group. Advertising contracts with Nike, PepsiCo, AT&T and Blaze Pizza annually bring in sums exceeding the income from the game.
The main source of income is investments and media business. SpringHill’s own production company, active participation in the development of the content industry, launching educational initiatives. All of this turns the highest paid players in the NBA into world-class entrepreneurs.
Stephen Curry is a three-point mogul
The Golden State Warriors contract is one of the largest in franchise history. Revenue from the club makes up a significant portion of his financial portfolio, but the main funds come from advertising deals. A long-term partnership with Under Armour, an exclusive line of trainers and investments in startups make him the most financially successful athlete.
Advertising contracts with Subway, Rakuten and Chase keep his income high, even off the basketball court. It is important to note that the highest paid NBA players earn many times more, due to a competent approach to financial management.
Kevin Durant – basketball and business in one person
A key player for the Phoenix Suns with outstanding playmaking skills and keen business acumen. His contract revenue is supplemented by advertising agreements with Nike, Coinbase, Weedmaps and investments in technology companies.
Boardroom’s own company handles media projects and sports business analytics. As a result, high-salaried NBA players are not only utilising traditional ways of making money, but also entering new financial markets.
Yannis Adetokunbo – European dominance
A contract with the Milwaukee Bucks makes millions, but the real money lies in the realm of marketing. Long-term agreements with Google, JBL, Nike and WhatsApp turn the NBA’s highest-paid players into global marketing icons.
Owning stakes in several sports companies, he expertly diversifies his holdings, ensuring stable financial growth.
Damian Lillard is a musician and athlete
Contract with the Milwaukee Bucks, million dollar advertising deals with Adidas and Gatorade. In addition to basketball, Lillard is actively pursuing a career in the music industry, recording albums and performing at major venues.
Joel Embiid – power, talent and marketing
One of the top centre-backs of our time. Major advertising deals with Puma and Mountain Dew keep his financial status high.
Jimmy Butler is a business empire off the court
Miami Heat legend who created his own coffee brand, BIGFACE Coffee, as well as contracts with Jordan Brand and TAG Heuer.
Devin Booker is a young star with big earnings
A contract with the Phoenix Suns, Nike adverts, and collaborations with gaming companies including Fortnite form multi-million dollar earnings.
Luka Doncic is a European talent with American capital
Deals with Jordan Brand and advertising contracts with the world’s leading companies ensure steady financial growth.
Bradley Beal is a player and investor
A contract with the Phoenix Suns combined with investments in the media business form an impressive capital.
How NBA players’ salaries are formed
The main sources of income include:
- contracts with clubs, depending on the level of play and experience of the athlete;
- advertising agreements with global brands;
- investments and business projects that ensure financial stability.
Basketball records: who earned the most money in history
Among the most successful basketball players in terms of earnings, Michael Jordan stands out brightly. The contract with Nike, which began in 1984, brought the basketball legend more than 2.6 billion dollars. The Air Jordan line remains the most profitable sports series in history.
LeBron James continues to increase his revenues, having already crossed the $1.2 billion mark. In addition to advertising and investments, a significant part of his fortune is generated by the SpringHill film company.
Kevin Durant is also confidently moving towards billion-dollar revenues, thanks to investments in media and startups. Forbes estimates his net worth at more than $900 million, making him the most successful athlete in the world.
Basketball 2025: what to expect from new contracts
The NBA economy continues to grow, and with it the contract amounts. More stellar deals are expected in the coming seasons that could surpass previous records. Key trends:
- Rising salaries of young stars. New talents are receiving lucrative offers from clubs as competition for promising players increases.
- Record promotional contracts. Market leaders such as Nike, Adidas and Puma continue to sign multi-million dollar contracts with top players.
- Increased investment among basketball players. Players are investing in startups, real estate and cryptocurrency, providing themselves with financial stability after their careers are over.
Highly paid NBA players continue to set new financial records. Trends show that the basketball industry is becoming not only the most entertaining but also the most lucrative in the world of sports.
Conclusion
Basketball is – a powerful sports industry with millions of dollars circulating both on and off the court. The highest paid players in the NBA earn their money through skill and sound financial management. Contracts, advertising, investments – the key components of success of modern basketball players.
Financial peaks continue to rise, and the 2024/2025 season promises new records in the world of basketball. It will be known very soon who will become the next NBA billionaire.