The NBA isn’t just known for its high-flying dunks and extreme competition; it’s also a global powerhouse when it comes to generating wealth. Behind the spotlight, some of the league’s biggest stars have made great fortunes that reflect both their on-court success and their business understanding. From legendary retirees to active superstars, these players have cashed in on endorsement deals, licensing, and their brand power—making them among the wealthiest athletes in the world.
In this article, we’ll look at the top 10 richest NBA players, including both retired icons and present superstars. With LeBron James guiding the demand for the 11th year in a row, the NBA continues to break pay records, with salaries and endorsement earnings reaching new heights. Let’s dive into the amazing net worths that represent these basketball legends and see how the financial landscape of the NBA is growing.
Top 10 Richest NBA Players
- LeBron James
- Stephen Curry
- Kevin Durant
- Giannis Antetokounmpo
- Damian Lillard
- Joel Embiid
- Jimmy Butler
- Devin Booker
- Luka Dončić
- Bradley Beal
1. LeBron James
Net worth: $128.7 million
Age: 39
Position: Forward
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
After signing a two-year, $104 million deal with the Lakers in July, LeBron made history by becoming the first NBA player to play alongside his son, Bronny James. This adds to his remarkable 2024, where he became the first player to reach 40,000 career points in March and served as Team USA’s flag-bearer at the Paris Olympics.
2. Stephen Curry
Net worth: $105.8 million
Age: 36
Position: Point guard
Team: Golden State Warriors
Curry continued with the Warriors through the 2026–2027 season after consenting to a one-year contract extension in August. But for the first time since 2011, he must lead the team without Klay Thompson, his longtime teammate, since Thompson has been traded to the Dallas Mavericks. “It’s one of those difficult situations to kind of process,” Curry said in July.
Stephen Curry has been associated in several projects off the court. Along with investing in two beverage companies, Nirvana Water Sciences and PLEZi Nutrition, a kids’ drink brand co-founded by Michelle Obama, he performed in and produced the Peacock comedy series Mr. Throwback.
The first collegiate athlete signed by His Curry Brand with Under Armour was MiLaysia Fulwiley of the University of South Carolina, and the first international athlete was Japan’s Keisei Tominaga. Curry also invested $8.5 million in a commercial property in San Francisco that will be used for his Thirty Ink business activities. He also brought his golf tour, Underrated, to Europe to encourage diversity in the sport.
3. Kevin Durant
Net Worth: $99.9 million
Age: 36
Net worth: Forward
Net worth: Phoenix Suns
The only thing keeping Kevin Durant from being the third NBA player to earn $100 million in a single season is $100,000. A $3.4 million raise in the last year of his contract is expected to help him attain that milestone next year. Durant broke Team USA’s career scoring record this summer and became the first men’s basketball player to collect four gold medals.
Also, he joined his current company partners Nike, FanDuel, and 2K by establishing an endorsement agreement with Prime Sports Drinks. Durant also bought stock in Paris Saint-Germain, and his family business, 35V, established an investment in the company that makes sports equipment Homage.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
Net worth: $93.8 million
Age: 29
Position: Forward
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo launched Giannis. The Marvelous Journey, a documentary on Amazon Prime Video, and launched his production firm, Improbable Media, in January. The company also has plans for a digital magazine series with quarterback Jalen Milroe of the University of Alabama and a Greek crime film in the style of Ocean’s Eleven. Giannis, often referred to as the Greek Freak, presented his nation’s flag at the July opening ceremony of the Paris Olympics.
5. Damian Lillard
Net worth: $64.8 million
Age: 34
Position: Point guard
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
After a tough first season with the Bucks, where they were knocked out of the playoffs in the first round, Damin Lillard has been training hard with an ultramarathoner. Despite spending 11 years with the Trail Blazers in Portland, he has close ties to the city, owns a Toyota dealership, and was the first athlete to have a court named after him at Adidas headquarters. In September, Lillard earned the first-ever Bill Walton Community Impact Award in celebration of his charitable activities.
6. Joel Embiid
Net worth: $61.4 million
Age: 30
Position: Center
Team: Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid signed a three-year, $192.9 million extension with the 76ers in September, locking him in through 2028. After struggling with injuries and fatigue in past postseasons, he’s focused on staying healthy for the playoffs. He lost 25-30 pounds in the offseason and is committed to following the team’s advice to rest when needed. Embiid also signed a new sneaker deal with Skechers to boost his business off the court.
7. Jimmy Butler
Net worth: $58.8 million
Age: 35
Position: Small forward
Team: Miami Heat
Jimmy Butler started his coffee brand, BigFace, in 2021, inspired by his makeshift coffee stand during the NBA bubble in 2020. The business plans to open its first permanent site in Miami. However, Butler’s future with the Heat is uncertain since he has a player option for next season and might choose to become a free agent in 2025.
8. Devin Booker
Net worth: $58.2 million
Age: 27
Position: Guard
Team: Phoenix Suns
Devin Booker, who turns 28 soon, has his first signature shoe with Nike, which has already received praise. He also gifted a special edition of the shoe to the Michigan State basketball team when the Suns played in Detroit. Booker has strong ties to Michigan, even though he went to Kentucky.
9. Luka Dončić
Net worth: $58 million
Age: 25
Position: Guard
Team: Dallas Mavericks
After making it to the NBA Finals, Luka Dončić is the youngest player on the earnings list. He’s one of the few athletes under 25 to be among the highest-paid in the world. Luka’s growing sponsorships include Gatorade, Jordan Brand, Nerf, and the Slovenian Tourist Board.
10. Bradley Beal
Net worth: $57.7 million
Age: 31
Position: Guard
Team: Phoenix Suns
Bradely Beal, along with teammates Kevin Durant and Devin Booker, makes the Suns one of the top teams for player earnings. In his second season with the Suns, Beal is looking more like his All-Star self, especially after a rough injury-filled season last year. He’s been encouraged by new coach Mike Budenholzer to play more aggressively, and the early results are promising.
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Bottom Line:
These NBA players’ financial success shows the league’s growth on and off the court. These athletes are not only ruling basketball but also creating amazing empires through sponsorship deals and commercial endeavors. It is evident that these sportsmen have left their imprint in a number of ways as the NBA keeps setting new milestones. Their wealth is an indication of both their expertise and smart brand and investment management.
