The numbers are in.
With only a few days left before the NBA season kicks off, social media is abuzz with NBA player rankings. Last time, ESPN ranked the players based on how they’d do this season, but this time Sportico is doing it based on how much they make.
Top 5 NBA earners this season
In today’s NBA, the landscape extends far beyond the simple act of scoring points or securing the coveted Larren O’Brien Trophy; it now encompasses record-breaking contracts, lucrative endorsements, and soaring incomes. As the NBA’s popularity and revenue continue to rise, so do the earnings of its players.
While a significant portion of an NBA player’s income stems from their salary, which is influenced by their team and contract terms, they also have the opportunity to boost their earnings through sponsorships and endorsements with various businesses.
On Thursday, Sportico published a list of the top NBA earners based on their total earnings from endorsements and salaries.
1. LeBron James- Landing on top is none other than the King himself: LeBron James. His being on top of the leaderboard in terms of earnings is no longer a surprise to the world anymore.
James, the NBA’s all-time top scorer, will earn a whopping $127.6 million this year,with $47.6 million coming from his salary and $80 million coming from his endorsements. Sportico estimates that he makes 25% more money overall than any other NBA player in the league.
2. Stephen Curry- Trailing behind James is Stephen Curry, making $101.9 million in the 2023-2024 season. Although his salary is slightly higher than James’s at $51.9 million, he significantly falls behind when it comes to endorsements, earning $30 million less than James.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo- In third place is the Greek sensation and seven-time NBA All-Star, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks’ power forward also currently holds the number one ranking in ESPN’s leaderboard and the number four spot in SportPro’s list of most marketable athletes.
Antetokounmpo is expected to make $90.6 million this season, including $45.6 million in salary and $45 million from endorsement deals.
4. Kevin Durant- In fourth place is Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant, who will take home $42 million from his endorsements and $46.4 million from his salary, totaling $88.4 million.
5. Klay Thompson- Klay Thompson rounds out the top five, earning a total of $64.2 million, including $21 million from endorsement deals and $43.2 million from his contract.
HIGHEST-PAID NBA PLAYERS 2023-24 (salary+endorsements):
💰 LeBron James- $128M
💰 Stephen Curry- $101.9M
💰 Giannis Antetokounmpo- $90.6M
💰 Kevin Durant- $88.4M
💰 Klay Thompson- $64.2M(via @kbadenhausen) pic.twitter.com/A4sSoAS4l5
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) October 20, 2023
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