LeBron James on Top: The 5 Highest-Paid NBA Players of the 2025-26 Season

The National Basketball Association (NBA) remains the richest and most popular basketball league in the world, showcasing elite talent from across the globe. With its ever-growing international following, player contracts have soared to record-breaking heights — and the upcoming 2025–26 season is setting a new financial benchmark.

As it stands, the 20 highest-paid NBA players will collectively earn an astounding $1.4 billion, marking a 2% increase from last year. Player salaries have surged in recent years, with athletes now entitled to 51% of the league’s total revenue. The NBA remains the highest-paying sports league in the United States, with 60 players set to earn at least $30 million this season — compared to 35 in the NFL and 13 in MLB.

1. LeBron James (Los Angeles Lakers) — $132.6 Million

The NBA’s all-time leading scorer and global icon LeBron James tops the list once again, earning a total of $132.6 million. Of that amount, $52.6 million comes from his salary with the Los Angeles Lakers, while a massive $80 million stems from endorsements.

By the end of the season, the 40-year-old’s career earnings are projected to reach $1.7 billion, placing him alongside Lionel Messi for fourth on the all-time list — behind only Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods, and Cristiano Ronaldo.

2. Stephen Curry (Golden State Warriors) — $109.6 Million

Widely credited with revolutionizing modern basketball through his elite shooting, Stephen Curry ranks second with total earnings of $109.6 million. The Golden State Warriors guard earns $59.6 million in salary — the highest in the league — and an additional $50 million from endorsements.

Curry’s major brand partnerships include Under Armour, Google, Chase, Rakuten, and Fanatics, while his investment portfolio under Thirty Ink spans multiple ventures such as Unanimous Media, Gentleman’s Cut Bourbon, Underrated Golf, and Basketball.

3. Kevin Durant (Houston Rockets) — $103.3 Million

One of the most prolific scorers in NBA history, Kevin Durant lands third on the list following a blockbuster offseason trade that sent him from the Phoenix Suns to the Houston Rockets. Durant signed a two-year, $90 million contract and will earn $53.3 million in salary this season, plus $50 million in endorsements.

His total career playing salary, including money owed, is now nearing $600 million — the highest in NBA history.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo (Milwaukee Bucks) — $99.1 Million

Two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks fourth with combined annual earnings of $99.1 million, consisting of $54.1 million in salary and $45 million from endorsements.

The Milwaukee Bucks are doing everything possible to secure their franchise cornerstone long-term — including re-signing his brothers Thanasis and Alex Antetokounmpo ahead of the season.

5. Jayson Tatum (Boston Celtics) — $72.1 Million

Jayson Tatum has firmly established himself as the Boston Celtics’ franchise player and was rewarded with a five-year, $313 million contract extension this offseason — the largest in NBA history.

Tatum earns $54.1 million in salary and $18 million from endorsements. He represents Jordan Brand and recently added Vertex Pharmaceuticals to his growing list of partners.

A New Financial Era for the NBA

The staggering figures highlight the NBA’s explosive financial growth, driven by global fan engagement, streaming deals, and massive endorsement opportunities. With salary caps and media rights expected to rise even further in the coming years, the league’s stars continue to redefine the limits of athlete wealth and marketability.

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