The average salary of NBA players is $10 million, which is significantly higher than the average salary of athletes in any other sport. Basketball players are known to be among the highest-paid athletes globally, with their contracts surpassing those in other sports. However, there are a select few who earn well above the average NBA player, and they also happen to be included in the list of the highest-earning athletes worldwide. Four players, including LeBron James, Stephen Curry, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Kevin Durant, were featured in Sportico’s Top 10 highest-paid athletes of 2023, collectively earning a staggering $400 million.
LeBron James has consistently been one of the highest-earning basketball players globally, thanks to his salary and endorsement deals that consistently keep him at the top. However, he is occasionally joined by some of his fellow NBA players on this list. In the current year, Curry, Antetokounmpo, and Durant have joined James in the top earners’ club. The substantial salaries in the NBA, combined with their endorsement deals with apparel and shoe companies, contribute to these impressive earnings.
LeBron James and Stephen Curry top the earnings chart due to their salaries and endorsements. James reportedly earned $45.7 million in salary and an additional $80 million from endorsements. While Curry has a higher salary than James, his endorsement earnings are slightly lower. Antetokounmpo has made it to the Top 10 for the first time in his career, with his recent contract extension playing a significant role in propelling him to the highest earning bracket.
Kevin Durant has consistently seen an increase in both his salary and endorsement earnings, securing a regular spot in the Top 10 list. However, their earnings for 2023 far exceed those of footballers and golfers.
The NBA holds a strong position in terms of earnings, with revenues reaching $10.58 billion in the previous season. Although other sports leagues may earn similar or slightly higher amounts, the NBA is one of the highest-earning leagues globally. With 30 teams in the NBA, the revenue generated is substantial. Additionally, with only 15 players per team, the revenue is shared among a smaller number of players compared to other leagues. Consequently, NBA players enjoy an average salary of $10 million, a staggering figure compared to any other sport. Combined with the sport’s worldwide popularity, this leads to lucrative endorsement deals for these players.
All these factors contribute to NBA players being among the wealthiest athletes globally, although only a select few make it to the Top 10 highest-earning athletes list.
According to the Source firstsportz.com