Highest Paid NBA Players in 2025
Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors remains the highest paid player in the NBA with an estimated total compensation exceeding $55 million for the 2024-25 season, including salary and endorsements. His current contract with the Warriors pays roughly $51.9 million in base salary this season, making him the top earner on the court. LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers ranks among the top earners with a salary near $48 million and a massive off-court brand, while Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks also land in the highest paid tier with salaries above $45 million. According to Forbes, the average NBA salary has reached record levels as the league's new media deals and salary cap increases push total player compensation higher. For the latest contract figures and salary cap details, see the NBA's official salary information page at https://www.nba.com/news/salary-cap-info.
Beyond base salary, many top players earn tens of millions annually from endorsements, equity stakes, and business ventures. Curry's deal with Under Armour and his ownership stake in a professional esports organization add significantly to his total earnings, while LeBron's partnership with Nike and his media company SpringHill Company diversify his income streams. Lillard's off-court investments and Embiid's international marketing appeal also boost their total compensation well above their playing contracts. These figures show that the NBA's top earners combine on-court contracts with off-court business activity to maximize income.
NBA Teams With the Highest Revenue and Payroll
Franchise Valuations and Revenue Leaders
The New York Knicks remain the most valuable NBA franchise, with an estimated enterprise value above $6.6 billion and annual revenue near $500 million, driven by Madison Square Garden ticket sales, media rights, and sponsorship deals. The Golden State Warriors, Los Angeles Lakers, and Boston Celtics also rank among the top revenue generators, benefiting from large global fanbases and lucrative regional sports network contracts. According to Forbes, the NBA's latest media rights agreements with ESPN and NBC, worth roughly $76 billion over 11 years, are boosting team revenues and salary caps across the league. For more details on team valuations and revenue breakdowns, see Forbes' NBA franchise valuations at https://www.forbes.com/nba-valuations/.
Payroll Spending and Luxury Tax
Teams such as the Warriors, Bucks, and 76ers regularly operate near or above the salary cap and luxury tax apron, spending heavily to retain star players and add veteran talent. The Warriors' payroll for the 2024-25 season exceeds $200 million, reflecting their commitment to keeping Curry, Klay Thompson, and Draymond Green while adding complementary pieces. High spending correlates with strong on-court performance and revenue growth, but it also exposes teams to steep luxury tax penalties if they exceed the league's threshold. The NBA's updated collective bargaining agreement ties salary cap increases directly to league revenue growth, ensuring that player pay keeps pace with business expansion.
Top Earning NBA Executives, Coaches, and Business Figures
Highest Paid Executives and Coaches
NBA team presidents and general managers earn salaries that reflect the league's massive revenue and the complexity of managing a franchise. Executives such as the president of basketball operations for the Celtics and the general manager of the Warriors command total compensation packages in the multi-million dollar range, often including performance bonuses tied to playoff success and revenue targets. Top head coaches such as the coach of the Bucks and the coach of the Celtics also earn salaries above $10 million per season, making coaching one of the highest paid positions in professional sports outside of the NFL and MLB. For more on NBA coaching contracts and