Forbes recently reported on the highest-earning NBA players for the 2019-20 season and unsurprisingly, the heavy hitters earn a lot of money, with alot through endorsements. What may come as a surprise is that many of these players are also keen businessmen and donate quite a bit to charities.
LeBron James is the highest earner for the sixth straight year. At $92 million combined from his salary and endorsements, the LA Lakers Forward is making record high bank. This could be even higher in the next season if Space Jam 2 is a success, as James’ production company SpringHill Entertainment is behind the film.
The NBA salary cap soars thanks to a $24 billion TV deal with ESPN and TNT signed in 2014. NBA players are entitled to 51% of the league’s basketball-related income that’s guaranteed upon signing, even if they don’t take to the court.
Here’s a list of the highest-paid NBA players in the game:
1. LeBron James – $92.4 million
Team: Los Angeles Lakers
Accolades: 3x NBA Championships, 4 x NBA MVP, 2 x Olympic Gold medals
Salary: $37.4 million
Endorsements: $55 million
2. Stephen Curry – $85.2 million
Team: Golden State Warriors
Accolades: 3 x NBA Championships, 2 x NBA MVP, 2 x World Cup Gold medals
Salary: $40.2 million
Endorsements: $45 million
3. Kevin Durant – $73.2 million
Team: Brooklyn Nets
Accolades: 2 x NBA Championships, 2 x NBA Finals MVP, 2 x Olympic Gold medals
Salary: $38.2 million
Endorsements: $35 million
4. Russell Westbrook – $56.5 million
Team: Houston Rockets
Accolades: 2017 NBA MVP, 8 X NBA All-Star, 2012 Olympic Gold medal
Salary: $38.5 million
Endorsements: $18 million
5. James Harden – $55.2 million
Team: Houston Rockets
Accolades: 2018 NBA MVP, 2012 Olympic Gold medal, 2014 World Cup Gold medal
Salary: $38.2 million
Endorsements: $17 million
6. Kyrie Erving – $51.7 million
Team: Brooklyn Nets
Accolades: 2016 NBA Championship, 2016 Olympic Gold medal, 2014 World Cup Gold medal
Salary: $31.7 million
Endorsements: $20 million
7. Klay Thompson – $47.7 million
Team: Golden State Warriors
Accolades: 3 x NBA Championships, 2016 Olympic Gold medal, 2014 World Cup Gold medal
Salary: $32.7 million
Endorsements: $15 million
8. Chris Paul – $46.5 million
Team: Oklahoma City Thunder
Accolades: 9 x NBA All-Star, 2008 Olympic Gold medal, 2012 Olympic Gold medal
Salary: $38.5 million
Endorsements: $8 million
9. Giannis Antetokounmpo – $45.8 million
Team: Milwaukee Bucks
Accolades: 2019 NBA MVP, 4 x NBA All-Star, 2019 NBA First Ream
Salary: $25.8 million
Endorsements: $20 million
10. Damian Lillard – $43.8 million
Team: Portland Trail Blazers
Accolades: 4 x NBA All-Star, 2018 NBA First Team, 2 x NBA Second Team
Salary: $29.8 million
Endorsements: $14 million
FAQ
LeBron James for the sixth-straight year. Through salary and endorsements, James earns $92.4 million.
Forbes estimates James is worth a staggering $450 million.
Across the 2018-2019 season, the NBA generated approximately $8 billion in revenue.
