Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry leads projected 2026-27 earnings with 122.6 million dollars.
Golden State Warriors star Stephen Curry is projected to be the highest-paid player in the NBA for the 2026-27 season. Between his playing salary and lucrative endorsement deals, his total earnings are estimated to reach 122.6 million dollars, according to financial projections.
This marks the third consecutive season that the veteran point guard tops the earnings list. The comprehensive financial outlook covers player compensation across the entire league, highlighting the massive business side of professional basketball and elite athlete branding.
The financial data provides a clear picture of how player revenue is shifting across the league through salary caps and global marketing partnerships, according to information published by bleache.
Breaking Down the Top Five NBA Earners for 2026-27
Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks stands as the only other player projected to break the 100 million dollar threshold, coming in at 108.5 million dollars. Kevin Durant, LeBron James, and Jayson Tatum round out the top five highest earners.
Kevin Durant follows closely with 93.9 million dollars in total projected income. Meanwhile, Los Angeles Lakers legend LeBron James ranks fourth with 88.9 million dollars, and Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum secures the fifth spot with 78.5 million dollars.
LeBron James Salary Drop and Endorsement Dominance
LeBron James held the number one spot on the earnings list for 11 consecutive seasons before dropping in recent years. His position on the list shifted primarily due to a significant pay cut taken to sign with the Philadelphia 76ers.
Despite his basketball salary dropping from 52.6 million dollars in the 2025-26 season down to 3.9 million dollars for 2026-27, James continues to dominate the marketing landscape with an astonishing 85 million dollars from off-court endorsements alone.
Off-Court Earnings and Major Brand Deals
Off-court business ventures continue to generate massive revenue for basketball superstars. Kevin Durant stands out as the only other player on the elite list who makes more money through endorsements than through his actual NBA salary.
Stephen Curry recently secured a massive 10-year, 400 million dollar shoe deal with China-based company Li-Ning over the summer, boosting his annual endorsement income to 60 million dollars, ranking him second behind James in marketing revenue.
Historic Career Earnings in Professional Basketball
The financial impact of modern basketball reaches historic heights, with the top 20 players combined projected to earn roughly 1.47 billion dollars. Notably, 30 percent of that total financial figure originates entirely from off-the-court business earnings.
League history also reflects unprecedented financial milestones for elite performers. LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry remain the exclusive group of players in NBA history who have personally surpassed 500 million dollars in total on-court earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the highest-paid NBA player for the 2026-27 season?
Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry is projected to be the highest-paid player for the 2026-27 NBA season, earning an estimated 122.6 million dollars between his basketball salary and endorsement deals.
How much does LeBron James make in endorsements?
LeBron James pulls in 85 million dollars annually from off-court endorsements, representing the highest marketing revenue of any player on the list despite a significant drop in his playing salary.
Which players have earned at least 500 million dollars on the court?
LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Stephen Curry are the only three players in NBA history who have achieved at least 500 million dollars in career on-court earnings.
