Who are the NBA’s highest-paid players? Stephen Curry leads the way with a record $200 Million

The 2026-27 NBA season is officially underway, bringing a surge in financial valuation where every franchise is now worth at least $4 billion.

Leading the league in total valuation are the Golden State Warriors at a towering $13.5 billion, followed by the reigning champion New York Knicks ($12.6 billion) and the Los Angeles Lakers ($12.5 billion), the latter acquired this past offseason by Josh Kushner and Bob Iger at that historic price tag.

These three iconic brands stand as the only sports franchises in the league valued above the $10 billion threshold, fueled by their massive media markets across San Francisco, New York, and Los Angeles.

Stephen Curry Makes History as NBA's First $200 Million Man

Franchises are not the only ones setting financial records, as the top 10 superstars are projected to collect nearly $1 billion in combined earnings this season.

According to Forbes, Stephen Curry leads the pack with an unprecedented $203.6 million in total earnings, making him the first active NBA player to eclipse the $200 million single-season milestone. Curry commands $62.6 million on the court, the highest single-season playing salary in NBA history, complemented by a staggering $141 million in off-court income.

That off-court record was fueled by his blockbuster 10-year partnership signed with Li-Ning following his departure from Under Armour, shattering the previous off-court record of $100 million.

Trailing Curry in the top three are Rockets' Kevin Durant, who is set to pull in $104.9 million, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, who will haul in $103.5 million following his blockbuster summer trade to the Miami Heat.

LeBron James and Anthony Edwards Round Out the Top Five

Sliding down to the fourth spot is LeBron James, who held the top ranking for 11 consecutive seasons before dropping to second in 2025.

The soon-to-be 42-year-old icon is projected to earn $93.9 million, with the vast majority coming via off-court ventures after signing a veteran-minimum $3.9 million deal with the Philadelphia 76ers in July to chase another title.

Rounding out the elite top five is Minnesota Timberwolves star Anthony Edwards, who is set to earn $87.9 million buoyed by major endorsement deals with Adidas and Sprite.