Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant Join the $1 Billion Club
LeBron James is no longer the only active NBA player with $1 billion in career earnings. According to Sportico journalist Kurt Badenhausen, both Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have reached billionaire status through a combination of their on-court salaries and lucrative endorsement deals.
The Billion-Dollar Trio
James, Curry, and Durant are now the only three NBA players earning at least $100 million during the 2025–26 season when combining their salaries and sponsorship income. Giannis Antetokounmpo is nearing that figure with $99.1 million this season.
Top NBA Earners by Season
- LeBron James: $132.6 million total ($52.6 million salary from the Los Angeles Lakers and $80 million in endorsements)
- Stephen Curry: $80 million in endorsements
- Kevin Durant: $80 million in endorsements
Career Milestones
In terms of on-court contracts, James and Durant stand as the only two players in NBA history to surpass $500 million in lifetime salaries. Durant hit that mark this season with a $53.3 million deal from the Houston Rockets. Curry follows closely with $470.1 million earned from the Golden State Warriors and is expected to exceed $500 million in the 2026–27 season with a $62.6 million salary.
“Curry has held the highest salary in the NBA for the ninth consecutive season,” noted Badenhausen. “His long-term commitment to the Warriors has allowed him to benefit from extensions on prior supermax contracts signed in 2017 and 2021.”
Summary
LeBron James, Stephen Curry, and Kevin Durant have all joined the billion-dollar echelon of NBA legends, redefining player wealth and influence through historic earnings both on and off the court.
Author’s summary: Curry and Durant join LeBron James as the only active NBA players to surpass $1 billion in career income, marking a new era of record-breaking sports wealth.