The National Basketball Association (NBA) has always been home to some of the highest-paid athletes in the world. With rising TV deals, sponsorships, and revenue from international markets, player salaries have reached record highs in recent years. A breakdown of the top NBA salaries for 2025-26, including Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokić, and Joel Embiid, shows just how much elite stars are making compared to past seasons.
A closer look at the 2025 salary figures shows how many NBA players are now earning $40 million or more annually — a mark once considered reserved for only the league’s top superstars. This shift reflects the game’s economic growth and the rise of powerful personal brands, like LeBron James’ billion-dollar empire that extends far beyond the court.
How Many NBA Players Make