The NBA is home to some of the richest athletes in the entirety of sports history. Between huge salaries, endorsements, and wise investments, today’s NBA players have the opportunity to make a fortune. Below I have outlined the top ten richest NBA players, including their total earnings during their playing careers, their other business ventures outside of basketball, gross earnings from endorsements, and the accolades that led to their wealth.
1. Michael Jordan
- Net Worth: $3.5 Billion
- 6× NBA Champion (Chicago Bulls)
- 5× NBA MVP
- NBA Hall of Famer
Jordan’s largest salary during his NBA contract was $33 million in a single season, however his amassed fortune is primarily due to his ongoing Nike (Air Jordan) partnership, his investments (including a majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, which he sold for a huge profit), and his endorsements with brands like Gatorade and Hanes. Jordan was an excellent business man and has built a global brand, thus he is the richest player in NBA history.
2. Magic Johnson
- Net Worth: $1.5 Billion
- 5× NBA Champion (Los Angeles Lakers)
- 3× NBA MVP
- NBA Hall of Famer
Magic Johnson’s NBA salary wouldn’t compare to the contracts modern NBA players currently make, but he became a billionaire through business. Magic Johnson Enterprises has become the umbrella that covers his investments in Starbucks, movie theaters, real estate and teams in the sports world. Johnson’s off the court accomplishments will match his on-court accolades
3. LeBron James
- Net Worth: $1.2 billion
- 4× NBA Champion
- 4× NBA MVP
- NBA’s all-time leading scorer
LeBron is the highest-earning NBA player of all time, with over $500 million in career salary and even more from endorsements with Nike, Pepsi, and Beats by Dre. His business ventures include SpringHill Entertainment and stakes in sports franchises. LeBron’s influence extends far beyond basketball.
4. Shaquille O’Neal
- Net Worth: $500 million
- 4× NBA Champion
- 3× NBA Finals MVP
- 15× NBA All-Star
Shaquille O’Neal earned a total of $292 million in NBA salaries, and then grew his riches even further through endorsement deals (Reebok, Icy Hot, Gold Bond), and television appearances and investment in everything from restaurant chains to tech start-ups. His exuberant personality allows him to turn normal television into marketing magic.
5. Russell Westbrook
- Net Worth: $300 million
- 2017 NBA MVP
- 9× NBA All-Star
- 2× NBA Scoring Champion
Westbrook’s significant NBA contracts ($205 million) and endorsement deals (based primarily on his Nike’s Jordan brand endorsement) the mad contracts he has obtained, place him among the richest. Like other endorsements have for most players, Westbrook has his fingers in fashion and tech as well.
6. Kevin Durant
- Net Worth: $300 million (estimated)
- 2× NBA Champion (2016, 2017)
- 2× NBA Finals MVP (2017, 2018)
- 2014 NBA MVP
Kevin Durant has made in excess of $350 million while in the NBA. In addition, endorsements with Nike, Google, and Alaska Airlines, along with his venture firm Thirty Five Ventures, where he invests into tech companies and sports media, have vastly improved his fortune.
7. Stephen Curry
- Net Worth: $240 million (estimated)
- 4× NBA Champion
- 2× NBA MVP
- NBA’s all-time 3-point leader
Curry holds the NBA’s highest annual salary ($59.6 million in 2025) and has lucrative deals with Under Armour, CarMax, and Subway. His investments in media and tech further add to his fortune.
8. Grant Hill
- Net Worth: $250 million
- 7× NBA All-Star
- NBA Hall of Famer
Hill’s career was marred by injuries, but he made a fortune from early Nike and Fila deals. Post-retirement, he invested in real estate and became a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks.
9. David Robinson
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- Net Worth: $200 million
- 2× NBA Champion
- 1995 NBA MVP
- NBA Hall of Famer
Robinson’s NBA salary was substantial, but his real wealth comes from founding Admiral Capital Group, investing in real estate, hospitality, and education ventures.
10. Carmelo Anthony
- Net Worth: $160 million
- 10× NBA All-Star
- 2013 NBA Scoring Champion
Anthony earned over $260 million in NBA salary and has endorsement deals with Jordan Brand and Foot Locker. He’s also invested in media and tech startups.
Comparison Table: Top 10 Richest NBA Players
| Rank | Player | Net Worth | Notable Achievements |
| 1. | Michael Jordan | $3.5 Billion | 6× NBA Champion, Business Mogul |
| 2. | Magic Johnson | $1.5 Billion | 5× NBA Champion, Entrepreneur |
| 3. | LeBron James | $1.2 Billion | 4× NBA Champion, All-time Scorer |
| 4. | Shaquille O’Neal | $500 Million | 4× NBA Champion, TV Personality |
| 5. | Russell Westbrook | $300 Million | 2017 MVP, 9× All-Star |
| 6. | Kevin Durant | $300 Million | 2× NBA Champion, 2014 MVP |
| 7. | Stephen Curry | $240 Million | 4× NBA Champion, 2× MVP |
| 8. | Grant Hill | $250 Million | 7× All-Star, Hawks Co-owner |
| 9. | David Robinson | $200 Million | 2× NBA Champion, Admiral Capital |
| 10. | Carmelo Anthony | $160 Million | 10× All-Star, Scoring Champion |
Key Factors Behind Their Wealth
- Endorsements: Major brands like Nike, Adidas, Under Armour and a few others pay top players tens of millions of dollars annually.
- Business Ventures: Investments in technology, real estate, sports teams or organizations, and in media have amplified their wealth.
- On-Court Career: Championships, MVP’s, and All-Star appearances make them more marketable and allow them to get paid more.
- Post-Career Careers: many have transitioned into business, media, and ownership careers after retirement.
Conclusion
On-court play is not only what creates wealth for NBA players. Endorsements, business endeavors, and wise investments have propelled these billionaires to new heights. Examples of NBA stardom resulting in endless generational wealth are Michael Jordan’s billion-dollar enterprise, LeBron James’ media conglomerate, and Junior Bridgeman’s fast-food windfall.
Written By Smita Singh
