LeBron James has long held the distinction of being the first active NBA player to reach $1 billion in career earnings through a mix of salary, endorsements, and business ventures.

Now, Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant are about to join this exclusive group. According to Sportico’s Kurt Badenhausen, their combined on-court salaries and off-court endorsements have propelled both players toward this billion-dollar threshold. This milestone reflects not only their talent but also their global marketability and savvy business acumen.​

Earning Power Beyond the Court

Stephen Curry’s record contract extension with the Golden State Warriors guarantees him $62.6 million for the 2026-27 season, pushing his career earnings to over $1 billion.

His salary alone is expected to surpass $500 million, complemented by lucrative deals with brands. Kevin Durant similarly commands an estimated $50 million annually from endorsements with giants like Nike and Fanatics, and his career salary recently surpassed LeBron’s to become the highest in NBA history.

Collectively, the trio generates astounding income streams from their NBA success paired with strategic endorsement partnerships, making them some of the highest-paid athletes globally.​

Impact on Player Valuations and Future Stars

The rise of Curry, Durant, and James as billionaire athletes signals a new era of financial opportunity in basketball. Their earnings have been bolstered by massive NBA media deals, increasing salary caps, and growing global interest in the sport.

As the league continues to expand commercially, new stars like Anthony Edwards could eclipse previous earning records, with some projections suggesting contracts exceeding $100 million per season by the end of the decade.

This evolution underscores how NBA players today leverage their on-court talents into expansive off-court brands and ventures, setting the standard for future generations of players.​

Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and LeBron James have not only redefined excellence in basketball but also set unprecedented financial benchmarks. Their achievements in earnings exemplify the extraordinary blend of sport and business the NBA presents in the modern era.