More so than any other sport, the NBA is a star-driven league. Even if a team wins a lot of games, fans won’t fill the seats and merchandise won't fly off the shelves without a star player. The NBA lives and dies by its star players, and to attract a star player you have to pony up the cash. During David Stern's 30 years at the helm of the National Basketball Association, he has branded and marketed some of the game's most legendary players – Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Larry Bird, Shaquille O'Neal, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, and many more. Adam Silver took over the helm of the NBA in 2014 and has continued the trend. Turning athletes into massive international celebrities has been extremely beneficial for both the players and the league's bank accounts. When a whole team becomes a celebrity, like the Showtime era Los Angeles Lakers, the money that it brings into the NBA is simply staggering.
Over the past 35 years, the NBA's revenues and franchise values have grown by 40% and the NBA's top player salaries have skyrocketed from $1 million to nearly $40 million. When you add in endorsements, the total combined annual paycheck for the league's highest-paid players swells to nearly $90 million. This year, 11 NBA players made the list of the top 100 highest-paid celebrities, ranging from #17 – LeBron James to #94 – Paul George. But don’t feel sorry for George; his #94 spot was still good for a $38.6 million haul this past year.
LeBron James and James Harden (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Table of Contents
- Biography of Paul George
- Top NBA Players' Earnings
- Impact of Endorsements on Player Salaries
- Final Thoughts on NBA Star Power
Biography of Paul George
Paul George, the 11th highest-paid NBA player, forced a trade to the Los Angeles Clippers to join Kawhi Leonard. He is known for his incredible skills on the court and his ability to change the dynamics of a game. In 2018, he signed a four-year $137 million contract extension with the Oklahoma City Thunder, solidifying his place among basketball's elite.
| Name | Position | Team | Contract Value |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paul George | Forward | Los Angeles Clippers | $137 million (4 years) |
Top NBA Players' Earnings
The earnings of NBA players have significantly increased over the years. Blake Griffin, for example, comes in at $39.1 million and is currently under a five-year, $171 million contract with the Detroit Pistons. Damian Lillard follows closely with $41.1 million, reflecting the financial boom in the league.
- Blake Griffin – $39.1 million
- Damian Lillard – $41.1 million
- Giannis Antetokounmpo – $43.2 million
- Kyrie Irving – $43.3 million
- Chris Paul – $43.8 million
- James Harden – $47.7 million
- Russell Westbrook – $53.7 million
- Kevin Durant – $65.4 million
- Stephen Curry – $79.8 million
- LeBron James – $89 million
Impact of Endorsements on Player Salaries
Endorsements play a crucial role in boosting the income of NBA players. For instance, James Harden's income includes lucrative deals with Adidas and Amazon, contributing to his $47.7 million earnings. Endorsements can often surpass players' on-court salaries, making them key players in the financial landscape of professional basketball.
The influence of endorsements on player salaries is significant, as many athletes leverage their celebrity status to secure deals that further increase their earnings. This trend underscores the importance of star power in the NBA, not just for team branding but also for the financial success of the players themselves.
Final Thoughts on NBA Star Power
In conclusion, the NBA's star-driven nature is not just about the games played on the court but also about the financial implications and brand marketing that come with having world-class athletes. The league's ability to transform players into global icons has proven beneficial for both the individuals and the organization. The financial success generated by these athletes highlights the importance of star power in the NBA.
