Greek superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to redefine what international success looks like in the NBA. Ranked No. 4 on Forbes’ 2025 list of the league’s highest-paid players, the Milwaukee Bucks forward is projected to earn $99.1 million this season — $54.1 million on the court and $45 million off it.
Following his 2023 contract extension with Milwaukee, Giannis remains under contract for two more seasons, plus a player option for 2027-28. While he’s committed to the Bucks for now, he recently acknowledged that “the future can change,” and even expressed his wish to finish his career in Greece someday.
Off the hardwood, Antetokounmpo’s financial portfolio is just as dynamic. His sponsorships include Nike, Huggies, and JBL, alongside investments in the women’s basketball league Unrivaled and the sports-tech startup ScorePlay. After launching his own venture-capital fund last year, he’s steadily building a legacy that blends athletic excellence with entrepreneurial vision.
The NBA’s 10 Highest-Paid players for 2025
10 – Nikola Jokić | $63.2 Million
Age: 30 | Team: Denver Nuggets | On-Court: $55.2 M • Off-Court: $8 M
The reigning MVP contender chose to postpone signing a massive $212 million extension until next summer, when he can ink a four-year, $293 million deal instead. The Serbian center remains the cornerstone of Denver’s championship ambitions and works with brands like 361 Degrees, Superbet, and USA Sports Marketing.
9 – Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | $63.3 Million
Age: 27 | Team: Oklahoma City Thunder | On-Court: $38.3 M • Off-Court: $25 M
The 2025 MVP and Finals MVP signed a record-breaking four-year, $285 million supermax extension — the richest annual average in NBA history. Off the court, “SGA” has deals with Converse, appears on the cover of NBA 2K26, and even sells his own designer wardrobe to teammates in an annual locker-room “garage sale.”
8 – Jimmy Butler | $65.1 Million
Age: 36 | Team: Golden State Warriors | On-Court: $54.1 M • Off-Court: $11 M
Following a high-profile trade to Golden State, Butler signed a two-year, $111 million extension. Off the floor, he balances his passions: chairing a U.S. padel tournament, expanding his coffee brand Bigface, and growing his extensive 11,000-bottle wine collection. Partnerships include Alo Yoga, Google, and Li-Ning.
7 – Joel Embiid | $65.2 Million
Age: 31 | Team: Philadelphia 76ers | On-Court: $55.2 M • Off-Court: $10 M
Back from knee surgery, Embiid looks ready to dominate again. The 76ers center recently began a three-year, $192.9 million extension while also running his studio Miniature Géant, now producing a documentary on viral Cameroonian player Nkwain Kennedy.
6 – Anthony Edwards | $65.6 Million
Age: 24 | Team: Minnesota Timberwolves | On-Court: $45.6 M • Off-Court: $20 M
Fresh off consecutive Western Conference Finals runs, Edwards enters his prime with endorsement deals from Adidas, Bose, Prada, and Sprite. Known for his intensity and colorful personality, the young guard led the NBA in fines last season — and laughs it off as the cost of passion.
5 – Jayson Tatum | $79.1 Million
Age: 27 | Team: Boston Celtics | On-Court: $54.1 M • Off-Court: $25 M
Despite an Achilles injury, Tatum continues to inspire Celtics fans and Nike’s Jordan Brand followers alike. His record-setting five-year, $314 million deal remains the NBA’s richest. Off-court projects include pharmaceutical partnerships, university advisory work, and the fourth edition of his signature sneaker.
4 – Giannis Antetokounmpo | $99.1 Million
Age: 30 | Team: Milwaukee Bucks | On-Court: $54.1 M • Off-Court: $45 M
As detailed above, Giannis combines dominance, humility, and global appeal — a two-time MVP who still dreams of a homecoming in Greece.
3 – Kevin Durant | $104.3 Million
Age: 37 | Team: Houston Rockets | On-Court: $53.3 M • Off-Court: $51 M
Now in Houston after multiple trades, Durant recently inked a two-year, $90 million extension. Through his firm 35 Ventures, he invests in global brands from Paris Saint-Germain FC to Spindrift Water. Durant’s consistency — on and off the floor — keeps him among the NBA’s most financially versatile stars.
2 – LeBron James | $137.6 Million
Age: 40 | Team: Los Angeles Lakers | On-Court: $52.6 M • Off-Court: $85 M
After eleven straight years at the top, LeBron slides to No. 2 but remains the league’s ultimate brand architect. His business empire spans Nike, Amazon, DraftKings, and luxury collaborations like his Richard Mille watch line.
Entering his 23rd NBA season, LeBron continues to blend longevity, leadership, and lucrative innovation.
1 – Stephen Curry | $159.6 Million
Age: 37 | Team: Golden State Warriors | On-Court: $59.6 M • Off-Court: $100 M
The undisputed king of both three-pointers and paychecks, Curry tops the list for the first time in his career. With $159.6 million in combined earnings, he surpasses every previous NBA record.
Beyond his $59.6 million salary, Curry’s vast off-court empire includes Curry Brand (Under Armour), Unanimous Media, and his new production and podcast ventures under Thirty Ink.
A record-breaking era for NBA wealth
Together, the NBA’s ten highest-paid players will earn $902 million this season before taxes and fees — up 15% from last year’s record.
Roughly $380 million comes from endorsements and business income, outpacing every other major sport.
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