LeBron James is no longer the only active NBA player to surpass $1 billion in total career earnings. According to Sportico journalist Kurt Badenhausen, both Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have reached billionaire status through a combination of on-court salaries and major endorsement deals.
James, Curry, and Durant are now the only three NBA players earning at least $100 million during the 2025–26 season from both salaries and sponsorships. Giannis Antetokounmpo is close to joining that group with $99.1 million this season.
Only James and Durant have earned more than $500 million in on-court income throughout their careers — an unprecedented achievement in NBA history. Curry follows closely behind and is expected to surpass that mark in the 2026–27 season, thanks to his projected $62.6 million salary with the Warriors.
Curry currently holds the highest salary in the NBA for the ninth straight season, sustained by long-term deals with Golden State signed in 2017 and 2021.
By breaking the billion-dollar barrier, Curry and Durant join LeBron James among the NBA’s elite, symbolizing a new financial era driven by record contracts and global endorsement appeal.
Author’s Summary: Curry and Durant have joined LeBron James as NBA billionaires, showcasing how superstar salaries and endorsements are reshaping financial success in professional basketball.