Stephen Curry Leads NBA as Highest-Paid Player
The Golden State Warriors star is projected to earn over $200 million during the 2026-27 season.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Basketball
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Forbes has ranked Stephen Curry as the highest-paid player in the NBA for the 2026-27 season with projected total earnings of $203.6 million. This record-breaking figure includes his team salary and extensive business ventures.
Why it matters
Curry's earnings reflect a significant shift in athlete revenue streams, with the majority of his income derived from off-court endorsements and partnerships rather than his playing contract. His new deal with Li-Ning significantly bolsters his financial position atop the league rankings.
Stephen Curry earns $62.6 million from his Golden State Warriors contract and $141 million through endorsements and ventures. These figures place him ahead of Kevin Durant at $104.9 million and Giannis Antetokounmpo at $103.5 million.
The players
Stephen Curry
He is an elite NBA point guard for the Golden State Warriors known for his revolutionary three-point shooting.
Kevin Durant
He is a perennial NBA All-Star and former league MVP currently competing among the top-earning players in the association.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
He is a championship-winning forward for the Milwaukee Bucks and one of the highest-paid professional athletes globally.
LeBron James
He is a four-time NBA champion and long-time league leader in total career earnings and brand partnerships.
Jimmy Butler
He is an established NBA veteran and All-Star forward projected to earn $70.8 million for the 2026-27 season.
The details
Curry's financial standing follows his June 2026 partnership agreement with Li-Ning, a deal valued at $400 million over 10 years. Despite his status, he accepted $20.7 million less than the maximum possible contract extension amount when signing his two-year, $116 million agreement with the Warriors.
Timeline
Forbes began tracking athlete income in 1990.
Stephen Curry ended his partnership with Under Armour in 2025.
Curry announced a partnership with Li-Ning in June 2026.
Forbes published its NBA highest-paid players ranking on October 20, 2026.
Curry is scheduled to release his first signature Li-Ning shoe in early 2027.
Season Trajectory
This financial landscape shifts the perception of player leverage as top stars increasingly prioritize diverse off-court business portfolios over traditional maximum-salary structures. Such income distributions are fundamentally altering competitive balance and team payroll strategies across the league.
Curry's contract structure, which intentionally sits below the maximum possible salary, provides the Golden State Warriors with additional payroll flexibility for other roster acquisitions. Fans and fantasy analysts should note his continued elite status as he prepares to lead the team in the season opener.
The takeaway
The evolution of Curry's revenue demonstrates how modern athletes can surpass their playing salaries through long-term business partnerships. Investors and fans should view these earnings as indicators of a player's broader influence beyond their on-court performance.
What happens next
Stephen Curry is expected to participate in the upcoming season opener against the Los Angeles Lakers, and he will debut his first Li-Ning signature shoe in early 2027.
Further reading
For more context on league-wide financial standings and player moves, visit the Basketball section.
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