Curry Projected to Top $200 Million in 2026-27

Forbes projects the Warriors guard as the highest-paid NBA player for the upcoming season, with his earnings boosted by endorsements.

Updated on Nov. 2, 2026 in Basketball

Curry Projected to Top $200 Million in 2026-27

Forbes projects Stephen Curry will earn $203.6 million in the 2026-27 season, making him the first active NBA player to cross the $200 million mark in annual earnings. The projection places Kevin Durant at $104.9 million and Giannis Antetokounmpo at $103.5 million.

Why it matters

Curry's total is driven largely by off-court income, with $141 million from endorsements and business ventures compared with $62.6 million in basketball-related income. The figures reflect how top players' earnings increasingly depend on partnerships outside the game.

Curry's projected $203.6 million includes $62.6 million in basketball income and $141 million from endorsements and business ventures. The report does not specify how much of the endorsement total is tied to his Li-Ning partnership.

The players

Stephen Curry

Stephen Curry is a Golden State Warriors guard widely regarded as one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

Forbes

Forbes is a U.S. business media company known for its annual rankings of the highest-paid athletes and celebrities.

LeBron James

LeBron James is a four-time NBA champion who has long ranked among the league's highest earners.

The details

Curry's reported 10-year, $400 million partnership with Chinese sportswear brand Li-Ning has played a significant role in his growth, and a new signature shoe line is expected to arrive early next year. His off-court earnings rose after he spent several months without a major shoe endorsement following his split with Under Armour.

The 2026-27 season is the period covered by Forbes' projections.
A new Curry signature shoe line with Li-Ning is expected to arrive early next year.

Season Trajectory

Forbes' annual ranking of the highest-paid NBA players shows the top 10 combined earnings rising 6% year over year to $958 million. Curry's $203.6 million projection sets a new mark for an active player in the ranking's history.

Curry's earnings are tied to his endorsement portfolio, so fans following his off-court deals will see the Li-Ning shoe line roll out early next year. Fantasy and roster observers should note that LeBron James' projected basketball income is only $3.9 million after his move to the 76ers on a veteran minimum deal.

The takeaway

The projections point to a widening gap between the top earners and the rest of the league, with off-court income now a central part of the highest salaries. Readers tracking player earnings should watch how endorsement deals reshape rankings in coming seasons.