Unveiling the Financial Elite: Forbes’ 2023 Rankings of the NBA’s Wealthiest Players
LeBron James- $117.6 million
LeBron James has solidified his status as a financial powerhouse both on and off the NBA court. Accumulating a staggering $432 million in earnings during his remarkable 20-season career, James is poised to break the $530 million mark by 2025, assuming he exercises his option for the upcoming season. Beyond the game, he holds a prominent stake in the SpringHill Company, a key player in TV and movie production, propelling him to Forbes’ billionaire list. Noteworthy is his role as a producer for “Shooting Stars,” a film released on Peacock in June, delving into his high school basketball journey. Adding a flavorful twist, James, famous for his “Taco Tuesdays” enthusiasm, engaged in a Taco Bell campaign in May, aiming to liberate the phrase from its trademarked constraints. On Forbes’ 2023 roster of the world’s highest-paid athletes, James stands shoulder to shoulder with business giants Roger Federer and Cristiano Ronaldo, proving that his financial prowess extends far beyond the basketball court.
Stephen Curry-$101.9 million
Stephen Curry’s expansive media empire, Unanimous, took the spotlight with its Apple TV+ documentary in July, providing an intimate look into the basketball icon’s life. Not stopping there, a forthcoming documentary on the legendary late rapper Mac Dre is on the horizon. Beyond the screen, Curry diversified his portfolio this year by introducing a bourbon named Gentleman’s Cut and collaborating on a graphic novel series featuring sports superheroes in partnership with Penguin Workshop. The three-time NBA champion is not only a player but a strategic investor, securing stakes in VR platform Golf+ and TMRW Sports, the company co-founded by golf legends Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy. Adding to his financial prowess, Curry inked a lucrative deal with Under Armour in March, ensuring a legacy that extends into retirement, complete with $75 million in stock vesting in 2029 and 2034, as disclosed in an SEC filing.
Kevin Durant- $91.4 million
Kevin Durant’s expansive media venture, The Boardroom, marked a significant stride in September with the launch of Boardroom Advisory. This new division is poised to collaborate with athletes and brands in areas such as venture and private equity investing, sports ownership, business strategy, and content creation. Durant, channeling his investments through his firm 35V, recently diversified his portfolio with strategic stakes in a Major League Pickleball team, the Goldenset Collective digital creator business, and ScorePlay, a media asset management company. The 35-year-old NBA star, embarking on his first full season with the Phoenix Suns following a February trade, secured a lifetime partnership with Nike in April and stepped into the virtual realm with his likeness featured in Call of Duty video games in May. Durant’s multi-faceted approach showcases his prowess not only on the basketball court but also in the dynamic realms of business, technology, and media.
Giannis Antetokounmpo- $85.6 million
In a strategic move this June, Giannis Antetokounmpo and his three brothers established Ante Inc., a company designed to oversee their diverse investments and enterprises. This encompasses the AntetokounBros shops and a stake in Major League Soccer’s Nashville SC, acquired in March. Further showcasing his commitment beyond the basketball arena, Antetokounmpo collaborated with Calamos Investments in February to launch a sustainability-focused exchange-traded fund. Reflecting on his multifaceted success, the two-time league MVP emphasized to the New York Times in August, “From 2020 to 2023, people think I’ve taken a significant leap on the basketball court, but I believe I’ve experienced a tenfold advancement off the court.”
Damian Lillard- $63.6 million
Fresh from what could be deemed the pinnacle of his career, Damian Lillard, who earned a spot on the all-NBA third team despite participating in only 58 games, has embarked on a new chapter as Giannis Antetokounmpo’s teammate in Milwaukee, concluding an impressive 11-year tenure in Portland. Beyond the basketball court, Lillard serves as the face for brands like Adidas, Bose, and Modelo. Venturing into the startup realm, he made his inaugural investment last fall in Kicks Crew, an e-commerce platform specializing in sneakers. In addition to his prowess on the hardwood, Lillard channels his creativity into the world of music, assuming the stage name Dame D.O.L.L.A. He dropped his fifth studio album in August, showcasing his versatility both as an athlete and an artist
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