NBA Legends Curry and Durant Join Lebron James in the Exclusive $1 Billion Club
Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant have officially joined LeBron James in one of the most exclusive clubs in sports—the $1 billion career earnings club. According to Sportico, the trio are the only active NBA players to have earned over $1 billion through a combination of salaries and endorsement deals.
LeBron James, who continues to redefine longevity and business acumen in basketball, remains at the top of the earnings list with an estimated $132.6 million in 2025–26 alone — $52.6 million from his Los Angeles Lakers salary and a staggering $80 million from endorsement deals. Curry follows closely, leading the league in salary at $59.6 million with an additional $50 million in endorsements. Kevin Durant, now with the Houston Rockets, rounds out the trio at $53.3 million in salary and another $50 million in off-court earnings.
LeBron James and Kevin Durant have both surpassed $500 million in career on-court earnings — a feat unmatched by any other players in NBA history. Durant crossed the mark this season, thanks to his $53.3 million deal with the Rockets. Curry isn’t far behind, continuing to rack up record-breaking contracts as the Golden State Warriors’ cornerstone.
A New Era of Athlete Wealth and Branding
The milestone reflects more than just generational talent — it highlights how modern athletes are leveraging their brands beyond the hardwood. From media companies and shoe deals to investments in tech and entertainment, James, Curry, and Durant have transformed how players define success both on and off the court.
