Not too long ago, in the 2015-16 NBA season, there were 10 players who reached $20 million in salary. The list was headed by Kobe Bryant. In the next season, that number will almost reach 100: 91 players will earn more than 20 million. Of these, 61 will reach 30 million, 27 will earn at least 40 million and, led by Stephen Curry, 15 players will exceed the 50 million barrier.
The highest paid in the 2025-26 season
There has been an increase in salaries in the best league in the world in recent years. A rain of millions as never seen before and it is not going to stop. Curry has been the highest-paid player in the NBA since the 2017-18 season and, with current contracts, will remain at the top until 2026-27. He will be 10 years in a row leading the salaries. His salary for this season will be $59.6 million, higher than the salary cap that existed in 2014, set at $58.6 million.
This is another fact that demonstrates the salary inflation in the NBA, which is fueled by several aspects. The main one is the creation in 2017 of supermax contracts. There are a number of requirements to be met in order to sign them: at least seven seasons in the league, not having changed teams since being drafted unless traded in the first four years and, the most demanding, having been MVP of the season in one of the previous three years, having been included in the best quintets of the NBA or having been chosen best defender in two of the three seasons prior to signing. Those who succeed can earn up to 35% of their franchise’s salary cap.
The most lucrative contracts in history
Since these types of contracts have existed, 14 players have signed them. Those who have done so most recently have some of the most lucrative deals in the history of the competition. Jayson Tatum signed for $314 million and five years, his teammate Jaylen Brown reached $304 million for another five years, and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander has just committed to the Thunder for $285 million for four years. By comparison, Kobe Bryant earned $328 million in his career.
In terms of salary per course, Devin Booker extended his contract this summer with the Suns and in 29-30 he will receive the highest in history: $75.4 million. The record will not last long. A year later, Shai will reach 78.9, which will mean an average of more than $963,000 per game. The NBA is getting closer and closer to the first salary of 82 million, one per game.
Supermax contract candidates
Among the candidates to enjoy this milestone are the candidates for the next supermax contracts such as Anthony Edwards, Cade Cunningham, Evan Mobley, Jalen Williams, Chet Holmgren, Paolo Banchero, Victor Wembanyama…
Because the trend will continue to be upward. The new television contract is worth $76 billion over the next 11 years. The salary cap will reach $154 million this season and will continue to rise by a maximum of 10% per year. Although it may seem that way, the day is not too far off when the first $100 million contract for one season will be signed.
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