For 2026, the NBA’s richest players by total earnings and endorsements are led by Stephen Curry, with LeBron James still near the top thanks to massive off- court income.

Quick Scoop

Forbes’ 2025 NBA earnings list said Curry took the basketball earnings crown, ending LeBron’s long run, and the 2026 athlete rankings still place top NBA stars among the biggest earners overall.

If you want the short version: the biggest NBA money makers are typically Curry, LeBron James, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo, with endorsements pushing their totals far above salary alone.

Top money makers

  • Stephen Curry — highest-paid NBA player in Forbes’ 2025 basketball list, driven by salary plus huge endorsement value.
  • LeBron James — still one of the biggest total earners in 2026, with business ventures and endorsements keeping him near the top.
  • Kevin Durant — consistently among the league’s top earners because of strong on-court pay and sponsor deals.
  • Giannis Antetokounmpo — remains in the upper tier of NBA annual earnings and endorsement income.

What Forbes is capturing

Forbes’ athlete rankings combine on-court pay and off-court income, which is why endorsement-heavy stars can rank above players with similar salaries.

That matters in the NBA because marquee names often earn more from brands, media, and business stakes than from game checks alone.

Why LeBron stays huge

LeBron’s 2026 profile highlights career earnings, records, and a billionaire- level business empire, showing why he remains a financial heavyweight even as newer stars challenge him on salary rankings.
In practice, his marketability keeps his annual earnings among the most durable in all of sports.

TL;DR

The richest NBA players by annual earnings and endorsements in 2026 are still the usual superstars: Curry at the top of the basketball earnings picture, with LeBron, Durant, and Giannis close behind.

For a clean Forbes-style ranking, Curry is the safest answer for “richest NBA player,” while LeBron remains the biggest long-term off-court money brand.