The NBA’s multi-million dollar contracts have reached new heights, bringing the league closer than ever to a million-dollar-per-game deal.

About a decade ago, only 10 NBA players earned $20 million annually, with Kobe Bryant topping the list.

Next season, that number will reach 100 players. Furthermore, led by Steph Curry, 15 players will surpass the $50 million mark.

Steph Curry has been the NBA’s highest-paid player since the 2017-18 season, and with current contracts, he will remain at the top until 2026-27, marking ten consecutive years as the league’s top earner. His annual salary this season will be $59.6 million, exceeding the 2014 salary cap of $58.6 million.

In today’s ever-evolving sports world, fame exceeds competition, with these 10 athletes standing out as global icons who influence culture, business, and society far beyond stadiums.

This statistic highlights the NBA’s salary inflation, fueled by several factors, primarily the introduction of supermax contracts in 2017.

Eligibility criteria include at least seven seasons played, remaining with the drafting team (barring trades within the first four years), and, most crucially, achieving MVP status, All-NBA First Team selection, or Defensive Player of the Year in two of the three preceding seasons. Players meeting these requirements can earn up to 35% of their franchise’s salary cap.

Since the NBA’s first supermax contracts, 14 players have secured them. Recent recipients have landed some of the most lucrative deals in NBA history.

Jayson Tatum signed a five-year, $314 million contract, teammate Jaylen Brown secured $304 million over five seasons, and MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander inked a four-year, $285 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This NBA season saw a record number of serious injuries, reigniting the debate about reducing the number of games per year.

Regarding per-season salary, Devin Booker’s extension with the Phoenix Suns this summer will see him earn a record $75.4 million in the 2029-30 season.

However, this record will be short-lived. A year later, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander will earn $78.9 million, averaging over $963,000 per game. The NBA is inching closer to its first $82 million single-season salary, translating to $1 million per game. Staggering figures.

This upward trend is expected to continue. The new television deal is worth $76 billion over the next 11 years. The salary cap will reach $154 million this season and will continue to rise by 10% annually. Given the NBA’s revenue, the first $100 million single-season contract isn’t far off.