Steph Curry and LeBron James have long been fierce competitors on the court, but now their rivalry has extended beyond basketball. In a stunning financial shift, Curry has overtaken LeBron as the NBA’s top earner for the 2024-25 season. For years, LeBron’s combination of massive contracts and high-profile endorsements made him a dominant financial force in the league. Yet, Curry’s rise in both performance and marketability has positioned him ahead of LeBron, securing his place at the top. It’s a shift that highlights Curry’s growing influence, not just as an NBA superstar but as a global brand.
Curry is set to out-earn LeBron by over $22.1 million this season, according to projections, thanks to his Warriors contract and a suite of lucrative endorsements. Among his major deals, Curry’s long-standing partnership with Under Armour has expanded into its own brand, further boosting his financial portfolio. Curry’s off-court ventures, including his foray into the alcohol industry with his “Gentleman’s Cut” whiskey, only add to his rising fortune. His recent $62 million contract extension with the Warriors solidifies his financial dominance, showcasing his ability to continuously outperform even the most established stars like LeBron.
While LeBron has always been a master of branding and endorsement deals, Curry has quietly built an empire that’s now surpassing his longtime rival. Curry’s total career earnings are projected to surpass $1 billion by 2027, a mark only a few NBA players have reached. This new financial chapter for Curry marks a significant moment in his career, proving that his impact off the court can rival his historic performances on it.
Curry’s business acumen has been key to his rise, aligning himself with major companies like JP Morgan Chase, Callaway, and Fanatics. His ability to strategically diversify his portfolio, from sportswear to whiskey, has kept him at the forefront of athlete entrepreneurship. Moreover, Curry remains deeply committed to his legacy with the Warriors, balancing his growing business ventures with his mission to be the face of the franchise.
In this new era, Curry’s triumph over LeBron in financial standing is yet another chapter in their storied rivalry. As Curry continues to grow his brand, the question remains—how far will he go in securing his legacy as not just an NBA champion, but a financial mogul?
