NBA Salaries Soar: A Decade-Long Surge in Top Earners

The NBA has witnessed a meteoric rise in salaries of top players over the past decade, with the top earners skyrocketing from $4.8 million in 1995 to a staggering $45.78 million in 2022. According to HoopsHype, the list of top earners since the early 1990s reveals a steady increase in salaries, with Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James dominating the charts.

Key Takeaways:

• The top earner in 1991 was Michael Jordan with a salary of $2,500,000, while in 2022, it was Stephen Curry with a salary of $45,780,966.
• Michael Jordan, Shaquille O'Neal, and LeBron James have been the top earners in three different decades (1990s, 2000s, and 2010s).
• The average salary of the top 5 earners has increased from $1.83 million in 1991 to $27.86 million in 2022, representing a growth of 1,523%.
• The Pacers have a slim lead in the 2025 NBA Finals against the Oklahoma City Thunder, with Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam leading the way with salaries of $42,176,400 each.
• The salary of top players has increased by an average of 12% each year since 1991, with the exception of 1999, 2003, and 2005.
• The list of top earners includes notable players such as Kobe Bryant, Kevin Durant, and Anthony Davis, among others.
• The Pacers are set to face the Oklahoma City Thunder in Game 4 on June 13 at 8:30 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Statistics:

• Top earner salaries since the early 1990s:

+ 1991: Michael Jordan ($2,500,000)

+ 2022: Stephen Curry ($45,780,966)

• Average salary of top 5 earners:

+ 1991: $1,835,000

+ 2022: $27,864,035

• Growth rate of top earner salaries:

+ 1991-2022: 1,523%

Sources:

• HoopsHype
• Hindustan Times