Okay, so. Stephen Curry. The guy who changed basketball by launching threes from the parking lot. We all know he’s rich, but how rich are we talking? Like, “buy a small country” rich, or just “buy a really, really nice yacht” rich?
The Grown-Up Salary
Here’s the headline: Stephen Curry’s current contract is a four-year, $215 million extension he signed in 2021. That’s not a typo. For the 2023-24 season, he’s pulling in roughly $51.9 million.
Let that sink in. That’s more than most of us will see in ten lifetimes. And that’s before he cashes his endorsement checks.
Must Read
Breaking It Down Like Pizza Slices
Want to feel small? He makes about $632,000 per game. That’s per game, not per month. If he plays 82 games (which he doesn’t always, but bear with me), that’s a cool $52 million.
Per minute? About $13,000. So every time he dribbles for ten seconds, he earns what a teacher makes in a week. No pressure, right?
For a single swish? A three-pointer? That’s roughly $4,000 per point on his scoring average. I’d probably pass out if I got that per word I typed.
how much money does Stephen Curry make? - YouTube
Wait, There’s More (Obviously)
But hold your horses—salary is only half the story. Stephen Curry isn’t just a basketball player; he’s a brand. His deal with Under Armour is legendary: a lifetime contract worth about $1 billion over its life.
Yeah, billion with a B. He gets royalties on every shoe sold, plus a custom-built museum for his sneakers? Probably. Plus, he’s got investments in tech, a production company (Unanimous Media), and he’s a partial owner of a golf league.
So his total take-home? Forbes estimated his annual earnings (salary + endorsements) at around $100 million. That’s $100,000,000. In a year.
What Does $100 Million Buy?
Okay, practical question: what can you do with that kind of cash? You can buy a private jet (he has one, a Gulfstream G-V). You can own a mansion in Atherton, California worth $31 million.
#3 Stephen Curry ($101.9M): Top 10 Highest-Paid Athletes at Paris 2024
You can also fund a charity that provides clean water in Africa and read bedtime stories to your kids in a castle. He does that, too.
Meanwhile, my morning coffee order costs more than I earn per hour. I’m not bitter. Just… awe-struck.
The Real Joke: Taxes and Laundry
Here’s the part that makes you go “oof.” Playing in California means Uncle Sam and the state tax man take a huge bite. State income tax in California is over 13%.
So Curry’s $51.9 million salary? After federal taxes (37%), state taxes, agent fees (10%), and a small army of accountants? He takes home maybe half. Like $26 million.
Golden State Warriors Player Salaries Comparisons. Poorest to Highest
But who’s crying for a guy who still has $26 million? Not me. He also gets a per diem of like $150 for meals on road trips. That’s more than my grocery budget.
Is He Overpaid? (Spoiler: No)
Let’s get real. The Warriors’ franchise is worth $7 billion partly because of him. He sells out arenas, jerseys, and streaming subscriptions. He single-handedly made the three-pointer cool.
If you’re a business owner, you pay your best employee what they’re worth. And Steph is worth every penny—plus the extra pennies he finds in the couch cushions.
Also, remember: he’s not even the highest-paid NBA player now. LeBron James makes more in salary, and Giannis Antetokounmpo just signed a $186 million extension. It’s a weird world where $50 million is a “discount.”
Stephen Curry's Contract Breakdown: From $2 Million As A Rookie To $470
But What About the Kids?
His daughter Riley once asked him, “Daddy, why do people scream your name?” Because he makes them very happy. And a happy fan base pays for a lot of baby clothes.
So the final answer? Stephen Curry gets paid enough to never worry about broken appliances. He gets paid richer than a dragon’s hoard.
And as you sip your $4 latte, just smile. You’re helping fund the shoes. Thanks for that. You’re a team player.
Now, go shoot a three-pointer in your driveway. Pretend you’re him. It’s free. Unlike his salary. 🏀