In recent years, the value of contracts in the NBA, already considered high, has surged dramatically. With a new media contract scheduled to begin in the 2025-26 season, this upward trend is expected to persist.
This season, several star players are projected to earn over $50 million, and as the landscape of sports broadcasting evolves, billionaire entrepreneur and minority owner of the Dallas Mavericks, Mark Cuban, has made a bold assertion regarding the future of NBA contracts.
He predicts that a billion-dollar contract will eventually be awarded to a player and claims that some players may earn more than the team owners, according to Legion Hoops.
Historically, during the early decades of the NBA, most players, with exceptions like legends Wilt Chamberlain and Bill Russell, earned relatively modest salaries, with some even needing offseason jobs to supplement their income.
However, by the late 1970s, that narrative began to shift. It was during this time that the league witnessed superstars earning more than $1 million per year. As the NBA gained prominence in the mid-1980s, media contracts skyrocketed, resulting in player salaries following suit.
Critics often voice their concerns about these lucrative contracts, arguing that they contribute to rising ticket prices, which can burden fans already facing financial challenges.
Nonetheless, professional sports operate within the entertainment industry, and leagues benefit from profit sharing—unlike many other sectors. Consequently, as media companies continue to increase their bids for broadcasting rights, players can expect their earnings to grow exponentially.