When it comes to two of the NBA’s most iconic players, Stephen Curry and LeBron James, their on-court performances often are compared. Even though they were drafted in different years (LeBron is 2003 and Curry in 2009) and are very much different types of players, the fact the two, along with Kevin Durant, are considered the superstars that represent their generation.

Another comparison is their off-court accomplishments – in particularly their financial success, career earnings and net worth. In their long NBA careers, both players have secured massive NBA contracts and multiple endorsement deals, increasing their personal wealth to levels only the rest of is can drea of. Curry and LeBron’s net worths reflect not only their playing careers but also their business ventures, brand endorsements, and investment portfolios.

Who Has Made More Money? LeBron or Curry?

Stephen Curry and LeBron James are among the highest earners across all of sports. Curry has amassed over $1 billion through NBA salaries and endorsements, including a massive $215 million contract extension with the Golden State Warriors and a groundbreaking deal with Under Armour. LeBron James, with a career NBA salary exceeding $431 million and endorsements, including a $1 billion lifetime deal with Nike, has become the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status.

Steph Curry’s Career Earnings

Stephen Curry has earned approximately $354 million from his NBA salary alone all with the Golden State Warriors. He signed a four-year, $215 million contract extension in 2021, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in the world. In the 2024-25 season, Curry is set to earn $55.76 million, contributing to his cumulative career earnings of $354 million. Additionally, Curry’s endorsement portfolio includes deals with Under Armour, Chase, Infiniti, and more. His Under Armour deal, in particular, could evolve into a lifetime contract, further boosting his overall earnings​.. Overall, Curry’s combined earnings from his NBA contracts and endorsements push his career earnings beyond $500 million.

Stephen Curry, who revolutionized the game with his long-range shooting, has built his wealth through significant contracts with the Golden State Warriors, as well as high-profile endorsements with brands like Under Armour and Chase as well as CarMax, Callaway, Subway, and Rakuten.

Curry’s partnership with Under Armour has been a cornerstone of his wealth and endorsement portfolio. In 2022, Curry extended his long-term deal with the company and became president of UA’s Curry Brand, further elevating his influence beyond basketball to golf, women’s sports, and youth initiatives. As part of this expanded role, Curry was granted $75 million in restricted stock units, set to vest between 2029 and 2034. This deal, combined with his other endorsements, significantly contributes to Curry’s growing personal fortune.

LeBron James’ Career Earnings

LeBron James, widely regarded as one of the greatest basketball players of all time, has also accumulated substantial earnings from his NBA salary, endorsements with brands like Nike, and smart business investments. Using social media platforms, LeBron James has built his personal brand and generated a substantial income from his endorsements and sponsored posts. He’s the highest-earning sports star on Instagram, generating an estimated $1.37M – $1.85M per post.

A global icon in basketball, has earned even more than Curry, due in part to his earlier entry into the league. By 2024, James has earned over $431 million in NBA salary. His latest two-year, $97 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers secures his place among the league’s top earners. Beyond his NBA salary, James has a vast endorsement portfolio, including deals with Nike, PepsiCo, Beats by Dre, and others.

His lifetime contract with Nike alone is reportedly worth over $1 billion. Additionally, James has made successful investments in businesses like Blaze Pizza and Liverpool FC, further boosting his net worth.

James’ most lucrative deals is his lifetime contract with Nike, which pays him more than $30 million annually. This partnership began in 2003 when James entered the NBA, and it has since evolved into one of the most significant endorsement deals in sports history — over 20 years with the Swoosh company.  In addition to his Nike deal, LeBron has made strategic investments, including in Fenway Sports Group, significantly boosting his wealth. With these ventures, LeBron’s net worth exceeds $1 billion, making him the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status.

Steph vs. LeBron and Future Earning Potential

When comparing Curry and James, both players have capitalized on their immense brand value. While Curry’s basketball earnings continue to rise, James’ diverse investments and lifetime Nike deal have set him apart as a business mogul. Both are set to further increase their wealth through endorsements and potential post-career ventures, with James currently leading in total career earnings due to his longer career and expansive investment portfolio.

While both superstars have had lucrative careers, James has a clear edge in overall wealth, thanks to his early entry into the NBA, lucrative endorsement deals (including a lifetime contract with Nike), and smart business investments. 

According to various sources​, LeBron’s net worth was last estimated to be over $1 billion, while Curry’s stands around $180 million. Anecdotally, it seems as if LeBron is much more active and intent on growing his empire with a diverse portfolio of endorsements and ventures that set him apart; making LeBron the wealthier of the two icons. To be clear, James isn’t just wealthier than Curry but 99.9% of NBA players all-time.