When people talk about NBA money, they usually just look at the box score of a bank account. But honestly, trying to figure out how much does curry make a year is a bit like trying to guard the man himself—he’s constantly moving, and the numbers are way bigger than they look from the nosebleed seats.
If you just look at his NBA check, you’re missing half the story. As of the 2025-26 NBA season, Stephen Curry is pulling in a base salary of exactly $59,606,817. Yeah, nearly 60 million just for the "day job." But when you factor in the shoes, the media company, and the investments, that number effectively doubles.
He’s not just a basketball player anymore. He’s a walking conglomerate.
The Massive 2025-26 Salary Breakdown
The Golden State Warriors are currently paying Steph the highest single-season salary in the history of the league. It’s part of that massive four-year, $215.3 million extension he signed back in 2021. For context, he’s making over $726,000 per game.
Think about that.
Every time he lace up his sneakers for a 48-minute game, he’s earned more than most surgeons make in two years. It's wild. But the Warriors aren't just paying for the 3-pointers; they’re paying for the fact that he is the franchise. Without him, the Chase Center is just a very expensive building in San Francisco.
It gets even crazier next year
In August 2024, he tacked on another one-year extension. That deal kicks in for the 2026-27 season and is worth a projected $62,587,158. He is literally the first player to cross that $60 million annual threshold. He’s 37 years old and somehow his value is still climbing like a tech stock.
Why Curry Brand is the Real Money Maker
If the NBA salary is the steak, the endorsements are the entire rest of the buffet. For a long time, people estimated Steph’s off-court earnings at around $45 million. That’s old news. Today, he’s clearing closer to **$100 million a year** from brands.
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The big one is Under Armour.
Remember when Nike passed on him because they didn't think he could sell shoes? Huge mistake. Huge. In 2023, he signed a lifetime deal with Under Armour that could eventually be worth over $1 billion. It’s structured similarly to how Nike treats Michael Jordan. He has his own "Curry Brand" within the company, giving him not just a flat fee, but significant equity and royalties.
Beyond the sneakers, the portfolio is crowded:
- JPMorgan Chase: He's the face of their wealth management and banking ads.
- Rakuten: That badge on the Warriors jersey? That's a massive deal that extends to him personally.
- Google & Fanatics: Ongoing partnerships that keep the cash flowing regardless of his shooting percentage.
The "Thirty Ink" Strategy
Most fans don’t realize that Steph manages his money through a collective called Thirty Ink. This isn't just a fancy name for a bank account. It’s a holding company for his various business arms, like Unanimous Media.
Unanimous has a first-look deal with NBCUniversal that’s valued in the high eight-figure range. They produce everything from the mini-golf show Holey Moley to documentaries and even podcasts on Audible. He’s literally getting paid while he sleeps because someone, somewhere, is streaming content he owns.
He’s also got his hands in the "better-for-you" beverage space with PLEZi Nutrition and a high-end bourbon brand called Gentleman’s Cut. Kinda feels like he’s trying to own the entire grocery store.
The Tax Man and the "Jock Tax" Reality
Here is what most people get wrong about how much Curry makes a year: nobody actually takes home $160 million.
First, the IRS takes their 37%. Then, because he plays in California, the state takes another 13.3%. That’s half the money gone before he even pays his agent, Jeff Austin at Octagon, who likely takes around 3-4%.
Then there’s the "Jock Tax." NBA players have to pay income tax in every state (and sometimes city) they play in. If the Warriors play the Knicks, Steph pays New York taxes for that day's work. It’s a logistical nightmare that requires a small army of accountants to track.
Total Annual Take-Home (The Real Number)
When you combine the $59.6 million salary with the roughly $100 million in endorsements and business income, Steph Curry is grossing around $160 million annually.
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After taxes and fees? He’s probably netting closer to $75-80 million. Still enough to buy a lot of golf clubs, but it puts the "hundred-millionaire" talk into a bit more perspective.
His career earnings are on track to pass $500 million in basketball salary alone by the time his current extension ends. He’s joining an elite club that only includes LeBron James and Kevin Durant.
Key Takeaways for Your Wallet
- Diversification is King: Curry doesn't rely on one check. He has equity, royalties, and salary.
- Ownership over Endorsement: Moving from a "paid spokesperson" to a "brand owner" (Curry Brand) is how he doubled his net worth in five years.
- Longevity Pays: By staying healthy and relevant into his late 30s, he’s earning 10x what he made during his early "underpaid" years.
If you want to track how these numbers change, keep an eye on the NBA's new media rights deal. As the league's revenue jumps, the salary cap follows, and stars like Steph will likely see these "record-breaking" numbers look like bargains in just a few years.