Player earnings are on the rise throughout the world of sports, and tennis is no exception.
In fact, of the top 10 all-time ATP leaders in prize money, seven are active. Two others (Roger Federer and Andy Murray) are recently retired. Carlos Alcaraz is only 21 years old and is already ninth on the list at $35.2 million. Three others in the top 10 (Daniil Medvedev, Alexander Zverev, and Stefanos Tsitsipas) are 28 or younger. Alcaraz has made $8.2 million this season alone, while Jannik Sinner stands at $10.6 million in 2024 prize money.
Novak Djokovic is the all-time leader at $184.5 million. Serena Williams is tops among women at $94.8 million, far south of Djokovic only because prize money was much less back when she won the majority of her Grand Slam titles.
Meanwhile, the world of professional basketball is on the brink of a financial revolution. In the next five years, the NBA is expected to witness an unprecedented rise in star player salaries that will transform the league’s landscape. A new broadcasting agreement promises to increase the salary cap by up to the maximum allowable 10 percent per year, paving the way for truly astronomical contracts.
Imagine this: Steph Curry, already earning $62.6 million per season with the Golden State Warriors, or the recent contract extension of Jayson Tatum with the Boston Celtics for $314 million. These figures may seem impressive today, but they are merely the harbingers of the changes to come.
In this article, we will look at 12 potential largest NBA contracts over the next five years that could redefine our understanding of basketball salaries. And if you’re into betting and knowledgeable about basketball, this could be a great opportunity to make some money with the bookmaker Mostbet – https://mostbet-azn.com/.
Rising Stars: Banchero, Holmgren, and Wembanyama
The new generation of NBA talent is ready to claim its share of the financial pie. Paolo Banchero, the first overall pick in the 2022 draft, has already become a star for the Orlando Magic in his sophomore season. His versatile play and leadership qualities have made him a key component of the franchise’s resurgence.
Chet Holmgren, selected second in the same draft, missed his first season due to injury but returned with impressive strength. His unique combination of height, agility, and skills helped the Oklahoma City Thunder secure first place in the Western Conference. Both players can expect substantial contract extensions worth $246.7 million over five years, starting from the 2026-27 season.
However, the real financial phenomenon promises to be Victor Wembanyama. The French prodigy, who was the first pick in the 2023 draft, has every chance of securing a $325.6 million contract over five years. His unique physical attributes and diverse skills make him a potential game-changing player. If he lives up to expectations and makes the All-NBA team, his starting salary in the 2027-28 season could reach $56.1 million.
Proven Stars: Dončić, Gilgeous-Alexander, and Mitchell
Luka Dončić, already the face of the Dallas Mavericks franchise, is on the verge of a historic contract. The Slovenian wizard could sign a five-year deal worth $345.3 million, making him the holder of the largest contract in NBA history. His outstanding performances, including numerous triple-doubles and 40+ point games, make him one of the league’s most valuable assets.
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder has made an impressive leap in his development. A two-time All-Star in the last two seasons, he has made the All-NBA First Team, qualifying him for a “supermax” contract. His elite scoring skills and ability to lead the game have made him the cornerstone of the young and promising Thunder team.
Donovan Mitchell, after joining the Cleveland Cavaliers, continued to showcase his elite level of play. His ability to take charge in crucial moments and leadership qualities have made him an integral part of the Cavs’ ambitious plans. Both players can expect four-year contracts worth $293.4 million each, with starting salaries in the 2027-28 season reaching up to $65.5 million.
Veterans at Their Peak: Antetokounmpo, Davis, and Jokić
Even experienced players at the peak of their careers will not be left out of the financial boom. Giannis Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP and NBA champion, continues to dominate on both ends of the court. His athleticism and versatility make him one of the most unstoppable players in the league.
Anthony Davis, despite health issues, remains one of the best two-way players in the NBA. His ability to protect the rim and create problems on offense makes him a key factor in the Los Angeles Lakers’ success.
Nikola Jokić, the reigning NBA champion and Finals MVP, continues to amaze with his unique style of play. His court vision and ability to distribute assists from the center position make him a true phenomenon in modern basketball.
All three can sign three-year contracts worth $212.2 million each, with starting salaries in the 2027-28 season reaching up to $65.5 million.
Impact on the League and the Future of the NBA
These enormous contracts reflect not only the individual achievements of the players but also the growing economic power of the NBA. With each new television deal and sponsorship agreement, the league strengthens its position as one of the most profitable sports enterprises in the world. It’s no wonder that NBA betting with leading bookmakers on https://azbukmeker.com/ is so incredibly popular among bettors, including player stat bets.
However, the rise in star salaries could have a downside. Teams will be forced to plan their budgets more carefully, which could lead to a widening gap between elite players and the rest of the roster. This could affect the competitive balance in the league and force managers to seek new team-building strategies.
