# NBA financial and salary growth trends

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/nba-financial-and-salary-growth-trends
> Updated: 2026-10-22T16:40:49.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2.

The NBA is undergoing a period of significant economic expansion driven by a new 11-year, $76 billion television contract. This deal has increased national media rights revenue per team from $103 million to $144 million, contributing to projected league revenues of approximately $14.3 billion to $14.5 billion for the 2025-26 period.

As a result of this growth, the salary cap is projected to reach $164.961 million per team for the 2026-27 season, a 6.7% increase from the prior year. This rising financial landscape is reflected in individual player earnings, with Stephen Curry leading the league at approximately $62.6 million, followed by Nikola Jokic and Jayson Tatum.

Franchise values have also seen a substantial rise, with the average team now valued at $6.64 billion, marking a 21% increase over the previous year. While the Golden State Warriors lead in revenue generation, the league utilizes revenue sharing mechanisms to distribute approximately $400 million to lower-earning teams to maintain parity.

## Timeline

### 2026-10-22: NBA player salaries reach new heights for 2026-27 season

NBA salaries are rising due to new media deals, with Stephen Curry set to earn $62.6 million in the 2026-27 season.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nba-player-salaries-reach-new-heights-for-2026-27-season

### 2026-10-20: NBA revenue and salary cap trends for 2025-27 seasons

NBA revenues are projected to hit $14.5 billion, driven by a $76 billion TV deal. The 2026-27 salary cap will rise to $164.961 million per team as franchise values average $6.64 billion.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/nba-revenue-and-salary-cap-trends-for-2025-27-seasons

---
Cite as: NBA financial and salary growth trends. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/nba-financial-and-salary-growth-trends