Biggest salaries across NFL, MLB & NBA in 2026

March 6, 2026 · Yahoo Sports

In modern professional sports, salaries have become a powerful reflection of both performance and market influence. Across the NBA, NFL, and MLB, superstar athletes are commanding unprecedented paychecks as teams compete to secure the best talent available. By 2026, the financial landscape of these leagues highlights just how valuable elite players have become—not only for their on-field contributions but also for their ability to drive fan engagement, sponsorships, and global visibility.

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Base salaries in the tens of millions are no longer rare for top athletes. The list of the biggest paychecks across the three leagues features global icons such as Shohei Ohtani, Stephen Curry, Nikola Jokić, and Lamar Jackson. Each represents a different facet of modern sports economics. Ohtani’s historic contract reflects baseball’s willingness to invest heavily in generational two-way talent, while Curry and other NBA superstars benefit from a rapidly growing salary cap and the league’s global commercial appeal. Meanwhile, in the NFL, franchise quarterbacks continue to dominate the pay scale due to their unmatched influence on team success.

What makes the 2026 salary rankings particularly fascinating is the contrast between leagues. The NBA places multiple players near the top thanks to its superstar-driven structure and maximum contracts tied to league revenue. MLB produces the single largest annual salary with Ohtani’s record deal. The NFL, despite its massive popularity, spreads money differently due to roster size and salary cap dynamics.

Together, these contracts illustrate how professional sports have evolved into a high-stakes economic ecosystem where talent, entertainment value, and business strategy intersect.

1. Shohei Ohtani — $70,000,000

Los Angeles Dodgers designated hitter Shohei Ohtani against the Los Angeles Angels during a spring training game at Tempe Diablo Stadium. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Shohei Ohtani’s contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers changed the financial landscape of baseball. The deal averages $70 million per year over ten seasons, making it the richest contract in MLB history.

Ohtani’s salary reflects his unmatched value as a two-way superstar who can dominate both as a pitcher and a hitter. Players who can excel in both roles are almost nonexistent in modern baseball, which dramatically boosts his market value. The Dodgers also structured the contract with massive deferred payments, allowing them to stay competitive while still securing the sport’s biggest star. His earnings highlight just how rare and transformative his talent is in modern sports.

2. Stephen Curry — $59,606,817

Team USA Stripes guard Stephen Curry (30) of the Golden State Warriors on the red carpet before the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images

Stephen Curry remains the highest-paid NBA player entering the 2025-26 season. His nearly $60 million salary reflects his status as the face of the Golden State Warriors and arguably the greatest shooter in basketball history.

Curry’s financial dominance mirrors his on-court impact. Over the past decade, he has revolutionized the way basketball is played with his deep-range shooting and offensive gravity. The Warriors have built their entire system around his skill set, which justifies the massive salary. Even late in his career, he remains one of the most marketable and influential players in the sport.

3. Joel Embiid — $55,224,526

Philadelphia 76ers center/forward Joel Embiid (21) in the first half against the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

Joel Embiid’s contract places him among the top earners in the NBA. As the centerpiece of the Philadelphia 76ers, his salary reflects both his production and MVP-level dominance.

Embiid has become one of the most unstoppable centers in modern basketball. With elite scoring, rim protection, and physical dominance, he carries enormous responsibility for Philadelphia’s championship aspirations. His contract shows how valuable dominant big men still are when they combine skill with size. When healthy, he remains one of the most impactful players in the entire league.

4. Nikola Jokić — $55,224,526

Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) warms up before the game against the Boston Celtics at Ball Arena. Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-Imagn Images

Nikola Jokić earns the same salary as Embiid in 2026. The Denver Nuggets superstar has established himself as one of the most unique players in NBA history.

Unlike traditional centers, Jokić runs the offense as a playmaking hub. His elite passing, scoring efficiency, and basketball IQ make him the engine behind Denver’s success. Multiple MVP awards and a championship run cemented his value to the franchise. His contract represents the modern NBA’s willingness to pay generational talents at historically high levels.

5. Jared Goff — $55,000,000

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) reacts to throwing an interception against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Credit: Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff earns $55 million in base salary for the 2026 season as part of his long-term contract extension.

Goff’s resurgence in Detroit transformed the narrative around his career. Once considered expendable after leaving the Rams, he rebuilt his reputation by leading a high-powered Lions offense. His extension reflects the massive value placed on franchise quarterbacks in today’s NFL. If Detroit continues to contend in the NFC, the investment will look even smarter.

6. Giannis Antetokounmpo — $54,126,450

Team World forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the 75th NBA All Star Game at Intuit Dome. Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to rank among the NBA’s highest earners. The Milwaukee Bucks superstar remains one of the league’s most dominant two-way players.

Giannis built his reputation on relentless athleticism, versatility, and defensive excellence. His ability to control the game on both ends of the floor makes him a perennial MVP candidate. Milwaukee’s championship run only increased his value to the franchise and the league. His salary reflects not just his production, but also his global superstar status.

7. Jimmy Butler — $54,126,450

Golden State Warriors forward Jimmy Butler III (10) against the Phoenix Suns at Mortgage Matchup Center. Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jimmy Butler earns over $54 million in 2026, placing him firmly among the NBA’s elite earners. His reputation as a playoff performer has elevated his stature throughout the league.

Butler is known for his intensity, leadership, and ability to rise to the moment in big games. Teams value players who can carry them deep into the postseason, and Butler has built his brand around that role. His contract reflects the premium placed on experienced stars who deliver under pressure. Even as he ages, his competitiveness keeps him among the game’s most respected players.

8. Anthony Davis — $54,126,450

Dallas Mavericks forward Anthony Davis (3) looks to pass against the Utah Jazz during the first half at Delta Center. Credit: Rob Gray-Imagn Images

Anthony Davis continues to command a massive salary due to his elite two-way skill set. When healthy, he remains one of the most dominant big men in the NBA.

Davis combines rim protection, rebounding, and scoring ability at a rare level. His presence alone can transform a team’s defense into one of the league’s best. Teams are willing to pay a premium for versatile big men who impact both ends of the floor. Davis’s contract reflects the value of a player who can anchor a championship-level defense.

9. Lamar Jackson — $51,250,000

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) rushes the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half at Acrisure Stadium. Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson earns over $51 million in 2026. His contract reflects his unique dual-threat abilities and MVP-level production.

Jackson revolutionized the quarterback position with his electrifying running ability. Few players can change a game with their legs the way he can while still producing elite passing numbers. Baltimore built its offense around his dynamic style, making him one of the most valuable players in the NFL. His salary highlights how rare true franchise quarterbacks have become.

10. Juan Soto — $46,875,000

New York Mets left fielder Juan Soto (22) returns to the dugout against the St. Louis Cardinals after the first inning at Roger Dean Chevrolet Stadium. Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Juan Soto rounds out the list with one of the highest salaries in Major League Baseball. His offensive production and plate discipline make him one of the sport’s most feared hitters.

Soto has built a reputation as a generational hitter with incredible patience and power. Even at a young age, he already possesses multiple All-Star selections and postseason success. Teams are willing to pay enormous salaries for elite offensive talent, especially players who can anchor a lineup for years. His contract reflects the growing financial power of MLB’s biggest stars.

Conclusion

The biggest salaries across the NBA, NFL, and MLB in 2026 demonstrate how dramatically the economics of professional sports have grown. Elite players are no longer just athletes—they are global brands whose influence extends far beyond the field or court. Record-breaking deals for stars like Ohtani, Curry, and Jackson highlight the premium teams place on transformative talent and leadership. As league revenues continue to climb through media rights, global audiences, and sponsorships, the financial ceiling for superstar athletes will likely keep rising. In many ways, these salaries tell the story of modern sports itself: a blend of competition, entertainment, and massive business opportunity.

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