.svg)
By
The salaries of NBA personnel—like Athletic Trainers, coaches, and other staff—are essential to the league’s operations, but they pale in comparison to what superstars like Steph Curry make.
As one of the most recognizable players in the world and the highest-paid NBA player for the 2024-25 season, Curry's earnings highlight a dramatic disparity.
For the 2024-25 season, Curry’s salary is $55,761,216. This figure puts him nearly $4 million ahead of the league's next highest-paid players and makes him the first NBA player to surpass $60 million annually when his 2026-27 deal kicks in.
But how does Curry’s salary stack up against those behind the scenes? Here’s a breakdown:
- NBA Head Coaches earn an average of $8 million annually. Curry’s salary equals the combined pay of nearly seven head coaches.
- Assistant Head Coaches make around $1 million. Curry out-earns 55 of them combined.
- NBA General Managers earn about $2.5 million annually. Curry’s paycheck equals the salary of 22 GMs.
NBA Athletic Trainers: Crucial but Undervalued
Athletic Trainers, vital to players’ health and performance, earn a median salary of $62,000 annually.
Entry-level positions start around $47,000, while experienced trainers can make over $100,000. Even at the top of the pay scale, it would take roughly 903 Athletic Trainers to match Curry’s salary.
As most of you know, ATs don’t just wrap ankles—you manage injuries, recovery, and prevention, ensuring stars like Curry stay on the court. Despite their importance, and advanced degrees as healthcare providers, your salary options highlight the stark income gap between players and the personnel who support them.
Curry’s astronomical earnings underscore the value of star power in the NBA, but it’s a reminder of the often-overlooked contributions of those working behind the scenes.
Find out more here!
