The Average Salary Comparison
The numbers are clear: NBA players earn significantly more than their Premier League counterparts on average. The 2024-25 NBA average salary stands at approximately $11.9 million per year, while the Premier League average hovers around $4.1 million (approximately £3.3 million).
This makes the NBA the highest-paying professional sports league in the world by average player salary. The Premier League ranks third globally, behind the NBA and MLB (Major League Baseball at $4.66 million average).
Why the Disparity?
The fundamental reason is roster size. An NBA team carries just 15 players, while a Premier League squad typically includes 25+ first-team players. When league revenues are divided among fewer individuals, each player receives a larger share.
The NBA has a maximum of 450 players across its 30 teams. The Premier League, despite having 10 fewer teams (20), employs approximately 546 players. This structural difference amplifies individual salaries in basketball.
At the Top: A Different Story
When comparing the highest earners, the gap narrows but the NBA still leads. The top NBA players like Stephen Curry and LeBron James earn over $40 million per year in base salary alone, rising to $50+ million with their latest contracts.
The Premier League's highest earner, Erling Haaland at £525,000 per week (£27.3 million annually), would rank only around 35th in the NBA. Kevin De Bruyne's £400,000 weekly wage would place him between Brandon Ingram and Jayson Tatum in NBA terms.
The Impact Factor
In basketball, with only five players on court, a superstar can dominate proceedings in a way impossible in football's 11-a-side format. This concentrated impact justifies higher individual compensation – a single player can genuinely transform a franchise's fortunes.
Revenue Context
Both leagues generate enormous revenues. The Premier League's new TV deal from 2025-29 is worth £6.7 billion domestically, while the NBA's recent broadcasting agreements exceed $75 billion over 11 years. However, the NBA's player share of revenue (typically 50% under the Collective Bargaining Agreement) is more formally structured than football's market-driven approach.
The Verdict
NBA players earn more on average – roughly three times more than Premier League footballers. But when factoring in global endorsement deals, the gap narrows considerably. Cristiano Ronaldo reportedly earns $260 million annually when sponsorships are included, a figure no active NBA player matches.
The answer depends on your metric: average salary favours the NBA; total athlete earnings sees football's global reach compete effectively.
