As a new social media trend declares "2026 is the new 2016," looking back a decade reveals astonishing transformations, especially in sports. One of the most remarkable career and financial journeys belongs to NBA superstar Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors. From 2016 to 2026, his net worth has undergone a seismic shift, moving from a two-digit million figure to a staggering three-digit million fortune.
Stephen Curry's Financial Foundation in 2016
Drafted by the Golden State Warriors as the 7th overall pick in 2009, Stephen Curry had already built a substantial financial portfolio by 2016. His earnings were anchored by two key NBA contracts. His rookie deal, signed in 2009, was a 3-year agreement worth $12.7 million. This was followed by a significant rookie extension in 2013, a 3-year contract valued at $44 million.
By 2016, his total career earnings from salary alone amounted to approximately $56 million. However, his wealth was not limited to the basketball court. Endorsement deals with major brands like Under Armour and Foot Locker, alongside partnerships with Apple, Muscle Milk, Burger King, Capri Sun, and Chase Bank, contributed an estimated $40 million. Additional income from merchandise sales, around $5.6 million, rounded out his financial standing. Reports indicate that Stephen Curry's net worth in 2016 was about $34.9 million.
The Meteoric Rise to a $240 Million Fortune
The decade from 2016 to 2026 witnessed Stephen Curry solidify his status as one of the highest-paid athletes globally. His net worth has catapulted to an impressive $240 million. This explosive growth is driven by a series of record-breaking contracts and expanded business ventures.
Following his 2016 extension, Curry signed a monumental maximum contract in 2017 worth $201,158,790 over five years. He made history by becoming the first NBA player to secure an average annual salary of $40 million with this deal. In 2022, he signed another maximum veteran extension for $215,353,664 across four years. His current contract for the 2025-2026 season pays him $59,606,817, pushing his average salary past the $60 million mark. His total career earnings are projected to surpass $500 million by the season's end.
Beyond the Court: Brand Empire and Business Acumen
Stephen Curry's financial portfolio extends far beyond his NBA salary. His brand endorsement value has skyrocketed, now earning him an estimated $40 to $50 million annually from partnerships alone. He has lucrative deals with giants like Nike and TCL for their "Palm" phone line.
Perhaps more significantly, Curry has built a formidable business empire through his collective, Thirty Ink. This umbrella organization houses his diverse ventures, including the Curry Academy, Gentleman’s Cut barbershop, the Under Rated golf brand, and Unanimous Media. He has also entered the consumer goods space by co-founding PLEZi Nutrition, which offers hydration drinks. These strategic moves have diversified his income and cemented his financial legacy.
The journey from a net worth of $34.9 million in 2016 to $240 million in 2026 underscores Stephen Curry's unparalleled impact on and off the court. Through historic contracts, savvy brand partnerships, and entrepreneurial spirit, he has redefined what financial success looks like for a modern athlete.
