Here’s Why Steph Curry Thinks NBA Players Are Underpaid

The alluring world of professional sports is one of the most profitable industries in the globe, and its athletes are often paid handsomely for their contributions. Stephen Curry, however, feels NBA players could be getting even more money annually and certain rules regarding equity that are in place are hindering from them from getting a chance to receive it.

In a rare off-season interview with Complex, host Speedy Morman asked the 4x NBA champion if he thinks NBA athletes are underpaid. “I think, because of the way the CBA is structured right now, we can’t participate in equity,” Curry answered. “And that’s a big deal because, it is a partnership with ownership. It’s a partnership with the league, and we’re on a short-term of that revenue.”

He continued, “Those numbers sound crazy, but what the league is doing from whatever area you want to compare it to, to now is, probably 10x that. So like, the idea that we can’t participate in equity while we’re playing is part of why I would say yes, we are underpaid, ’cause you want to be able to participate in that. ”

It’s no secret that NBA players receive relatively hefty salaries. In August 2024, the Golden State Warriors signed their superstar guard to a one-year extension for $62.6 million, his agent, Jeff Austin of Octagon, told ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. This move keeps Curry under contract with his longtime team through the 2026-27 season.

Also recently, Oklahoma City Thunder guard and NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander agreed to a four-year, $285 million contract extension on earlier this summer, making his average salary a $71.3 million per season when the deal goes into effect in the 2027-28 season, per Yahoo Sports.

The father of four wrapped up his thoughts by acknowledging how fortunate athletes are to be earning money doing what they love, but he hopes adjustments are made in the near future. “I know we’re blessed to be in a position where we’re playing basketball for a living, and these are the type of checks that people are earning. And I think it’s all deserved. Hopefully sooner than later, those rules change a little bit so that players can participate more in the upside of team equity, the league, evaluations, and all that type of stuff. Just ’cause I think we deserve it,” he said.

Although Curry’s sentiments were well-intentioned, they drew mixed responses on social media. Many people agreed athletes deserve more for the value they bring to the league, while others reasoned their salaries are “astronomical” enough and asking for even more cash is “out of touch.”

“The warriors were worth 315 million before they drafted him. They’re now worth 9 billion dollars. He should definitely have equity,” one top comment read under Complex’s IG reel. Another person questioned, “What happens when you give a player equity in the team, and then they get traded? You gotta pay these dudes with a stake of every team?” One person added, “Technically they are underpaid, yes. Morally they are massively overpaid, as are the owners and media companies cutting the rights checks.”

Elsewhere in the conversation, Curry spoke about retirement, his relationship with Drake, Klay Thompson, and more.

View the referenced portion above and the full interview below.