Team USA’s NBA Earnings Soar Above Rivals

Basketball billionaire LeBron James is set to lead the U.S. men’s basketball team in a highly anticipated Olympic matchup against South Sudan on Wednesday. This game, part of the 5×5 group stage, is a crucial test for Team USA as it competes in Group C of the 2024 Paris Olympics. The U.S. team, which includes notable players such as James and Stephen Curry, stands out not only for its star power but also for its unprecedented career earnings in the NBA, far surpassing those of its group rivals—Puerto Rico, Serbia, and South Sudan.

The U.S. men’s basketball team boasts a collective career earnings total of $2.5 billion from the NBA. This amount is a staggering seven times greater than the combined total earnings of the other three teams in Group C. LeBron James, with a remarkable $479.5 million earned over his 21-year career, leads this impressive tally. Kevin Durant follows as the second-highest earner with $396.7 million, according to data from Spotrac. The team’s formidable financial achievements underscore its dominance and set a high bar for the competition.

South Sudan, making its debut in Olympic basketball this year, features players like former Memphis Grizzlies forward Wenyen Gabriel and forward JT Thor, who has played for the Charlotte Hornets over the past three seasons. Despite its new presence on the Olympic stage, South Sudan has accumulated $11 million in NBA earnings, largely thanks to these players’ contributions. This debut represents a significant milestone for the team and adds to the excitement surrounding their performance.

Puerto Rico’s performance in the Olympics has been notable, with Jose Alvarado, the current point guard for the New Orleans Pelicans, making a strong impression in the team’s opener against South Sudan. Alvarado scored 26 points, showcasing his skill and potential. Additionally, Davon Reed, who played in the NBA’s minor league and now serves as a guard for the Memphis Hustle, has contributed to Puerto Rico’s total NBA earnings of $9 million. Their combined efforts highlight Puerto Rico’s competitive edge and their capability to challenge their opponents in the group stage.

Serbia’s roster includes Nikola Jokic, a six-time NBA All-Star and three-time MVP, who currently plays as the center for the Denver Nuggets. Jokic has earned approximately $200 million to date, which constitutes the majority of Serbia’s total NBA earnings of $315 million. His presence on the team significantly bolsters Serbia’s competitive position and adds a high level of talent to their roster.

In their first Olympic basketball game, South Sudan defeated Puerto Rico, with Carlik Jones receiving praise for his standout performance. South Sudan will face Team USA on Wednesday, following a narrow exhibition loss to the U.S. earlier this month. In that closely contested match, LeBron James led a dramatic comeback, scoring 23 points and securing a one-point victory for the U.S. team. This upcoming game promises to be a thrilling encounter, reflecting the high stakes and intense competition of the Olympic basketball tournament.

The men’s 5×5 basketball event at the Olympics features 12 teams, which are divided into three groups of four. Group A consists of Australia, Canada, Greece, and Spain, while Group B includes Germany, France, Brazil, and Japan. The structure of the tournament ensures a diverse range of teams and a competitive atmosphere throughout the group stages.

LeBron James not only leads in career NBA earnings but also stands out in terms of personal wealth. His estimated net worth of $1.2 billion makes him the first active NBA player to reach billionaire status, further underscoring his remarkable success both on and off the court.

For a detailed comparison of career NBA earnings among Group C teams (source: Spotrac):