Stephen Curry has long been one of the NBA’s most accomplished stars. A two-time MVP, four-time champion, and 11-time All-NBA selection, Curry has also led the league in earnings during the course of his career. The Golden State Warriors guard, who became the first NBA player to sign a $60 million-per-season deal, remains under contract running through the 2026-27 campaign—making him one of the league’s highest-paid players.
Despite his success on and off the court, Curry recently raised a debate around player compensation. In a conversation on 360 with Speedy, Curry argued that NBA players are underpaid when compared to the equity growth of franchises.
He emphasized that ownership stakes or equity involvement could better motivate players to grow the league. Curry added that current restrictions make the situation "murky," as salary cap rules and competitive balance provisions limit such opportunities.
Amid the ongoing conversation, Boston Celtics star Jaylen Brown made his opinion on the situation clear. Like Curry, Brown is also signed to a mega deal, after inking a five-year, $304 million contract in 2023, one of the richest in NBA history. After Curry’s remarks circulated online, the four-time NBA All-Star took to his Instagram stories to endorse his stance with the caption:
“He’s right ”
These remarks have pushed discussions about the NBA’s Collective Bargaining Agreement back into the spotlight. Current rules limit player involvement in franchise ownership or revenue beyond salaries and bonuses. The league’s most recent CBA established a “second apron” threshold and tighter penalties for teams that exceed financial limits—restrictions Curry implies help owners more than the players whose labor builds team value.
The next opportunity to address those issues won’t come until 2029, when the current CBA expires. Whether Curry’s stance prompts formal changes remains to be seen. But with prominent voices like his and Brown’s speaking out, pressure may continue to build for a more modern compensation model that gives players a stake in the business they help build.
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