LeBron James Net Worth in 2016 vs. 2015: Cavaliers Star's Earnings Soar to $77M - Free Agency Leading to a Higher Salary?
Cleveland Cavaliers star LeBron James is not only this season's NBA Finals MVP—he is also the richest NBA player of 2016. The 31-year-old power forward improved his earnings from $65 million in 2015 to a whopping 77 million this year.
LeBron James Is the Highest-Paid NBA Player for 2016
According to the annual list of the "World's Highest-Paid Celebrities" released by Forbes on Monday, LeBron James earned $23.2 million in salary and bonuses from the Cleveland Cavaliers. In addition, he raked $54 million in endorsements, making him the richest NBA player this year. Among other celebrities in the world, James climbed in the list from the no. 18 ranking in 2015 to no. 11 this year.
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The NBA Finals MVP's improved earnings could be attributed not only to his NBA salary but also to his growing endorsement deals. These include Beats by Dre, Coca-Cola (Sprite) and Kia.
James also has a lifetime endorsement with Nike that was estimated to be worth over $1 billion. He also owns 11 franchises of the restaurant chain Blake Pizza, operating in Chicago and Florida.
But Cleveland reported that Forbes' estimate may not be accurate because it did not include James' earnings in Hollywood. The basketball superstar is the owner of SpringHill Entertainment, which has been producing TV shows for several networks in the United States. It has also inked a content deal with Warner Bros.
James is presently an NBA free agent, but fans are expecting that he will sign a new contract with the Cleveland Cavaliers at a higher annual salary. Analysts estimated that James' new contract with the Cavs will be over $27.5 million per season.
LeBron James Is the World's Third-Highest Earning Athlete
In the list of the world's richest athletes, James settled in for the third spot. Football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo of Real Madrid led the list, raking $88 million in salary, winnings and endorsements. Ronaldo's ultimate rival, soccer superstar Lionel Messi of Barcelona, ranked second with earnings and endorsements worth $81.4 million.
NBA stars Kevin Durant and Kobe Bryant also made it to Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid celebrities. Durant ranked 26th with $56 million earnings, while Bryant, who retired this year, ranked 43rd after making 50 million.
The highest-paid NBA stars also include Derrick Rose ($34 million), James Harden ($33 million), Dwyane Wade ($32 M) and Carmelo Anthony ($31 M). Pop superstar and songwriter Taylor Swift topped the overall categories in the list with $170 million earnings from touring record and endorsement deals.
