The contract extension that truly shook hoops fans was the Warriors‘ $62.6 million deal with Stephen Curry. This deal made him the first NBA star to have signed up for $60 million in a single season! It not only secured the Splash Brother’s future but also highlighted the high stakes involved for the 3p enthusiast and Joe Lacob’s front office. Popular hoops reporter Kerith Burke re-posted an official news release that showcased that since Chase Center’s opening in 2019, it has generated $4.2 billion for the San Francisco economy!

This figure includes over $2.9 billion in direct spending and more than $1 billion in spend recirculation, driven by over 4.8 million fans attending diverse events. Both the Warriors and the community have benefitted from the arena. Burke captioned the post, “Andre Iguodala’s voice: ‘How much of this is Steph?'” which brought back many memories from within the super-team’s camp.

“With Steph, I think he’s shown – at least proven to teams that you can double him, and if you can just try to get the ball out of his hands, then I guess that’s the way to combat him,” Andre Iguodala had said about the Golden Boy. He has been vocal about Curry’s impact and character for the longest time. Throughout the years, Iguodala has defended the sharpshooter from critics and praised his contributions. Now, back to the number crunching.

The Chase Center has hosted over 400 events in its 5 years of operation. Remarkably, 200+ events were home games, making Stephen Curry a central figure in approximately 50% of the arena’s economic impact. The new building’s success was bolstered by the Warriors’ revival under his leadership. As Warriors co-owner Peter Guber highlighted, Steph’s presence gave the team “tremendous momentum” and “market awareness,” affirming that GSW was built to sustain itself and thrive in the San Francisco Bay Area.

The Warriors’ branding decision may also be influenced by Stephen Curry’s impact. If the team opts to keep the ‘Golden State’ name instead of reverting to ‘San Francisco Warriors,’ it will reflect the sharpshooter’s significant role in elevating the franchise’s profile. The name Golden State has also become synonymous with success, much like the New England Patriots in the NFL. However, as Curry’s monumental extension shapes the future of the Warriors, it also comes with strategic implications.

How will Stephen Curry’s $62.6 million deal impact the Warriors future?

Stephen Curry’s new extension with the Warriors secures his position through the 2026-2027 season, but it also brings potential challenges for the team’s future flexibility. At 36, his contract not only ensures his financial stability but also highlights his central role within the franchise. While the deal guarantees his place, even if he retires early, it could limit GSW’s ability to adapt and evolve.

This extension complies with the NBA’s Over 38 rule, which restricts contracts longer than 4 years for players who are 38 or will turn 38 during the contract’s term. Curry, who turns 38 on March 14, 2026, will be classified as 37 at the start of the 2025-2026 season, necessitating a one-year extension to adhere to the regulations.

NBA analyst Nate Duncan also drew a parallel to Kobe Bryant’s substantial contract signed late in his career. The legend’s deal, while honoring his past achievements, eventually posed strategic challenges for the Lakers, impacting their roster flexibility and financial planning. This raises concerns about whether Curry’s extension will benefit the Warriors in the long run or create similar constraints.

Despite these constraints, Steph’s focus on maximizing his current opportunity underscores his intent to solidify his legacy. The full impact of his contract will become clearer over time as the Warriors navigate these challenges, shaping their future decisions.

Feel that you can do with another update from the sport of basketball? Then do check out this recent interview with the up-and-coming Georgia Lady Bulldogs star Asia Avinger.