With Combined $203,907,250 in NBA Earnings, Can USA Stars Create History at FIBA World Cup?

NBA players have taken the 2023 FIBA World Cup by storm so far. The prestigious tournament has witnessed several remarkable moments from NBA superstars, leading their respective nations to commanding positions in the tournament. However, Team USA has yet again emerged as the most dominant side in the tournament. With the help of their star-studded roster, Team USA looks like the strongest contenders for the prestigious gold medal. However, these emerging talents may not just win the coveted title, but also mark a significant moment in history.

Team USA stunned the world when they announced their young roster for the 2023 FIBA World Cup. They named some high-profile talents in the NBA who came in fresh off of bagging the most lucrative deals of their careers so far. Their run in the tournament so far definitely makes it seem like they are worth every penny of those deals. But these contracts may also help them create history in the World Cup.

How much do the FIBA World Cup Team USA stars earn?

The young NBA stars of Team USA earn a whopping $203,907,250 in NBA earnings in just this year. The stars are not just incredibly talented athletes but also high-profile millionaires despite their young age. Although their FIBA World Cup stint will not add to their wealth directly, but the indirect income that these players may get can skyrocket their net worth this year.

Team USA’s starting power forward, Brandon Ingram is the highest-earning player on their roster currently. The New Orleans Pelicans superstar signed a whopping $158M contract extension in 2020 that will pay him $33,833,400 this year.

The 26-year-old is followed by the Memphis Grizzlies forward, Jaren Jackson Jr. who will amass a staggering $27,102,202 this year. Furthermore, Team USA’s starting point guard, Jalen Brunson, too, ranks as one of the highest earners on the roster. He commands $26,346,666 as part of his $104M contract with the New York Knicks.

Compared to other top nations in the FIBA World Cup, Team USA’s earnings dominate by a landslide. Team Canada, one of the most promising teams in the tournament so far, earns a combined $11,605,8850 in NBA earnings. Their superstar guard, Shai-Gilgeous Alexander, accounts for $33,386,850 of that number alone. Team France and Minnesota Timberwolves center Rudy Gobert will earn a staggering $41M this year. Team Slovenia’s Luka Doncic, on the other hand, will earn $40,064,220 as part of his contract with the Dallas Mavericks.

READ MORE: Who Is the Richest Player at FIBA World Cup 2023?

Team USA clearly takes a commanding lead over other nations when it comes to NBA earnings. However, they are set to make history within their country as the highest-paid roster to ever enter the FIBA World Cup. The current roster commands larger contracts than previous rosters, which even had NBA legends like Stephen Curry and Kevin Durant in their ranks.

Team USA youngsters earn more than NBA legends

The roster that represented Team USA in previous FIBA World Cup editions boasted legendary names in their ranks. Players such as James Harden, Stephen Curry, along with Kevin Durant all featured on these contingents. However, their salaries still fall short of the current Team USA’s staggering sum.

Kevin Durant represented Team USA in their World Cup-winning campaign in 2010. The Slim Reaper ended up winning the MVP award in the tournament as well. However, the current Phoenix Suns forward only had an average salary of $4,876,446 back then. In 2014, Team USA bagged the FIBA World Cup title yet again, carrying on their dominance. However, the 2014 World Cup MVP Kyrie Irving only earned an average salary of $5,799,503 as part of his rookie deal with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

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Even these NBA legends did not earn as much as the current Team USA stars. In fact, the teams’ combined salaries overtake 28 NBA teams’ current payrolls. Team USA could become the third highest-paid NBA team had they put up this roster in the league.

This is how the current Team USA roster is set to make history, becoming the highest-paid roster to ever enter the World Cup. Their spectacular run has so far justified their extravagant wages. However, with Round 2 of the tournament coming up, the team will have to live up to the mounting expectations.