Steph Curry, the Golden State Warriors superstar who pocketed roughly $62 million in salary this season—making him the highest-paid player in the NBA—has a hot take that's stirring up the sports world: he believes NBA players are underpaid.
In a recent interview with Front Office Sports, Curry didn't mince words. He argued that because players don't get a slice of the equity or revenue sharing pie like team owners do, their compensation doesn't reflect the value they bring to the franchise. “Yes, we are underpaid,” he stated firmly.
It's a bold claim from a guy who's already at the top of the earnings pyramid. At least 15 NBA players pulled in $50 million or more during the 2025-26 season, so Curry's argument isn't about scraping by—it's about ownership stake and long-term wealth building.
Curry's logic isn't without merit. Stars like him and LeBron James have transformed their teams into global brands. The Warriors' valuation skyrocketed during Curry's tenure, and he's arguably the face of the franchise. Shouldn't he get a piece of that growth? Some fans agree, with one writing, “Look at the valuation increase of the Warriors before and after Steph. Yes he's underpaid.”
But the backlash has been fierce. Many fans argue that teachers, doctors, military personnel, police, and firefighters are the ones truly underpaid. “Teachers Doctors Military Police Fire Fighters or a regular worker is underpaid. He makes over 80 million a year it's Sad he thinks this way,” one user posted. Another added, “This is where lose me… you know who is underpaid ? Those working behind the scenes that you don't recognize.”
The debate has also drawn comparisons to other sports. In a world where College Football Fans Sound Alarm as $50 Million Rosters Loom, the conversation about athlete compensation is heating up across the board. Meanwhile, Kelsey Plum's Tax Blunder Exposes Millionaire Myth in WNBA Contract Drama shows that even in leagues with lower salaries, the issue of fair pay is complex.
Even Curry's own fans have mixed feelings. One commenter noted, “No Steph maybe you are underpaid as a superstar but them other tier dudes lol.” That sentiment captures a key nuance: while elite players might have a case, the argument gets murkier for role players and benchwarmers.
Curry's comments come at a time when sports media is buzzing with hot takes. Sports Media Roasts Stephen A. Smith and Skip Bayless' 'Hot Take' Reunion on First Take, and the debate over player pay is just another flashpoint. The NBA's revenue sharing model is a complex beast, and Curry's call for equity could spark a larger conversation about how players are compensated beyond their base salaries.
So, are NBA players underpaid? It depends on who you ask. For fans who see essential workers struggling, it's a hard sell. But for those who watch the billions flow into team coffers, Curry's point about ownership might just be the start of a bigger shift in sports economics.
