Stephen Curry is on the verge of making history again, this time not just for his play on the court but for the monumental contract extension he has secured with the Golden State Warriors. The one-year, $62.6 million deal that will take him through the 2026-27 season, when he turns 39, sets the stage for Curry to become the first NBA player to earn over $60 million in a single season.
Setting a New Financial Benchmark
Curry’s recent contract extension puts him on track to earn $178 million over the next three seasons, with a staggering $62.6 million salary in 2026-27. This deal makes him the highest-paid player in a single season in NBA history and reaffirms his immense value, both on and off the court. While other stars like LeBron James and Kevin Durant will also surpass the $500 million career earnings mark soon, Curry’s single-season figure stands out for its groundbreaking size.
However, despite Curry’s historic earnings, the Warriors’ championship odds paint a different picture. According to sportsbooks, Golden State is listed at +4000 to win the title, putting them outside the top five contenders. The loss of key players like Klay Thompson and Chris Paul has undoubtedly weakened their chances. Yet, for betting fans who love backing underdogs, there’s still faith in Curry. Moreover, betting fans can use the Betano promo for additional incentives while betting on the NBA.
The Warriors’ Gamble on Longevity
For the Warriors, extending Curry at such a high figure into his late 30s is a bet on his ability to stay at an elite level. Curry’s style of play, which relies on his historically unmatched shooting and basketball IQ, suggests he may age more gracefully than other superstars whose games are built around physicality. Last season, he averaged 26.4 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 6.1 assists per game, proving he's still at the top.
However, Golden State's challenge is keeping its championship window open as Curry ages. The departure of key players like Klay Thompson and Chris Paul signals a shift for the franchise, which is now attempting to surround Curry with new faces like De'Anthony Melton, Kyle Anderson, and Buddy Hield.
Financial Flexibility and the Future
Curry’s contract timing aligns with that of other key players on the Warriors’ roster. Both Draymond Green and Andrew Wiggins have player options for the 2026-27 season, meaning the Warriors have positioned themselves to reassess their future simultaneously.
At the same time, the franchise has maintained enough financial flexibility to pursue additional moves if necessary. By not locking in long-term deals beyond 2027, the Warriors have left the door open to reshape their roster around Curry for one final push or to start a new chapter if the aging core can no longer contend for titles.
The extension also raises questions about what’s next for Curry’s legacy. He has already won four NBA championships, and adding a fifth would further elevate his standing among the all-time greats. But with Thompson gone and the team in transition, it remains to be seen if Golden State can build a roster capable of contending for another championship in the highly competitive Western Conference.
For Curry, however, the extension is as much about loyalty and legacy as it is about money. He and the Warriors have long emphasized their desire for Curry to finish his career at Golden State, and this extension moves them closer to that goal.
Final Thoughts
Curry’s record-breaking contract could have ripple effects across the NBA. As the league grows financially, particularly with new media deals and international expansion, player salaries are likely to keep rising. Curry’s extension sets a new benchmark, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see other superstars pushing for similarly astronomical figures in the coming years.
In an era where player empowerment and financial leverage have become key talking points, Curry’s deal exemplifies how star athletes can command significant financial rewards well into their 30s. The $60 million milestone may soon become a target for the next generation of superstars like Luka Dončić or Jayson Tatum as they look to capitalize on the league’s growing revenue streams.