Superstar's sky-high contract: Doncic is expected to become the NBA's first "Mr. $1 billion"
The light on the basketball court is dazzling, and the numbers off the court are equally staggering. Recently, the NBA's broadcast contract has once again set a new record, and a sky-high agreement of up to $76 billion will completely change the league's wealth landscape. In this money feast, young Slovenia talent Luka · Doncic is undoubtedly one of the biggest winners.
With the new broadcast contract in place, the salary level of NBA players will usher in an unprecedented skyrocket. Some experts predict that by 2033, the annual salary of the league's top stars could exceed the $100 million mark. Against this backdrop, Doncic's future earnings are jaw-dropping. Currently, the Mavericks' core player has signed a five-year, $215 million contract. But that's just the beginning, the real feast of wealth is yet to come.
In 2025, Doncic will be eligible for the so-called "supergiant contract," a five-year deal that could be as high as $346 million. If he can continue to perform well, he is expected to surpass the $1 billion mark in career gross by the time he retires. What does this number mean? It will allow Doncic to surpass basketball legends such as Michael· Jordan and LeBron · James as the first "Mr. $1 billion" in NBA history.
For this astonishing prediction, Lakers legend Shaquille · O'Neal couldn't help but express his opinion. The former "Big Shark" said on a podcast: "I've heard that Luca could one day become the first Mr. $1 billion in history. Honestly, I'm happy for him because he really deserves every penny. "
However, O'Neill immediately fell into memories of his youth: "You know what? At my age, if I could make $8 million in the next 10 years, I would be satisfied. At that time, I would be able to buy a Mercedes or a Chevrolet and a house for my mother. But man, we're talking about a billion dollars!"
O'Neal's emotion illustrates the astonishing speed at which times have changed in the NBA. At his peak, a contract with an annual salary of several million dollars was enough to be enviable. And now, a new generation of stars like Doncic is poised to amass a ten-figure fortune in their careers. This gap not only reflects the rapid growth of the league's commercial value, but also reflects the dramatic changes in the system of evaluating the market value of players.
In the face of such an astronomical salary, the reactions of netizens can be described as varied. Someone joked: "East 77's floor flow style is not easy to get injured, and it is really possible to achieve this goal." Someone else joked about the "three things" that O'Neill mentioned: "training, smoking hookah, and a few other things." Obviously, this mysterious "other thing" has sparked a lot of reverie and jokes.
However, in addition to the joyful ridicule, some fans also expressed deeper thoughts. Someone pointed out: "If Ao Fat was born in this era, the top three salaries in the league would definitely not be able to run." Another netizen sighed: "The peak of sharks is now, a small goal a year is not too much." These comments reflect people's concern and thinking about the changes in the NBA's salary structure.
However, the impact of great wealth on young players has also raised some concerns. Will becoming a billionaire overnight affect their career and attitude towards life? Is the money really worth it? Will the rapid rise in NBA salaries create new challenges for the league?
Some experts believe that the soaring salary may exacerbate the gap between the rich and the poor between the teams and affect the overall competitive balance of the league. At the same time, the high salaries of the players can also trigger fan discontent, especially in times of economic downturn. How to balance the value of players, the interests of the team and the feelings of fans will be a big problem for NBA management.
Still, Doncic's future is exciting. At just 24 years old, the star has already shown exceptional talent and potential. If he can continue to play at a high level, he will not only be expected to set a record of wealth, but also leave a legacy of his own on the court.
The NBA's salary path has been a thrilling roller coaster, from a million dollars in the O'Neal era to a billion dollars today, reflecting the huge charm and commercial value of the sport. In this new era, players will not only have to sweat it out on the pitch, but also learn how to harness the wealth and fame that comes with it. For Doncic, becoming the NBA's first "Mr. $1 billion" may just be the beginning of his saga. For the league as a whole, how to find a balance between commercial success and the nature of competition will be an eternal issue.