After the impact of COVID, the highest salaries in EuroLeague remained around the €2 million mark for a while. However, that situation has dramatically changed in recent times, with clubs paying substantial amounts to their newly acquired players this summer.
Despite the introduction of a new “luxury tax” in EuroLeague, there is still no cap on the amount clubs can spend on player salaries. While the new tax rules will make it more challenging for clubs to hand out massive contracts, they are still free to pay as much as they like. They will just have to pay the league an extra tax, known as ‘CBS,’ for exceeding the limit.
Though this might seem financially unwise, European basketball has always been a unique environment where traditional business principles don’t necessarily apply.
That said, it’s entirely normal for player salaries to rise, especially when NBA salaries are reaching new heights every year. The increase in salaries globally makes perfect sense.
This year, the threshold to be among the top 10 earners in EuroLeague has exceeded $2 million. For the first time in years, numerous players are earning above this mark.
One other factor is taxes, as each European country has different tax laws affecting clubs. In this list, we’ve excluded taxes and focused on players’ net annual earnings.
NOTE: The salaries listed below are not officially confirmed by the clubs. With EuroLeague’s evolving Financial Fair Play regulations, it’s still uncertain whether clubs will officially disclose player salaries in the future.
- Sasha Vezenkov – $4.1M (Olympiakos)
Returning to Olympiakos from the NBA, Sasha Vezenkov has re-entered EuroLeague as one of the highest-paid players. He could have earned a similar amount in the NBA but chose to stay in Europe. Had money been his sole motivation, he could have earned even more. - Shane Larkin – $3.7M (Anadolu Efes)
Shane Larkin holds the second spot. After signing a four-year extension with Anadolu Efes this summer, Larkin remains one of the top earners in European basketball. Although his previous contract paid him $4 million per year, his new deal has kept him near the top. - Mike James – $3M (AS Monaco)
Things get complicated here. Mike James’ new three-year contract with AS Monaco will reportedly pay him $9 million. However, due to Monaco’s tax laws, where athletes pay taxes themselves, James’ net salary will be closer to $2.2 million after taxes. - Kostas Sloukas – $2.8M (Panathinaikos)
The Final Four MVP from last season, Kostas Sloukas, continues with his high-paying contract with Panathinaikos, remaining one of the top-paid Greek players in EuroLeague history. - Walter Tavares – $2.7M (Real Madrid)
Another complicated situation. Walter Tavares’ previous deal with Real Madrid paid him $3 million per year, but high tax rates in Spain reduced his net income. This summer, Tavares signed a five-year, €20 million contract, raising his salary to $2.7 million annually. - Kevin Punter – $2.6M (Barcelona)
Kevin Punter, who earned $2.6 million with Partizan last season, secured the same salary at Barcelona, maintaining his position among the top 10 highest-paid players.
7-8. Kendrick Nunn – $2.5M (Panathinaikos)
Kendrick Nunn signed a two-year deal worth $5 million with Panathinaikos, making him one of the best value-for-money signings this season.
7-8. Nikola Mirotic – $2.5M (Olimpia Milano)
Nikola Mirotic continues to earn $2.5 million annually at Olimpia Milano, even after departing from Barcelona, where he was also receiving significant payments.
- Darius Thompson – $2.3M (Anadolu Efes)
Despite signing a significant contract with Anadolu Efes, Darius Thompson still has a lot to prove on the court.
10-14. Nigel Hayes-Davis – $2.2M (Fenerbahçe Beko)
After an outstanding season, Nigel Hayes-Davis makes his debut among the top 10 highest-paid EuroLeague players.
10-14. Vincent Poirier – $2.2M (Anadolu Efes)
Recently joining Anadolu Efes from Real Madrid, Vincent Poirier earns the same salary, placing him in the top earners’ list.
10-14. Evan Fournier – $2.2M (Olympiakos)
After leaving the NBA for Olympiakos, Evan Fournier instantly became one of EuroLeague’s top-paid players.
10-14. Willy Hernangomez – $2.2M (Barcelona)
Willy Hernangomez, who signed a three-year deal with Barcelona, remains the highest-paid Spanish player in EuroLeague.
Other Notables:
- Toko Shengelia (Virtus Bologna) and Juancho Hernangomez (Panathinaikos) each earn $2.1 million, narrowly missing the top 10.
- Markus Howard (Baskonia) also came close with his $2 million salary.
Notably, not all NBA imports are among the top earners. Cedi Osman (Panathinaikos), Jordan Nwora, and Stanley Johnson (both at Anadolu Efes) are earning significantly less.
Another name worth mentioning is Mario Hezonja, who extended his contract with Real Madrid for €3.5 million gross, putting him near the top of this list.
