Top 10 Athletes in Euroleague Basketball With High Salaries

The Euroleague counts as the premier tournament of European basketball. As such, there's no surprise that it features some of the best talents across the world. With the top Euroleague teams increasing their salary budget to attract the best players in the business, the finances of the Euroleague is rapidly changing.

Agreed, NBA player salaries might be higher. But in today's world, the top Euroleague payouts are closer than they have ever been. This article will take you through the top net salaries in the Euroleague. Ready? Let's get going.

The Euroleague: List of Highly Paid Basketball Players and Their Salaries

Many players grace the Euroleague. According to Ella Houghton, an avid iGaming writer, the list of players is as extensive as the number of online gambling sites worldwide. And just as there are elite players, you'll find the best online casinos for a fun-filled and rewarding gambling adventure if you look hard enough.

During the 2023-24 season, we observed that Euroleague salaries were starting to get super competitive. Teams did this to retain their elite players. As such, you'll find the top Euroleague players that average millions of Euros yearly in payouts.

These basketballers didn't just get rich by chance; rather, their dedication placed them among the top-earning basketballers in Europe.

This assertion piggies back to one popular Stephen King quote: “Talent is cheaper than table salt. What separates the talented individual from the successful one is a lot of hard work.”

And guess what? Their services are tied to the top teams. This selection includes Real Madrid, Olympiacos, Olimpia Milano, and Panathinaikos. Quickly, let's take a look at the top ten highest-paid players in the 2025 Euroleague tournament.

1. Kendrick Nunn ($4.9 Million)

Nunn joins the list of former NBA players on this list. During his stint in America's elite basketball competition, he graced the courts of NBA teams like the Los Angeles Lakers and Miami Heat. In 2025, he signed a three-year contract extension with Panathinaikos Athens worth $14.8 million. This will see him earn approximately $4.9 million each season, making him the highest top-paid player in Europe.

2. Kevin Punter ($4 Million)

Kevin Punter signed a three-year contract extension with FC Barcelona in early 2025. This deal is valued at $12 million, a figure that translates to nearly $4 million every season in wages. Punter’s payout in Barcelona is testament of his leadership qualities and scoring power. It also shows that after Greece, the players making the top salaries play for Spanish teams.

3. Edy Tavares ($4 Million)

Walter “Edy” Tavares plays for Real Madrid as a center. Back in May 2024, he signed a contract extension that'd see him in white for the next five years. There's no specific value tied to the deal; nonetheless it surpasses the $20 million mark.

His earnings on a yearly basis are within the confines of $4 million every season. As such, it's no surprise that he ranks in the top ten Euroleague salaries. His dominance on the court has catapulted Real Madrid to multiple wins.

4. Shane Larkin ($4 Million)

Coming in close second is Shane Larkin, who plies his trade for Anadolu Efes. In 2024, he got a four-year contract valued at $16 million. This will see him earn $4 million every season. Shane Larkin's one of the top Euroleague players, with his agility cementing him as one of the best point guards in the competition.

5. Sasha Vezenkov ($3.7 Million)

Olympiacos secured the services of Sasha Vezenkov with one of the most lucrative deals in Euroleague history. The ex-NBA player penned down a five-year contract valued at around $18.5 million. This comes out to a mouth-watering $3.7 million every season, making him one of the most paid basketball players outside the NBA. Vezenkov's shooting and versatility makes him perfect for every team he plays for.

6. Mike James ($3 Million)

Mike James stands out as the face of the Monaco basketball team. So, it's expected that his salary denotes that popularity. He currently earns an estimated $3 million every year, making him one of the highest-paid guards. James is a former NBA player and has been critical for his new team's drive for trophies.

7. Mario Hezonja ($3 Million)

Mario Hezonja, an ex-NBA player, is now on Real Madrid’s roster. Just last year, he signed a five-year contract extension with the team. This deal will see him net approximately $3 million each season. Hezonja’s background with the New York Knicks and Orlando Magic gave him the tools needed to succeed in Europe and become a top earner.

8. Nikola Mirotic ($2.9 Million)

Nikola Mirotic is one of the many NBA players that made their way to Europe. While here, he's played for teams like FC Barcelona and Olimpia Milano. In July 2025, he left Milano to begin a new chapter at Monaco. According to different sources, Mirotic earns approximately (2.5 million Euros or 2.9 million Dollars).

This record-breaking deal came after he won the Best Player in Europe Award in 2024. His move to the French side demonstrates the team's commitment to increase their salary budget in order to become Euroleague champions.

9. Kostas Sloukas ($2.8 Million)

Kostas Sloukas's move from Olympiacos to Panathinaikos made headlines in 2023. Why? These teams are two fierce rivals in Greek basketball. His decision didn't just raise controversy but paved the way for a seven-figure payout. He currently earns $2.8 million each season. Sloukas leading the pack with clutch performances justifies his place among the highest-paid Euroleague players.

10. Darius Thompson ($2.3 Million)

Rounding off our list is Darius Thompson. He joined Anadolu Efes in 2023 and signed a three-year deal with the Turkish side. Thompson's net earnings is estimated at $2.3 million per season.

Conclusion

Martin Luther King once said: “be the best of whatever you are.”

This article has featured 10 of the best players in the Euroleague. And guess what? Their annual salaries mimic their greatness.

The top 10 salaries in the Euroleague, as listed in this guide, confirms that the gap between NBA contracts and that of Euroleague teams is reducing. And with European basketball sides constantly looking out for the best talents, the Euroleague is primed to rival the NBA in terms of professional play.