It’s no secret that pro ballers earn a lot, but who among the 2023 FIBA World Cup players have the highest paychecks?
The FIBA Basketball World Cup is a once-every-four-years opportunity for countries around the world to prove their skill at the international level. And with the prospect of bringing home a huge sense of national pride to fellow countrymen, this is an opportunity that many players are more than willing to take advantage of. As athletes have expressed time and time again, it’s an honor to represent one’s country.
This is why the world’s top professional players, even during their time off when they could be resting for another long season, give this up to compete in international tournaments. Because even though they already earn millions playing for their professional teams or clubs, to win a global competition, such as the FIBA World Cup, would be invaluable.
So, who are the players at the World Cup earning the most?
Who are the highest earners?
As you may have already guessed, the players at the 2023 FIBA World Cup who earn the most are from the NBA. But, not all the players in the top 10 represent Team USA.
Starting with the 10th-highest earner in the FIBA World Cup is home-team player himself, Jordan Clarkson. Playing for the Utah Jazz, the Gilas Pilipinas member has a $25.5 million salary — his highest thus far in his career in the NBA.
Sitting just above Clarkson in the pecking order is Canadian RJ Barrett, who earns a salary of $23.9 million from the New York Knicks. And, he is not the only representative on Team Canada who boasts a whopping salary. Sitting at fifth is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who earns $33.4 million for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and his impressive performances in the FIBA World Cup show that he is only growing as a player.
Of course, Team USA also has its representatives among highest earners at the FIBA World Cup. In fact, four of them make up the top 10. Cameron Johnson earns $24.5 million from the Brooklyn Nets, Jalen Brunson earns $26.4 million from the Knicks, and Jaren Jackson Jr. earns $27.1 million from the Memphis Grizzlies. But, the American player who boasts the biggest paycheck is Brandon Ingram, who is fourth on the list with a salary of $33.8 million from the New Orleans Pelicans.
Now, moving on the top three. Any guesses?
The top three players at the 2023 FIBA World Cup who earn the most all hail from different nations. Up in third place is the Dominican Republic’s star player, who led the country to finish the first round of the tournament at the top of Group A with three wins, is Karl Anthony-Towns. The Minnesota Timberwolves player earns a salary of $36 million.
The man in second place should be no surprise to you. Luka Doncic earns $40.1 million, as he is not only the star player of Slovenia, but is also the star player of the Dallas Mavericks. His passion for the game and for his country truly showed as he fought hard to help see Slovenia through to the quarterfinals, though they were eventually defeated by the Canadians.
And finally, the highest earning player competing at the 2023 FIBA World Cup is French star Rudy Gobert. The Minnesota Timberwolves pay him a $41 million salary, and though France did not advance past the group stage, it would be tough to devalue his worth as a player.
Banner image from FIBA Communications.
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