Key Points:
- Cameroonian NBA star Joel Embiid ranks 30th globally among highest-paid athletes, raking in $57.7 million
- Embiid’s earnings reflect a 13% surge in athlete income, with on-court earnings leading the way.
- Embiid’s brand extends beyond the court with endorsements and a new Skechers deal, solidifying his global reach.
Cameroonian-American NBA star Joel Embiid has cemented his status as a global icon, joining the ranks of the world’s elite athletes. According to Forbes, Embiid raked in a cool $57.7 million over the past twelve months, ranking 30th among the world’s highest-paid athletes.
The 29-year-old’s significant earnings stem from a lucrative NBA contract. He secured his future with the Philadelphia 76ers with a five-year, $178 million deal (including incentives), followed by a four-year, $196 million extension in August 2021. This not only amplified his earnings but also made him an attractive partner for brands seeking global expansion.
Renowned for his on-court skills and talent, Embiid clinched the 2022-23 Kia NBA Most Valuable Player award, becoming the second African-born winner after Nigerian-American Hakeem Olajuwon. His financial success is further bolstered by HBSE, co-owned by American investors Josh Harris and David Blitzer.
Echoing a global trend
Joel Embiid’s financial success exemplifies the global surge in athlete earnings. The world’s 50 highest-paid athletes collectively raked in an estimated $3.88 billion over the past year before taxes and fees, a significant 13 percent increase from the prior year’s record.
On-field earnings (salaries, bonuses, and prize money) accounted for roughly 76 percent of the total, or $2.94 billion. The remaining 24 percent, or $936 million, stemmed from endorsements, appearances, licensing and memorabilia income, and other business ventures – a 13 percent year-over-year decline from $1.08 billion.
Embiid’s earnings mirrored this trend. His on-field income reached a substantial $47.7 million, while endorsements and other ventures contributed an additional $10 million. This solidifies his position as the third-highest-paid African athlete.
Expanding his brand beyond the court
Joel Embiid, a seven-time NBA All-Star who began playing at 15, further expanded his brand in April 2024 by signing a multi-year sneaker deal with Skechers, transitioning from his previous partnership with Under Armour, where he even had a signature shoe.
His talent and global appeal have attracted lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Hulu and KIA Motors. These partnerships showcase Embiid’s ability to leverage his American-backed success into a global brand, generating significant revenue streams independent of his NBA salary.
Beyond his financial success, Embiid is committed to giving back. In March 2020, he donated $500,000 to coronavirus relief efforts, followed by an additional six-figure contribution for antibody tests for healthcare workers, demonstrating his commitment to philanthropy.
Joel Embiid’s financial success is a beacon for aspiring athletes, especially in Africa, cementing his status as a global icon and financial powerhouse. His career showcases how athletic talent, strategic partnerships, and American investment can drive global brand development.
