African basketball players have transitioned from overlooked prospects to global superstars, securing multimillion-dollar NBA contracts and lucrative endorsement deals. This transformation underscores the increasing influence of African talent in the world of basketball. In 2025, several players of Nigerian heritage stand out not only for their performance on the court but also for their significant financial success.
The Miami Heat have a strong Nigerian presence along their roster, which may extend all the way to the Nigerian National Team and then the Olympics. The substantial number of Nigerians playing in the league is a byproduct of the NBA’s effort to expand its product across Africa.
Top 10 Highest-Paid African Basketball Players in 2025
Here’s a detailed look at the top 10 highest-paid African basketball players in 2025, including their salaries, endorsement deals, and inspiring stories.
1. Joel Embiid ($55.2M) - Philadelphia 76ers
Joel Embiid, born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, leads the list with an impressive $55.2 million. His journey from a soccer prospect to NBA MVP is remarkable. Embiid earns close to $60 million a year off the court through endorsement deals with Nike, Skechers, and Under Armour.
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2. Giannis Antetokounmpo ($54.1M) - Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis Antetokounmpo, the "Greek Freak," comes in second with $54.1 million. Despite being born in Greece, he proudly represents his Nigerian heritage. His earnings include $40 million from endorsements, including a lifetime Nike deal.
3. Pascal Siakam ($45.6M) - Indiana Pacers
Pascal Siakam, born in Douala, Cameroon, earns $45.6 million. His two-way game and postseason exploits highlight his value to the Indiana Pacers. No current information is available on the player’s endorsement deals.
4. OG Anunoby ($39.6M) - New York Knicks
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OG Anunoby, born in London to Nigerian parents, makes $39.6 million with the New York Knicks. His outstanding wing defense and contributions to the team's perimeter lockdown justify his salary. OG Anunoby recently signed a sneaker endorsement deal with Skechers.
5. Bam Adebayo ($37.1M) - Miami Heat
Bam Adebayo, who has Nigerian ancestry from his father, earns $37.1 million with the Miami Heat. Known for his playmaking abilities, Adebayo has endorsement deals with Nike, Jordan Brand, and BodyHealth supplements.
6. Jonathan Kuminga ($22.5M) - Golden State Warriors
Jonathan Kuminga, from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, earns $22.5 million with the Golden State Warriors. Selected seventh overall in 2021, Kuminga has the potential to be a superstar. There is currently no public information about his endorsement deals.
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7. Onyeka Okongwu ($15M) - Atlanta Hawks
Onyeka Okongwu, born in Los Angeles to Nigerian parents, earns $15 million with the Atlanta Hawks. His shot-blocking and rebounding skills enhance Trae Young's offensive game. Information on his 2025 endorsement deals is not publicly available.
8. Alex Sarr ($11.8M) - Washington Wizards
Alex Sarr, born in Bordeaux, France, to Senegalese parents, earns $11.8 million with the Washington Wizards. His switchable defense and three-point shooting have drawn comparisons to Rudy Gobert. Information on his endorsement deals is currently unavailable.
9. Khaman Maluach ($6M) - Phoenix Suns
Khaman Maluach, recently selected by the Phoenix Suns, makes $6 million. Following in Bol Bol's footsteps, the South Sudanese superstar symbolizes Africa's next generation. There are no public details about specific endorsement deals for Maluach as of the time of writing.
10. Bismack Biyombo ($3.6M) - San Antonio Spurs
Bismack Biyombo rounds out the list with an income of $3.6 million. The Congolese center is known for his leadership and charitable contributions. As of the time of writing, Biyombo has no known or public endorsement deal.
Here is a table summarizing the top-paid African basketball players in the NBA for 2025:
| Rank | Player | Team | Salary (2025) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Joel Embiid | Philadelphia 76ers | $55.2M |
| 2 | Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks | $54.1M |
| 3 | Pascal Siakam | Indiana Pacers | $45.6M |
| 4 | OG Anunoby | New York Knicks | $39.6M |
| 5 | Bam Adebayo | Miami Heat | $37.1M |
| 6 | Jonathan Kuminga | Golden State Warriors | $22.5M |
| 7 | Onyeka Okongwu | Atlanta Hawks | $15M |
| 8 | Alex Sarr | Washington Wizards | $11.8M |
| 9 | Khaman Maluach | Phoenix Suns | $6M |
| 10 | Bismack Biyombo | San Antonio Spurs | $3.6M |
The Nigerian Influence: Beyond the NBA
The rise of Nigerian players in the NBA mirrors immigration patterns in America. According to the Migration Policy Institute, the Nigerian immigrant population has increased significantly since 1980. The NBA's presence in Africa, through initiatives like Basketball Without Borders and NBA Academy Africa, has further fueled this growth. Victor Williams, the CEO of NBA Africa, emphasized the remarkable impact African players are having on their teams.
The players’ shared Nigerian heritage can lead to friendships. The Nigerian players on the Bucks include brothers Giannis and Thanasis Antetokounmpo and rookie Jordan Nwora. Between the Bucks and Heat, there are nine players who were either born in Nigeria or have at least one parent who was.
Bam Adebayo: A Key Figure
Among the notable Nigerian players, Bam Adebayo stands out. Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledged the challenges of playing against Adebayo, praising his effort and competitive spirit.
“Against him it’s tough, challenging. Obviously plays with a lot of effort. He goes out there and he competes and tries to put his team and himself in a position to win,” Antetokounmpo said of Adebayo. “Going against guys like that is obviously always tough. But at the end of the day, you’ve got to love the challenge. Because that’s what basketball is about - that’s what life is about: seeing a challenge, facing the challenge and trying to overcome the challenge. Great player, great defender.
In 1984, Hakeem Olajuwon started a trend, becoming the first Nigerian- and African-born player to be drafted into the NBA, going No. 1 to the Houston Rockets. The uptick in Nigerian players in the NBA mirrors immigration patterns in America.
To go a bit deeper there though, they are only three of seven Heat players with Nigerian heritage, Bam Adebayo included. Adebayo committed to playing with Team USA in the past, with Adebayo suiting up this summer.
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The 2020 NBA Draft: A Historic Moment for Nigeria
The 2020 NBA Draft was a historic moment, featuring a record number of players of Nigerian origin. Seven players with ties to Nigeria were considered for selection, including Precious Achiuwa and Udoka Azubuike, who were both born in Nigeria.
Achiuwa said that it is a trend the current class will seek to carry on: "I think we have the opportunity to keep that legacy going, especially that Nigerian representation in the NBA."
The Miami Heat drafted Precious Achiuwa with the No. “First, I want to thank God,” Achiuwa said on a Zoom call just after his selection. “I want to thank God for putting me in this type of position where I’m playing for a great organization and able to represent not just myself, but where I’m from, my whole country behind me, my whole city. And to play for an organization like the Heat is going to be amazing.
The annual draft sees NBA teams choose from the world’s best young talent. Precious Achiuwa is the third Nigerian-born player to be drafted in the first round since 2000, while soon after Udoka Azubuike was the 4th. That was the first time that two players born in Nigeria have been picked in the first round of the same draft.
The rise of African and Nigerian players in the NBA is a testament to the growing global influence of basketball and the rich talent pool emerging from the continent. These athletes not only excel on the court but also serve as inspirations for future generations of basketball players in Africa and around the world.
