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via Imago

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via Imago

From being a lesser-known first-round pick to making headlines off the court, Ben Sheppard is quickly turning into one of the Indiana Pacers’ most intriguing young talents. After wrapping up his rookie season, Sheppard has already grabbed the attention of sneaker giant Nike, scoring a multi-year shoe deal that’s made fans curious about his financial rise. Though he played a limited on-court role in his debut year, his marketability and future potential are making waves in NBA circles.

Still just 23, the Atlanta native is slowly carving out his place in a competitive Pacers backcourt. While his stats might not leap off the page just yet, Sheppard’s bank account is growing thanks to a guaranteed NBA contract and endorsement deals. So how much is Ben Sheppard really worth in 2025? Let’s break down his net worth, contract, salary, endorsements, and the career journey that’s brought him to this point.

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What is Ben Sheppard’s Net Worth?

He may not be one of the biggest names in the league, yet; but Ben Sheppard’s net worth in 2025 is estimated at around $5 to $6 million. That’s a solid number for someone barely two years into his NBA career. Most of that comes from his rookie contract with the Pacers, which is fully guaranteed. For a 23-year-old still carving out his role in a loaded Indiana backcourt, that’s impressive.

But here’s where things get interesting; Sheppard’s stock is quietly rising. Off the court, he’s already signed a multi-year endorsement deal with Nike. It’s not every day that a bench player with under six points per game gets noticed by a global brand. While details of the deal haven’t surfaced, these kinds of partnerships often include performance incentives and media appearances, all of which add to his growing worth.

So, while Sheppard’s game is still developing, his finances are already looking sharp. He’s set up nicely for the future, and if he manages to grab a consistent role in Indiana’s rotation, that net worth figure could shoot up quickly. Sometimes, it’s not just about where you are; it’s about the direction you’re heading.

Ben Sheppard’s Contract Breakdown

When Ben Sheppard signed with the Pacers in 2023, he inked a 4-year, $13 million rookie contract that’s fully guaranteed. No tricky clauses, no team options; just straightforward security for a player drafted 26th overall. That’s a huge deal for a guy trying to find his footing in the NBA. It means whether he plays big minutes or rides the bench, that money’s coming his way.

The average annual salary on his deal sits at just over $3.2 million. But the real story? The Pacers clearly see long-term potential. They locked him in using the rookie-scale exception, showing early belief in what he could bring to the team. He’s not just filler on the bench; he’s a project they’re invested in.

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Is Ben Sheppard the NBA's next big underdog story, or just another flash in the pan?

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And let’s be honest: in today’s league, where cap space is gold, a player like Sheppard on a team-friendly deal is a win. If he pops even a little, the Pacers look smart. And if he doesn’t? They still get a high-character guard with upside, locked in at a fair price. That’s a front-office dream.

What is Ben Sheppard’s Salary?

For the 2024–25 season, Ben Sheppard is earning a base salary of $2,663,880. Again, not bad for a sophomore who’s still fighting for minutes in a crowded Pacers backcourt. It’s a bump from his rookie-year salary, and it’s set to go up again in 2025–26. The best part? Every penny is guaranteed.

In a league filled with short-term deals and non-guaranteed contracts, Sheppard’s setup is a rare kind of security. He’s not in a rush. He doesn’t have to force anything. That gives him room to grow, take risks, and figure out his game without worrying about job security. For a young guard still adjusting to the NBA pace, that’s a big deal.

And sure, he’s not pulling in All-Star money. But this is just the beginning. If he takes a leap; if he starts knocking down threes more consistently or becomes a defensive pest, his next contract could be way bigger. For now, he’s in a good spot: paid, protected, and positioned to surprise people.

Ben Sheppard’s Career Earnings

So far, Ben Sheppard has pocketed about $5.4 million in NBA salary. That’s just from his first two years, and with his rookie contract locked in, he’s set to make over $13 million by the time 2026 rolls around. Not bad for a guy who’s only started a handful of NBA games.

It’s easy to forget how few players even make it this far. Lots of late-first-round picks flame out or bounce between the G League and overseas. Sheppard? He’s already ahead of that curve. He’s got a guaranteed bag, a high-profile shoe deal, and a spot on one of the most exciting young teams in the league.

Even if he stays a role player, that’s a sustainable career path. But if he grows into something more, say, a sixth man or a sharpshooting rotation guard, his next payday could be a serious upgrade. Right now, Sheppard’s setting the stage for long-term success, and his bank account is already proof of that.

Ben Sheppard’s College and Professional Career

Before the bright lights of the NBA, Ben Sheppard made his name at Belmont, where he blossomed into a scoring threat and defensive stopper. His senior season turned heads; he averaged nearly 19 points per game and proved he could lead a team. That performance helped him sneak into the first round of the 2023 NBA Draft, where the Pacers snatched him up at No. 26.

Fast forward to his rookie year, and Sheppard played in 57 games but started just one. His averages weren’t jaw-dropping (4.4 points, 1.6 rebounds), but he showed flashes. Whether it was hustling on defense or knocking down open looks, he slowly earned trust in limited minutes. And in the playoffs? He even cracked the starting lineup twice. Not bad for a supposed deep bench guy.

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This past summer, Sheppard went back to work. He played in the 2024 Summer League and spoke openly about wanting to be more aggressive. The Pacers want him shooting more, playing faster, and trusting his instincts. If he keeps trending up, Indiana might’ve gotten a late-first-round steal after all.

What are the brands endorsed by Ben Sheppard?

Here’s the big headline: Ben Sheppard signed a multi-year shoe deal with Nike. That’s right: Nike. Not every rookie gets that kind of nod from the industry giant, but Sheppard’s hard work and potential clearly caught their eye. The exact numbers aren’t public, but for a second-year guard still finding his NBA rhythm, it’s a major win.

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This deal isn’t just about shoes; it’s about visibility. Nike doesn’t throw contracts at just anyone. They’re betting on Sheppard’s rise, on his style of play, his marketability, and the belief that he could develop into something special. It’s a stamp of approval and a sign that brands are paying attention to what’s happening in Indiana.

He’s not the only Pacer landing endorsement deals (Haliburton just partnered with Movado), but Sheppard might be the most surprising. And that’s exactly what makes his story so exciting. He’s flying under the radar, but not for long. With Nike in his corner, his name is going to keep popping up both on the court and on store shelves.

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