Home/NBA
feature-image

via Imago

feature-image

via Imago

Ever wondered how much an NBA athlete with All-Star appearances, 3 championships in overseas basketball, and multiple other accolades ends up making by the time he’s nearing his 50s? Well, it’s not a secret that Stephon Marbury earned hundreds of millions in basketball salaries.

However, apart from his league earnings, he also built a global brand through his basketball stint in China, endorsements, and business ventures. So let’s have a closer look at where he now stands financially and the different sources of his income.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Stephony Marbury’s net worth in 2025: How his NBA earnings and endorsement deals contributed

As of 2025, Marbury’s net worth is floating somewhere between $40 and $45 million. Yep, you read that right. Even sources like Celebrity Net Worth are clocking him in around the $40 million mark. And when you break down how he got there, it all starts with one thing: that NBA grind.

Let’s rewind a bit. Marbury played in the league for 13 seasons—long enough to collect a serious bag. In fact, according to Hoops Hype, he raked in about $151.1 million in total salary. That came from his time with the Timberwolves, Nets, Suns, Knicks, and Celtics. Just to put it in perspective, in the 2008–09 season alone (his final year with the Knicks), he pocketed $20.84 million.

Other big-money moments included a 6-year $70.9 million deal with the Nets, a 4-year extension deal with Phoenix varying from $76 million to $80 million, and later, a six-year extension through the 2008-09 season worth $104.9 million. Now, of course, after taxes, agent fees, and that high-profile lifestyle, he didn’t keep all of that. But still, it’s a massive financial foundation to work with. And here’s where it gets interesting, because Marbury didn’t just rely on that NBA cash.

article-image

via Imago

Remember the Starbury sneakers? Back in 2006, Marbury teamed up with Steve & Barry’s to release a line of super-affordable kicks. The launch price? Just $14.98. They sold like crazy—hundreds of thousands of pairs. And here’s the part? According to Sports Business Journal, the 2x All-Star took no upfront endorsement fee; instead, he earned royalties on sales. When Steve & Barry’s went under in 2009, that could’ve been the end of it—but nope, Marbury later brought Starbury back on his own.

And way before that sneaker success, he’d already made waves. In 1997, Marbury became AND1’s first NBA signee. That’s right—he was the face of their very first signature shoe, the “Stephon Marbury.”  Fast-forward to today, and Marbury’s still making moves—just in a different lane. He’s now the Chief Brand Officer for Chamelo, a German startup creating color-changing eyewear.

What’s your perspective on:

From NBA millions to Chinese basketball legend—how did Marbury pull off this transformation?

Have an interesting take?

In 2024–25, he teamed up with them again for a Porsche-branded line of driving glasses. This wasn’t your run-of-the-mill endorsement either. It was more of a business venture, showing how he’s shifted into the fashion-tech game. And there’s more. At one point, he was even considering a partnership with LaVar Ball’s Big Baller Brand for the Chinese market. Plus, he’s made the rounds at sports camps and events for paid appearances, though nothing has really matched the reach and impact of Starbury.

So, while his endorsement earnings may not match those monster NBA contracts, they’ve definitely added to the pot.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Stephon Marbury’s Chinese League (CBA) Earnings and Business Ventures

After stepping away from the NBA spotlight, Stephon Marbury didn’t just fade out—he reinvented himself, and in a big way. Taking his talents to China’s CBA, he signed high-paying contracts and became a household name overseas. Over the course of eight seasons from 2010 to 2017, Marbury suited up for teams like the Shanxi and Beijing Ducks, not only making waves but also bagging three championships along the way. And his earnings were nothing to scoff at either—reports estimate his salary climbed to around $2 million per season toward the tail end of his playing days. ESPN’s The Undefeated noted his final-year Ducks contract was slated at $2 million.

If you run the math, that puts his total CBA income in the ballpark of $14–16 million across those years. While his early days with Shanxi might’ve pulled in a bit less, the later contracts clearly bumped that average up. But Marbury’s story didn’t stop when he hung up his sneakers—he kept the momentum going with coaching and media gigs. Between 2019 and 2023, he took the reins as head coach of the Beijing Royal Fighters. While we don’t have exact figures, a peek at Glassdoor suggests CBA coaches typically earn between $100K–$200K per year.

ADVERTISEMENT

Article continues below this ad

Furthermore, even off the hardwood, Marbury had already laid the groundwork for financial success. Back in 2006, he launched his own shoe and apparel line, Starbury. The debut was electric—the initial Starbury sneaker reportedly sold 200,000 pairs in its first month. And even after retailer Steve & Barry’s shut down, Marbury didn’t let the brand die. In 2015, he brought Starbury back to life. Since then, he’s expanded its online presence and teased future retail stores, including ones in China. Though we don’t have hard numbers, the brand continues to generate income through product sales and royalties.

Now, aside from all of this, there came a bold move in 2017: Marbury became the owner of the Beijing Lions, a professional arena football team. And he has also made investments in basketball development in China, such as hosting youth clinics. While it’s hard to put a dollar figure on these efforts, they’ve definitely helped solidify his legacy and keep his brand thriving. No wonder that from multiple sources of income, supplemented by his foundation from NBA earnings, brought him to a $40 million net worth.

ADVERTISEMENT

0
  Debate

From NBA millions to Chinese basketball legend—how did Marbury pull off this transformation?

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT