LeBron James is opening a new chapter in his NBA career after agreeing to join the Philadelphia 76ers. The 42-year-old star has signed a two-year, $8 million contract that includes a player option, according to ESPN.
The move will see James play for the fourth team of his NBA career. After previously representing the Cleveland Cavaliers, Miami Heat and Los Angeles Lakers, James will now begin a new chapter in Philadelphia.
James announced the move on social media, saying he believes he can help the 76ers become a championship team.
“I believe I can help make the Philadelphia 76ers a championship team and I am so excited to energize a new fan base and start this incredible journey one last time,” James wrote.
The 76ers reportedly beat out the Cavaliers, Golden State Warriors and Heat in the race to sign the four-time NBA champion.
James will also enter his 24th NBA season in 2026-27, extending the league’s longevity record. No player had previously played 24 seasons in the NBA.
$1.7 billion in career earnings
James’ move to Philadelphia is significant not only from a basketball perspective but also from a business standpoint.
Since turning professional in 2003, James has earned an estimated $1.7 billion from playing salary and off-court business activities. Adjusted for inflation, that figure ranks fourth among athletes in sports history, behind Michael Jordan, Tiger Woods and Cristiano Ronaldo.
Approximately $550 million of James’ career earnings have come from playing salary, while his off-court earnings are estimated at $1.15 billion.
That means James has earned roughly twice as much away from the court as he has through his NBA contracts.
James was also the NBA’s highest-paid player in total earnings during the 2025-26 season, generating an estimated $132.6 million. Around $80 million of that total came from endorsements, merchandise, licensing and his media businesses.
He had previously lost the top spot to Stephen Curry following Curry’s long-term Under Armour contract extension, but returned to the top of the NBA earnings rankings last season.
A lifetime Nike deal and a growing business empire
James’ commercial portfolio extends well beyond traditional endorsement agreements.
His relationship with Nike remains one of the most valuable athlete-brand partnerships in sports. James’ first Nike deal was worth more than $100 million over seven years when bonuses and royalties were included. His latest agreement, signed in 2015, is a lifetime deal that is expected to pay him at least $1 billion.
James has also built significant equity in sports, media and entertainment businesses.
In 2011, he partnered with Fenway Sports Group and received a minority stake in Liverpool in exchange for certain marketing rights. At the time, the club was valued at roughly $550 million. Sportico now values Liverpool at $5.74 billion.
James later converted his Liverpool stake into an investment in Fenway Sports Group, which also owns the Boston Red Sox, NASCAR team RFK Racing and Boston Common Golf.
SpringHill remains his most valuable business asset
James’ most valuable business asset is believed to be SpringHill Company, which includes SpringHill Entertainment and media platform Uninterrupted.
In 2021, SpringHill sold a minority stake to a consortium led by RedBird Capital Partners at a valuation of $725 million. The company later completed a merger of equals with Fulwell 73.
As James enters the final stage of his playing career, his move to Philadelphia underlines the dual nature of his legacy. On the court, he continues to set unprecedented longevity records. Off it, he has built one of the most powerful commercial and investment portfolios in sports.
The 76ers will be James’ fourth NBA team — and potentially the final stop in a career that has already generated more than $1.7 billion in earnings.