Thu Oct 24 02:30:00 UTC 2024: Here are the key points from the news article regarding LeBron James and the NBA’s player earnings:

1. **LeBron James’ Age and Status**: LeBron James, who will turn 40 in December, is currently the oldest active NBA player and has a notable age advantage over several head coaches.

2. **Earnings Record**: James continues to be the highest-paid player in the NBA for the 11th consecutive year, earning $48.7 million in salary for the 2024-25 season, along with an estimated $80 million annually from endorsements, leading to a total of $128.7 million.

3. **Historical Context**: James’ earnings surpass previous records, with the increase in the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement contributing to players collectively taking home around 50% of the league’s basketball-related income.

4. **Overall Revenue Growth**: NBA revenue reached approximately $13 billion last season, with this year’s top 10 earners surpassing $787 million in total, compared to $368 million in James’ first year as the highest-paid player.

5. **Media Rights Deals**: The NBA signed a significant media rights deal worth $76 billion over 11 years, anticipated to boost salary caps further, thus leading to higher player salaries.

6. **New Contracts**: Players like Stephen Curry and Joel Embiid have signed lucrative contracts, with Curry being the first to earn a $50 million salary in a season.

7. **James’ Historic Milestones**: James has had an eventful 2024, becoming the first NBA player to reach 40,000 career points and participating as the flag-bearer for Team USA at the Paris Olympics.

8. **Business Ventures**: Off the court, James has expanded his business portfolio, including partnerships with DraftKings and Hennessy and producing various media content through his company Uninterrupted.

9. **Other Players’ Earnings**: Key players like Stephen Curry, Kevin Durant, and Giannis Antetokounmpo are also noted for their off-court earnings, reflecting the broader trend of skyrocketing NBA player paychecks.

10. **Growing Young Stars**: Young talents like Luka Doncic are also making their mark in earnings, further diversifying the list of highly compensated athletes.

Overall, the NBA is experiencing significant growth in player earnings due to increased revenues and media rights deals, while LeBron James continues to dominate both on and off the court as a historical figure in basketball.

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