Stephen Curry is one of the most popular names in sports, but according to Rich Paul, his impact on the Golden State Warriors goes way beyond just on-court performance. Paul explained on the “Game Over” podcast that while Curry’s large contract is a reward, the superstar guard actually deserves a profit-share deal and stock options with Golden State. It’s a wild take, but Paul’s logic is all about how players like Curry literally *are* the business.
Curry’s Brand Drives Everything
Paul argues that Curry’s rise to superstar status has been absolutely vital to the Warriors’ growth as a franchise. Think about it: his brand pulls in massive fan support and drives major revenue for Golden State. He said if you’re an executive at a high level in a Fortune 500 or Fortune 100 company, you get stock that compounds over time. Players can’t invest in teams, but their value, especially someone like Curry, has a direct correlation to a team’s value going up. Paul put it bluntly, saying that Curry “definitely moves the needle when it pertains to the value of an organization.” It’s not just about points and assists; it’s about the whole package.
Corporate Value vs. Player Compensation
Paul didn’t stop there. He highlighted that everything from Curry’s pre-game warm-up routine to his production, his showmanship, and his professionalism all have value. He said that if this were corporate America, a package for Steph would include his salary, a major bonus, a profit share, and even stock options that vest over time. He even compared it to Steve Ballmer, the NBA’s richest owner, who made his money from Microsoft stock and then used that wealth to buy a franchise. Paul believes a similar system should exist for players in the NBA. He’s pushing for a new understanding of how business works in sports, noting that athletes are thinking differently now, following templates like Magic Johnson’s in maximizing returns. Curry’s recent $136.7 million extension *seems* fair, but Paul argues it might not be enough when you consider his true value. When Joe Lacob and Peter Gruber bought the Warriors in 2010, the team was worth about $450 million. Think about how much that organization has grown since then, largely on the back of Curry.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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