Get this, NBA superstar LeBron James just dropped a bombshell, announcing he is signing with the Philadelphia 76ers, probably to finish his incredible career there. But the wildest part? He is taking the veteran’s minimum salary, just $4 million in 2026, to help the Sixers build out their roster. That’s right, one of the greatest basketball players ever is willingly taking a massive pay cut for the team.
LeBron’s $4 Million Deal Is a Championship Move
So, LeBron is making $4 million in 2026. Think about that for a second. This move by James is all about aiding the Sixers’ roster construction, clearly prioritizing a championship run over a massive paycheck. He is still one of the most marketed athletes globally, pulling in hundreds of millions from other ventures, so he can afford the pay cut. It makes total sense if you are chasing a ring. What a legend, right? But here is where it gets absolutely bonkers.
Dante Moore’s NIL Deal Is Hitting Different
That $4 million LeBron is taking? Oregon Ducks quarterback Dante Moore is estimated to make *more* than that in 2026. Yeah, you read that right. Moore decided to ditch the first round of the 2026 NFL Draft and come back to Eugene for another year, and you know what that means. He is raking in serious NIL cash, with On3 estimating he will pull in $5 million this year with the Ducks. Five million! That is just an estimate, and he is probably earning even more with all his various deals. So, a college QB is out-earning one of the all-time NBA greats on their team salary. Wild!
It is not just Moore either. The Ducks are clearly going all-in for a national championship, and they are paying up. While the numbers are not public, you just know guys like Evan Stewart, Dakorien Moore, A’Mauri Washington, Koi Perich, and Matayo Uiagalelei are all getting paid a pretty penny too. This NIL game is changing everything for college football. What a time to be a player, huh? LeBron is chasing NBA glory with the Sixers, and Oregon is banking on NIL deals to bring home a national title.
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.
Leave a Reply