How much do NBA players make for winning the playoffs and championships?

Jalen Brunson #11 of the New York Knicks lifts the Bill Russell NBA Finals Most Valuable Player Award trophy after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in Game Five of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center on June 13, 2026 in San Antonio, Texas (Getty Images)In a stunning, long-awaited victory, the New York Knicks, for the first time in 53 years, are the best team in the NBA, clinching the Larry O'Brien Championship Trophy as they beat out the the San Antonio Spurs in Game 5 of the NBA Finals on Saturday, June 13.Both the Knicks and the Spurs entered the finals after high-stakes playoff rounds, the Knicks sweeping the Cleveland Cavaliers, while the Spurs beat the Oklahoma Thunder in a tense game seven.Now, not only can the Knicks celebrate their much-deserved victory — their parade in New York City is set for Thursday, June 18 — but they will also be raking in the cash prize for coming out on top.

Here's what to know about the championship prize bucket.Jalen Brunson joined the Knicks in 2022 (Getty Images)How much do NBA players make for winning the championship?NBA players already earn a good living.

The athletes earn the highest salaries amongst American professional athletes, with players earning $11.8 million on average per year. Per Sportico, the winners of the 2026 NBA Championships could earn as much as $9.

1 million, split amongst the team members.Don't worry, the losing team still takes home some cash, a cool $3.9 million.

Victor Wembanyama was selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 Draft by the San Antonio Spurs (Getty Images)How much do NBA players make from the playoff games?The NBA rewards its teams for successful seasons.

The total pot available for teams who make the playoffs is $35 million and how they performed during the regular season. It's divided by who wins what games.You may also likeKnicks star Karl-Anthony Towns' tragic family lifeFrom Mariska Hargitay to Al Roker: your favorite A-Listers' reactions to Knicks' historic Finals winAre Quin