The world of NBA superstars made a massive realization yesterday. Even though they have some of the most lucrative contracts in any American sports league, they are just scratching the surface when it comes to what soccer players get paid.
French sensation Kylian Mbappe was reportedly offered $776 million to play one season in Saudi Arabia, an offer the star is likely to turn down. LeBron James clearly didn’t understand it, joking that he’d go running to Saudi if his agents told him he has a $700 million offer on the table.
“Me headed to Saudi when they call Rich Paul and Maverick Carter for that 1-year deal!”
Me headed to Saudi when they call @RichPaul4 & @mavcarter for that 1 year deal! ✌🏾🤷🏾♂️😁 pic.twitter.com/IX0VSMZYNb
— LeBron James (@KingJames) July 25, 2023
James is going to make $47.6 million this season. To put what Mbappe makes in perspective, the soccer star would earn more from his playing contract in a month ($64.6 million) than James would over the season. This one-year contract would also comfortably pay Mbappe more in one go than James has earned through NBA contracts over the course of his career.
Would A Saudi Arabian Basketball League Poach The NBA’s Biggest Stars?
A lot of NBA players have been pretty shocked to see the kind of money soccer stars get offered, with Giannis Antetokounmpo, Draymond Green, and Damian Lillard also sharing their thought on Twitter. Mbappe is unlikely to leave because he’s pushing for greatness on the pitch, something he can’t achieve if he spends one season away from European competition.
Similarly, most NBA players would elect to continue competing in their home league because they’ll value competition and legacy over money. If James was to leave for a $700 million offer in Saudi Arabia as a 38-year-old, not many would bat an eye. However, if James was to go at the age of 24, Mbappe’s current age, he’d forever be remembered as a player that chased cash instead of glory.
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