Devin Booker’s Record Extension Highlights Sports’ Escalating Salary Arms Race

The business of professional sports continues to set new financial benchmarks, and the latest evidence comes from the hardwood. Phoenix Suns star Devin Booker has reportedly inked a new maximum contract extension, a deal so substantial it momentarily set an NBA record for the highest average annual value for an extension.

Booker`s reported two-year, $145 million extension equates to a staggering $72.5 million per season. This figure briefly surpassed the recent mark set by Oklahoma City Thunder standout Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who signed a four-year deal averaging slightly less annually ($71.25 million). For Booker, who has spent his entire 10-season NBA career with the Suns and recently became the franchise`s all-time leading scorer, the contract solidifies his status as the cornerstone of the team – and a financial titan in the league. His consistent performance, including nine consecutive seasons averaging over 20 points per game, clearly translates into immense market value.

However, even Booker`s eye-watering deal is just one data point in a larger trend of escalating athlete salaries across the major North American sports. Comparing the top contracts in the NBA, NFL, MLB, and NHL reveals a fascinating, and frankly astounding, financial landscape.

The NBA`s Elite Contracts

Basketball`s top earners command figures that were unimaginable just a decade ago. The list of the largest active deals by total value showcases the concentrated wealth at the pinnacle of the sport:

• Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics: 5 years, $314 million
• Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics: 5 years, $304 million
• Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Oklahoma City Thunder: 4 years, $285 million
• Nikola Jokic, Denver Nuggets: 5 years, $272 million
• Bradley Beal, Washington Wizards (now Suns): 5 years, $251 million (deal signed with Wizards)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee Bucks: 5 years, $228.2 million

These contracts demonstrate the premium placed on superstar talent capable of leading franchises and competing for championships. The slight variations in total value and years often reflect the collective bargaining agreement`s rules on maximum contract percentages and player service time.

NFL: Where Guaranteed Money is King

While NFL contract totals might appear slightly smaller than NBA or MLB giants, the focus in football is often on the amount of money guaranteed. Quarterbacks, as the engine of most offenses, dominate this list:

• Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills: 6 years, $330 million ($250 million guaranteed) – Holds the record for most guaranteed money in NFL history. Signed after earning his first MVP award.
• Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys: 4 years, $240 million ($231 million guaranteed) – A massive percentage of the total value is locked in.
• Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals: 5 years, $275 million ($219 million guaranteed) – Rewarded for leading the Bengals to playoff success.
• Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars: 5 years, $275 million ($200 million guaranteed)
• Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers: 5 years, $262.5 million (high average annual salary at time of signing)
• Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens: 5 years, $260 million ($185 million guaranteed) – Notably, negotiated his own record-setting deal.
• Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles: 5 years, $255 million (includes a rare no-trade clause)
• Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers: 4 years, $220 million ($155 million new guarantees) – Signed after a successful first full year as starter.
• Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns: 5 years, $230 million (100% guaranteed) – A controversial deal given circumstances surrounding its signing and subsequent suspension.

The structure of NFL contracts, with varying levels of guaranteed money, adds a layer of complexity compared to the largely guaranteed deals in other leagues. It highlights the inherent injury risk in football and the leverage top players (especially quarterbacks) wield.

MLB: Unparalleled Length and Total Value

Baseball contracts stand out for their sheer length and, consequently, astronomical total values. Guaranteed money over extended periods is the norm, leading to figures that dwarf other sports:

• Juan Soto, New York Mets: 15 years, $765 million – The largest contract in professional sports history by total value and duration. Signed after a strong season, illustrating the market for generational hitting talent.
• Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers: 10 years, $700 million – A groundbreaking deal for a unique two-way superstar, albeit with much of the payout deferred.
• Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels: 12 years, $426.5 million – Held the record for the richest US sports contract when signed, a testament to his consistent excellence.
• Mookie Betts, Los Angeles Dodgers: 12 years, $365 million – Secured long-term after a trade, quickly paying dividends with a World Series win.
• Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: 9 years, $360 million – The captain`s deal ensures the slugging star remains in pinstripes after an MVP season.
• Francisco Lindor, New York Mets: 10 years, $341 million – A significant investment in a star shortstop.
• Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres: 14 years, $340 million – A long-term commitment to a young star, though his tenure has included injuries and suspension.

MLB`s lack of a salary cap (though there`s a luxury tax) and longer careers allow for deals spanning a decade or more, resulting in total figures that push the boundaries of athlete compensation.

NHL: More Modest, Still Substantial

Compared to the other “big three,” the National Hockey League`s top contracts are on a different scale, though still representing immense wealth by any standard. The salary cap in the NHL plays a significant role in shaping these deals:

• Leon Draisaitl, Edmonton Oilers: 8 years, $112 million – Re-signed after a strong season and deep playoff run, cementing his place alongside his superstar teammate.
• Shea Weber, Nashville Predators (contract traded): 14 years, $110 million – A long-term deal signed years ago, notable now as the player has been unable to play due to injury, highlighting the risks inherent in long-term commitments.
• Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins: 12 years, $104.4 million – A historic contract for a generational talent, showing remarkable longevity and continued production.
• Connor McDavid, Edmonton Oilers: 8 years, $100 million – Considered by many the best player in the world, his deal was a benchmark when signed and reflects his unparalleled offensive ability.

While the total figures are lower than the peak deals in other leagues, crossing the $100 million threshold in the NHL remains an achievement reserved for the sport`s absolute elite, often covering a significant portion of a player`s prime and later career years.

The Ever-Rising Bar

Devin Booker`s contract, while setting a new short-lived mark in the NBA`s annual salary extensions, is a symptom of a larger, ongoing trend. The financial value of elite athletic talent continues to grow, driven by league revenues, media rights deals, and global popularity. Each new record-setting contract raises the bar, resetting expectations for future negotiations.

These colossal figures aren`t just theoretical numbers; they represent the culmination of years of dedication, exceptional skill, and the economic engine of professional sports leagues. While the sums might seem astronomical to the average observer, they are the price teams are willing to pay to acquire and retain the difference-makers who drive success on the field, court, or ice – and generate billions off it.