Ben Simmons remains one of the most talked-about NBA athletes when it comes to contracts and earnings. Whether you’re a basketball fan, a sports finance enthusiast, or just curious about how elite athlete salaries evolve, this guide breaks down Ben Simmons’ salary in 2026, what influences his earnings, how his pay compares to other fields, and what the future might hold for his career.
Overview: Who Is Ben Simmons?
Ben Simmons is an Australian professional basketball player who entered the NBA as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2016 Draft. He has been a three-time NBA All-Star and is known for his size, playmaking, and defense. Over his career, his earnings have reflected that elite status, though injuries and team changes have impacted his contracts.
Ben Simmons Salary in 2026: Current Status
As of early 2026, Simmons is a free agent — meaning he is not currently signed to an NBA team or guaranteed a specific salary for the 2025-26 season or beyond.
Recent Contract Summary
| Season | Team | Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 2022–23 | Brooklyn Nets | ~$35.4M |
| 2023–24 | Brooklyn Nets | ~$37.9M |
| 2024–25 | Nets / LA Clippers | ~$39M+ (varied due to buyout) |
| 2025–26 | Free Agent | N/A (no guaranteed NBA salary) |
Data based on reported NBA salaries prior to 2026.
What Happened to His 2024–25 Salary?
In February 2025, Simmons signed a 1-year minimum salary deal (~$1.08M) with the LA Clippers after being released from a larger contract with the Nets, marking a dramatic shift from his previous earnings.
Average Salary Range (NBA Context)
While Simmons’ personal salary may vary due to free-agency status in 2026, understanding NBA pay scales helps contextualize where he has stood relative to other players.
| Category | Average NBA Salary (2025) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | ~$1M–$2M | For young or bench players |
| Mid-Tier Star | ~$10M–$25M | Established starters |
| Top All-Star | ~$30M–$50M+ | Max contract players like Simmons historically |
Simmons’ peak NBA salary placed him firmly among top-paid players before his free agency.
Factors That Influence Athlete Earnings
A basketball player’s salary — especially in the NBA — is influenced by several factors:
🏀 Performance
- Points, assists, rebounds
- Defensive metrics and overall value
- Player efficiency ratings
Consistent all-star performance typically yields max contracts. Simmons’ injuries affected his production, which impacted his recent earnings.
🏆 Reputation & Awards
- All-Star appearances
- Defensive or offensive team selections
- League accolades
These achievements can trigger contract escalators and bonuses.
💼 Contract & Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)
NBA contract rules, salary cap limits, and CBA provisions strongly shape how much a player can earn in guaranteed money.
🤝 Free Agency & Market Demand
As of 2026, Simmons’ free agency means his next contract will depend on team needs and market interest.
Salary by Career Stage
Here’s a snapshot of how Simmons’ earnings evolved.
📈 Early Career (2016–2019)
- Rookie contract: modest six-figure to low-million salaries
- Standard scale for high draft picks
⭐ Peak Contract (2019–2025)
- 5-year max extension worth roughly $177M signed in 2019
- Annual salaries rose into the $30M+ range by 2024.
🔄 Transition Phase (2025–26)
- Mix of high original contract and buyout
- Short veteran minimum contract
- Free agency uncertainty
Job Market Trends for Elite Athletes in 2026
The landscape for professional basketball contracts in 2026 is shaped by:
📊 Salary Cap Growth
NBA salary caps tend to increase year to year, allowing teams to offer larger contracts — though performance and health dictate willingness to invest.
🤕 Health & Durability
Injury history is critical; players with frequent injuries might transition toward short-term or incentive-based deals.
🏟️ Two-Way Roles & Veteran Minimums
Players with declining performance may accept shorter, lower-value contracts to stay in the league.
Overall, the NBA market remains competitive, but teams may prioritize younger, healthier stars.
Benefits Beyond Salary
Even without a guaranteed 2026 contract, athletes like Simmons benefit from:
- Endorsements: Nike, Beats by Dre, and others boost income.
- Investments & Ventures: Real estate and entrepreneurial activities add wealth.
- Brand Value: Media presence and fan following translate into long-term earnings potential.
Education, Certifications & Career Development
Professional athletes often pursue:
- Skill development: Strength training, basketball IQ coaching
- Post-career education: Business, finance, broadcasting degrees
- Certifications: Coaching or trainer licenses can help post-retirement careers
While traditional certifications don’t impact NBA salaries directly, they enhance post-playing career prospects.
Compare with Related Career Niches
| Career Path | Typical Earnings (Annual) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| NBA Player (All-Star) | $30M–$50M+ | Peak athletic earnings |
| NBA Bench/Role Player | $3M–$10M | Mid-level league salary |
| College Basketball Coach | $0.5M–$5M | Stable post-career role |
| Sports Analyst / Broadcaster | $1M–$10M | Earnings vary by platform |
Simmons’ historical earnings far exceed most related careers in sports, especially outside the NBA.
Job Outlook for Ben Simmons
In 2026, Simmons faces a pivotal moment:
- Free agency opens chances for a new deal
- Performance expectations and health status will be key
- Teams may offer short-term or incentive-based contracts
A return to a full contract depends on showcasing value to prospective teams.
Final Thoughts
While Ben Simmons may not have a guaranteed NBA salary in 2026, his career earnings — including peak NBA salaries and endorsements — reflect elite athlete compensation over the past decade. His future earnings hinge on health, performance, and market demand, providing a dynamic example of how professional athlete salaries evolve over time.
For athletes and fans alike, Simmons’ journey highlights that performance, timing, and adaptability are as important as raw talent when it comes to earning potential.