LeBron James is reportedly earning far more from his new Polymarket endorsement than from his contract with the Philadelphia 76ers.
James will receive $15 million per year from Polymarket, compared with the two-year, $8 million deal he signed with Philadelphia.
He is scheduled to make $3.9 million from the Sixers during the 2026-27 season after playing on a $52.6 million contract with the Lakers last season.
James is not an investor in Polymarket and will serve strictly as an endorser. The length of the agreement is unknown, but it reportedly includes an “ongoing engagement” involving social media posts and other content.
His promotional work will focus on football rather than basketball.
Derek Jeter and Eli Manning, who appeared with James in a Polymarket commercial, reportedly received smaller endorsement deals.
Spike Lee, Reggie Bush and Alexandra Daddario were also featured, although it is unclear whether they have long-term agreements.
Prediction-market companies have increased their sports marketing around football season. Kalshi recently featured Marshawn Lynch in an advertisement and has Giannis Antetokounmpo among its athlete investors.
Meanwhile, the industry continues to face legal disputes over its regulatory status, including challenges involving state attorneys general and Native American tribes.
