How Much Do Big 3 Basketball Players Make

So, picture this: I’m at a bar with my buddy Dave, a massive basketball fan who can name every player on the 1996 Bulls bench. He’s nursing a beer and watching a Big 3 game on the TV above the counter. Suddenly, he squints and says, “Wait, is that Joe Johnson? And is he… actually trying?”

Dave then turns to me, dead serious, and asks: “How much do these guys even make?” It’s a fair question. We’re used to NBA superstars signing $200 million contracts, but what happens when they join a league where the baskets are worth four points and the games end at 50?

Here’s the short version: Big 3 salaries are not NBA salaries. Not even close. You won’t see anyone buying a private island on this league’s income.

The Base Pay: It’s Modest, But Real

Every player in the Big 3 gets a base salary. Depending on your status and role, that could be anywhere from $10,000 to $200,000 per season. Yes, you read that right—the top guys make about what an NBA rookie earns in a single game.

Wait, $10,000 for a whole season? That sounds tiny, right? Well, remember: the Big 3 season is only about eight weeks long, playing mostly on weekends. So it’s more like a summer gig with a nice bonus.

The Captain’s Cut: The Real Money

Here’s where it gets interesting. The league’s top stars—the “captains”—aren’t just employees. They get a cut of the league’s revenue. Think: ticket sales, merchandise, and TV deals.

We’re talking about guys like Joe Johnson (who famously crushed it) or Michael Beasley. Rumors peg their annual take-home at closer to $1 million to $2 million. Not bad for a part-time job where you play half-court ball in a tank top.

Oh, and if a captain is also an investor in the league? (Looking at you, Ice Cube.) Then the sky’s the limit. But that’s the exception, not the rule.

Why Bother Playing? The Hidden Perks

You might ask: “If the money is so low, why do NBA vets like Amar’e Stoudemire or Rashard Lewis show up?” Great question, reader. Let me break it down for you.

First, the love of the game. These guys are competitors. Sitting at home watching ESPN gets old fast. Second, the Big 3 gives them a platform to stay visible—and maybe land a coaching gig or endorsement deal down the line.

But let’s be real: the real hidden perk is insurance. The league covers injury costs and provides a health plan. For former players who might not have millions saved up, that’s a lifeline.

The “We Got Paid In Chips” Era

Back in 2017, when the Big 3 first launched, the pay was hilariously low. I’ve heard stories of players getting paid literally in crypto or stock options that turned out to be worth less than a used basketball. Remember: early investors took a gamble.

Now? It’s stabilized. The league signed a deal with CBS Sports and has solid sponsorship from brands like Skechers. So salaries have ticked up, but they’re still a fraction of what an NBA minimum ($1.1 million) pays.

So, How Much is the Average Guy Making?

Let’s ballpark it. A typical Big 3 player—someone like Alan Anderson or Willie Reed—probably takes home $50,000 to $100,000 for the season. That covers travel, a nice dinner, and maybe a used Honda Civic.

Compare that to an NBA role player who makes $4 million a year. See the gap? The Big 3 is not about getting rich; it’s about staying in the game.

The Exception: Joe Johnson’s Golden Year

You can’t talk Big 3 money without mentioning Iso Joe. In 2019, he signed a massive deal reportedly worth $1.5 million—and then became MVP. Dude averaged 21 points and won the championship. He literally carried the league on his back.

That payout was a flex. It sent a message: “If you can still ball, we will pay you.” But most guys aren’t Joe Johnson. Most are former lottery picks who lost their NBA step.

Final Thoughts: Would You Do It?

So, back to Dave’s question. How much do Big 3 players make? Enough to pay the bills, but not enough to retire. Unless you’re a captain or a legend, you’re basically playing for the love of it.

But here’s the ironic part: these guys are probably happier than many NBA players. No practice demands, no 82-game grind, no media circus. They show up, play 50-point games, and go home. And they get paid—in cash and in glory.

Next time you watch a Big 3 game, tip your cap. Those players aren’t rich. They’re just still living the dream—and getting a decent paycheck for it.