NBA pension: How much do retired NBA players get on average?

NBA pension: How much do retired NBA players get on average?

Kenneth Mwenda
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:27 PM

NBA pension is one of the most lucrative in the sports industry. Every player will eventually retire voluntarily or involuntarily due to reasons beyond their control. Thus, like anyone in any profession, NBA stars prepare for life after the game, especially in terms of money.

NBA pension: How much do retired NBA players get on average?
Jeremy Sochan, #10 of the San Antonio Spurs shoots over Rudy Gay, #22 of the Utah Jazz during a game at Vivint Arena on February 28, 2023, in Salt Lake City, Utah. Photo: Alex Goodlett
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Being a professional NBA player is a job when the glitz and glamour of the game are removed. Thus, a job's end is inevitable; no athlete has played forever.

Requirements for NBA pension

The NBA pension plan is a defined benefit scheme. It means that the amount of retirement benefits is established by a formula that considers the player's years of league service and their average salary over their highest three seasons. The basketballer's retirement age and chosen retirement age are also factors in the formula.

A retired NBA player must have at least three years of service in the league in order to be eligible for monthly pension payments. A year of service, in favour of the basketballer, is defined as being contracted for at least one game in a season, whether or not the player was active or inactive. More pension payments and extra benefits are given to NBA players with at least 10 years of service.

NBA pension calculator

What is the average NBA pension?
Former players A.C. Green (L), Kareem Abdul-Jabar and James Worthy (R) in attendance of a game at Crypto.com Arena on February 7, 2023, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Harry How
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A retired player must be 45 years old to begin receiving a pension. The maximum age limit is 62 years old. A player will receive significantly less money if they enroll in the NBA pension at age 45 than if they do so at age 50, 55, or 62.

An NBA player with at least ten years of experience can receive a maximum of $215K in pension funds annually. He would receive $800 per month if he chose to begin receiving compensation at the age of 45 or 50. Thus, a three-year retired basketballer would receive a pension of $2,400 per month.

Some players set to soon arrive at the 45-year level include Delonte West, Lamar Odom, Rasheed Wallace and many more. Several former basketball players, such as Dennis Rodman, Lloyd Daniels, and Shaquille O'Neal, are already eligible for pensions.

What is the average NBA pension?

NBA pension calculator
From left: Andre Drummond of Chicago Bulls, Ben Wallace, and Joakim Noah during the NBA Cares at Salle Marcel Cerdan on January 18, 2023, in Paris, France. Photo: Johnny Fidelin
Source: Getty Images

If a retired NBA player with three years of service opts in at the suggested retirement age of 62, he will receive annual pension payments of about $57,000. A basketballer will make more money the longer he plays in the league.

He will also receive educational benefits, including up to $33,000 in annual tuition reimbursement from the NBA, should he decide to pursue a college degree. The retired star and his spouse and children will also receive lifetime medical coverage.

How much is Dennis Rodman's NBA pension?

How much is Dennis Rodman's NBA pension?
Dennis Rodman during the 2022 NBA All-Star Game at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse on February 20, 2022, in Cleveland, Ohio. Photo: Tim Nwachukwu
Source: Getty Images

There is a lot of speculation regarding the amount of money Dennis Rodman receives from his NBA pension. The precise figure is unknown. However, considering the NBA pension eligibility requirements, it is predicted that he will receive at least $200,000 annually when he turns 62. This is because he had 13 years of NBA service, making him eligible for the highest pension benefit.

Will Delonte West get NBA pension?

Delonte West NBA pension
Delonte West of the Dallas Mavericks gets up from the floor during a 112-108 Los Angeles Lakers win at Staples Center on April 15, 2012, in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Harry How
Source: Getty Images

In the NBA, there are many talented basketballers, but many of them, like Delonte West, cannot realise their potential for various reasons. The former Celtics point guard has frequently made headlines for the wrong reasons, including drinking alcohol, beggaring, getting beat up by gangsters, and more.

The good news is that West's NBA pension will provide him with a long-term and reliable source of income in the future. If done correctly, life will be significantly improved—if not because people will not have to live on the streets—and the most fundamental food and clothing issues can be resolved.

When West turns 45, the NBA can pay him US$1,633 per month, or about US$19,000 annually. He can get $98,000 in total over the course of five years. West can begin receiving his full pension of US$2,450 per month, or about US$29,000 annually; once he turns 50.

The method used to determine pensions has evolved over time, so retired basketballers from earlier eras may receive a different sum today. It is important to note that NBA players also have access to the NBA 401(k) Plan, a retirement savings programme that enables them to put a portion of their pay into a tax-deferred retirement account.

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Authors
Kenneth Mwenda photo
Kenneth Mwenda
Kenneth Mwenda is a business and sports writer with over five years of experience. At Sportsbrief, he contributes to writing biographies and listicles.