Who was the first NBA player to make $100,000 a year?

Wilt Chamberlain Made History as First $100K NBA Earner

Before NBA superstars were raking in tens of millions, the idea of a six-figure salary seemed almost unimaginable. That changed in the 1965–66 season, when Wilt Chamberlain became the first player in league history to earn $100,000 in a single year.

At a time when most players made modest salaries and the NBA was still carving out its place in American sports culture, Chamberlain’s contract was nothing short of revolutionary. A dominant force on the court—averaging 30+ points and 20+ rebounds per game during his prime—Wilt wasn’t just a star; he was a box-office sensation. Teams quickly realized that his presence translated into sold-out arenas, and he used that leverage to break financial barriers.

Chamberlain’s landmark deal didn’t just reward his individual prowess; it signaled a shift in how athletes could assert their value. His performance, combined with his marketability, paved the way for future generations to see basketball not just as a game, but as a viable path to wealth and fame.

Interestingly, that same season, Bill Russell joined him as the second player to surpass the $100,000 threshold. While Russell earned his status through leadership and a record five MVP awards, his salary came not just from playing but also from his dual role as player-coach—a first in NBA history.

Together, Chamberlain and Russell redefined the game both on and off the court. But it was Wilt who crossed the financial milestone first, setting a precedent that would ripple through decades of NBA evolution. In today’s era of max contracts and global endorsements, it’s easy to forget how radical $100,000 once seemed—and how one man dared to demand it.