When it comes to making decisions regarding multimillion-dollar assets, one might assume that ultra-wealthy stars rely on financial advisors or even their wealthy peers for financial advice. But in reality, Knicks captain Jalen Brunson turns to his family for financial advice, as do Reese Witherspoon and Queen Latifah.
“Even to this day—I know this is crazy—if I feel like I’m making a big purchase, I call my parents,” Brunson recently told the magazine WSJ. “I said, ‘What do you think about this?’
Even though he makes millions and is a “grown-up” man, Brunson says he’s not afraid to ask his parents for their opinion. “I just want to make sure I’m doing the right thing,” he added.
According to the NBA, he was one of the 50 highest paid athletes in the NBA. ESPNearning a salary of approximately $34,944,001 for the 2025-26 season alone. But even celebrities with clean bank accounts still need trusted financial experts. His father, a nine-season NBA veteran, and mother, a nonprofit CFO and seasoned litigation consultant, have decades of financial wisdom to impart. And their advice will come in handy as Brunson expands his financial empire beyond brand partnerships and NBA contracts.
“I still give myself those checks to make sure I’m doing everything right because it’s important to me to have this for as long as possible and for my future generations,” Brunson continued.
Brunson’s financial portfolio: $156 million Knicks contract, brand deals and restaurant equity
The 29-year-old Knicks legend has amassed a diverse portfolio of wealth, from media ventures to equity investments. And one of the key pillars of his wealth is his NBA salary: Brunson has played for the Knicks since 2022, and he signed a four-year, $156 million contract extension in 2024.
But he could have waited another summer and signed a five-year deal instead; that’s $100 million less than his potential earnings. But Brunson’s financial sacrifice may have led the Knicks to an NBA title: He resigned to give the Knicks more room to maneuver and build a stronger roster of players, and last month they finally brought home their first NBA title since 1973.
“Everyone thinks it leaves money on the table, and while that is true to a certain extent, it was the most I could have signed up for at the time,” Brunson told the magazine WSJ. But thanks to his years in the NBA, he said he has the financial cushion to withstand the blow. “Just having that in my back pocket—knowing that I’m okay, the family is okay—I can play for free.”
And Brunson won’t let the $100 million he gave up stop him. Brunson is also the co-host of his own podcast. Roommate Show along with fellow Knicks player Josh Hart and earlier this year joined the $1 billion fast-food chain Just Salad as an investor and long-term partner. In 2023, he co-founded the Second Round Foundation, a youth advocacy nonprofit, with his mother Sandra Brunson.
The Knicks superstar has also worked with many lifestyle brands that have boosted his off-court earnings, including Nike, American Express, AT&T, DoorDash, BodyArmor and Delta. But as he looks to the future, he has his sights set on smarter, longer-term investments that will allow him to save money for a lifetime.
“Endorsement deals are great. It’s kind of a foot in the door. I think at this point in the future I’m looking for equity deals,” Brunson explained. “I want to grow my business outside of basketball, prepare for life after basketball. I think that’s more important and more long-term.”
“And yes, it can be risky, but I think I’m at that point now. I’ve saved a lot, I’ve done a lot. So, how can I try to improve myself off the court?”
Now he shares his financial knowledge to help fellow athletes, as well as young up-and-coming stars, plan for their financial future. Brunson is a member of the JPMorgan Chase Athletes’ Council, which aims to help all athletes – from seasoned professionals to high school standouts signing zero deals – make the best use of the wealth generated by their often short-lived sports careers.