By Winning The NBA Finals, Oklahoma City Thunder Players Made An Extra $12.4 Million

The Oklahoma City Thunder capped off one of the greatest seasons in NBA history with a Game 7 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The Thunder's 84 wins between the regular season and playoffs are tied with the 1996-97 Chicago Bulls for the third-most wins by a team in a single season and playoffs. Only the 1995-96 Bulls (87 wins) and 2015-2016 Golden State Warriors (88 wins) won more, though those Warriors notably lost a Game 7 in the NBA Finals. 

This year's Thunder team has had some fun moments after winning the first championship in franchise history. From Aaron Wiggins's passionate speech and mic drop to Alex Caruso having to teach his younger teammates how to successfully pop champagne bottles, there's been plenty to celebrate.

There are also a few financial reasons to cheer about. Not only will key contributors like Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Jalen Williams, and Chet Holmgren be in line for potentially massive extensions, every player on the team scored extra money. By virtue of having the best record in the NBA and winning the title, the Thunder collectively earned $12.42 million, or $828,000 per player.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander celebrates his NBA Finals MVP award with his teammates. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

How NBA Playoff Bonuses Work

The $12.42 million earned by the Thunder comes from the NBA's $33.7 million playoff pool, which is distributed based on regular-season standings and postseason progression. Teams earn slices of the pool for finishing among the top six in their conference, advancing through playoff rounds, and winning the title.

The NBA champions receive the largest single payment — $4.8 million — for winning the Finals, on top of previous round earnings. All of it is distributed equally across the team's playoff roster, regardless of contract size or minutes played. That means superstars and role players cash the same check.

This year's $828,000 per-player bonus is the largest in NBA history. For comparison, when the Golden State Warriors won the 2015 title, each player took home about $220,000 in playoff bonuses. In less than a decade, the payout has nearly quadrupled — thanks to explosive league growth, international TV deals, and the NBA's escalating financial success.

Bonus Money Matters More For Some Than Others

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who was named Finals MVP, earned a base salary of $35.9 million this season. His teammate Isaiah Hartenstein made $30 million. For them, the bonus is a nice perk, like a high-end sports car dropped in their lap.

But for players further down the roster, the payout is game-changing. Dillon Jones earned $2.62 million this season. Jaylin Williams made just over $2 million. The $828,000 bonus increases Jones's earnings by more than 30%. For Williams, it's over 40% — a huge windfall in a league where non-stars often play on short-term deals without guaranteed long-term income.

Pacers Earn Half

The Indiana Pacers, despite finishing fourth in the East, made a stunning run through the playoffs, including an NBA-record five postseason comebacks of 15 points or more. Their Game 1 victory over the Thunder in the Finals was a stunner, and their run earned them respect throughout the league. Financially, they took home $6.16 million in bonuses, or $410,667 per player — about half of what OKC earned.

A Title and a Pay Raise for the Entire Franchise

For Thunder ownership, the title is a milestone long in the making. Since relocating from Seattle in 2008, the team had been chasing the validation of a championship. With the win, the franchise — currently valued around $3.5 billion — likely saw its value climb further. Clay Bennett, who led the relocation effort, now oversees one of the most successful small-market turnarounds in modern sports.

The future is bright and expensive. Gilgeous-Alexander is already on a max contract, but rising stars Jalen Williams and Chet Holmgren will soon be eligible for extensions. With a championship now on their résumés, those negotiations could push into nine-figure territory.

What Comes Next?

The Thunder are already viewed as early favorites to repeat next season. And as the NBA's revenue continues to grow, so do the bonuses. This year's playoff pool increased by $1 million compared to 2023–24. If OKC can go back-to-back, their financial reward will only grow.

And if you're a player who just cashed an extra $828,000 check? That makes every grueling minute of the season — and every celebratory champagne shower — feel worth it.