Introduction
The National Basketball Association (NBA) commissioner, Adam Silver, is among the most powerful people in sports. His stewardship has seen the league surge to become a global phenomenon. But what’s he earned throughout his career? This article will delve into Adam Silver’s net worth, salary, career and more.
Table of Contents
What Is Adam Silver’s Net Worth and Salary?
As of 2025, Adam Silver’s net worth is estimated to be around $40–$50 million. His salary as the NBA commissioner, endorsements, and investments have earned him his wealth.
Salary and Contract
Adam Silver became the NBA commissioner in 2014 once David Stern retired. Since Silver took control and some years prior, the league has expanded, leading to monster TV deals and sponsorship.
- Annual Salary: Silver is believed to earn around $10 million per year in the NBA commissioner seat.
- Contract Extension: He agreed to a contract extension in 2018 that will keep him as commissioner through the 2023-24 season, with potential additional extensions that could take him through 2029.
- Bonuses and Incentives: Silver’s earnings also include bonuses, which are performance-based on NBA Financial.
With his magnificent salary and business ventures, he has gradually increased his net worth over the years.
Early Life and Early Career
Adam Silver was born on April 25, 1962, in Rye, New York. He completed his high school at Rye High School and then attended Duke University for further studies. He obtained a Bachelor of Arts in political science.
He then enrolled in the University of Chicago Law School, where he obtained his Juris Doctor (JD). Silver also interned with a U.S. District Court judge, and after graduating from law school, he joined the law firm of Cravath, Swaine & Moore.
NBA Career
Silver’s NBA career began in 1992 when he joined the league office as a special assistant to the Commissioner. He quickly rose through the ranks and held several top positions:
- Chief of Staff (1992–99)
Senior Vice President & COO of NBA Entertainment (2000–2006) - Deputy Commissioner & COO of the NBA (2006–2014)
In 2014, Adam Silver became the fifth commissioner in NBA history when he succeeded David Stern. In his time at the helm, Silver has made a variety of important choices that have led us to today’s NBA.
- Banning Donald Sterling—Shortly after taking office, Silver banned then-Los Angeles Clippers owner Donald Sterling for life following racist remarks.
- Expanding Internationally—Silver has focused on growing the NBA’s global presence, but in particular China, Africa, and Europe.
- NBA Media Deals—The league signed a multi-billion-dollar TV and digital media rights deal under his commission.
- Player Empowerment & Social Activism—He has encouraged NBA players to be vocal on social justice issues and has supported initiatives like the NBA Foundation.
Silver’s leadership as a whole has helped pave the way for the modern NBA player having a significantly louder voice on and off the court. This, in effect, causes positive PR for him being able to take advantage of all this newfound popularity of today’s players.
Personal Life
Adam Silver is married to Maggie Grise, an interior designer. The couple has a daughter, who was born in 2017.
| Category | Details |
| Full Name | Adam Silver |
| Date of Birth | April 25, 1962 |
| Age | 62 (as of 2025) |
| Place of Birth | Rye, New York, USA |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) |
| Education | – Duke University (BA, Political Science) – University of Chicago Law School (JD) |
| Profession | Lawyer, Business Executive, Sports Administrator |
| Current Position | NBA Commissioner (since 2014) |
| Net Worth | $40–$50 million (as of 2025) |
| Annual Salary | $10 million per year |
| NBA Career Start | 1992 (Joined NBA as Special Assistant to the Commissioner) |
| Previous Roles in NBA | – Chief of Staff (1992–1999) – Senior Vice President & COO of NBA Entertainment (2000–2006) – Deputy Commissioner & COO of the NBA (2006–2014) |
| Predecessor | David Stern |
| Major Achievements | – Banned Donald Sterling (2014) – Expanded NBA’s global market (China, Africa, Europe) – Signed multi-billion-dollar media rights deals – Advocated for player empowerment & social justice |
| Spouse | Maggie Grise (Interior Designer) |
| Children | 1 Daughter (Born 2017) |
| Philanthropy & Boards | – Duke University Board of Trustees – Various charitable organizations supporting education & sports |
| Hobbies & Interests | Sports, Law, Business, Philanthropy |
Read More: Emily Compagno Net Worth
FAQs
1. What is Adam Silver known for?
Adam Silver, a New York City native, has worn many hats during his career in the NBA. Before becoming commissioner of the league, he worked as an attorney and interned for esteemed Judge Kimba Wood.
2. Does Adam Silver do charity work?
Outside of the NBA, Silver is known for his philanthropy and involvement in various charitable causes. He serves on the Duke University Board of Trustees and supports multiple organizations focused on education and sports development..
3. How much is Adam Silver worth?
His net worth is estimated to be between $40–$50 million.
