As an experienced writer and expert in the salary niche, I am thrilled to delve into the fascinating world of professional basketball, particularly focusing on the intriguing story of LiAngelo Ball’s salary. Ball, a member of the illustrious Ball family, has made a name for himself in the sports world, and his financial earnings have been a topic of interest for many.
LiAngelo Ball, born on November 24, 1998, is the middle child of the Ball brothers, a trio of basketball prodigies from Chino Hills, California. His older brother, Lonzo, plays for the Chicago Bulls, while his younger brother, LaMelo, is a point guard for the Charlotte Hornets. However, LiAngelo’s journey has been somewhat different from his brothers’, which has significantly influenced his salary.
Unlike his brothers, who were both top draft picks in the NBA, LiAngelo’s path to professional basketball was less straightforward. After leaving UCLA prematurely due to a shoplifting incident in China, he played in Lithuania and the Junior Basketball Association (JBA), a league founded by his father, LaVar Ball. While providing valuable experience, these detours did not offer the same financial rewards as an NBA contract.
In December 2020, LiAngelo signed a one-year, non-guaranteed contract with the Detroit Pistons. However, he was waived shortly after, before the start of the regular season. According to the NBA’s collective bargaining agreement, players on non-guaranteed contracts earn a prorated portion of the minimum salary for the 2020-2021 season, which was $898,310 for a player with LiAngelo’s experience. However, since he was waived before the season began, his actual earnings from this contract were likely significantly less.
In July 2021, LiAngelo joined the Charlotte Hornets for the NBA Summer League. While salaries for Summer League players are not publicly disclosed, they are typically much lower than regular-season NBA salaries. According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for athletes and sports competitors was $54,040 in May 2020. However, this figure includes athletes from all sports and competition levels, so it may not accurately reflect LiAngelo’s earnings.
Despite these challenges, LiAngelo has other sources of income. He is a part of the Big Baller Brand, a sports apparel company founded by his father. He also has a significant social media following, which can be monetized through sponsorships and endorsements.
FAQs:
1. What is LiAngelo Ball’s NBA salary?
LiAngelo Ball signed a non-guaranteed contract with the Detroit Pistons in 2020 but was waived before the start of the regular season. His exact earnings from this contract are not publicly disclosed.
2. How much did LiAngelo Ball earn in the Summer League?
Salaries for NBA Summer League players are not publicly disclosed but are typically much lower than regular-season NBA salaries.
3. Does LiAngelo Ball have other sources of income?
Yes, LiAngelo is part of the Big Baller Brand, a sports apparel company founded by his father. He also has a significant social media following that can be monetized through sponsorships and endorsements.
LiAngelo Ball’s salary story is a testament to the unpredictability of professional sports careers. While his earnings may not match those of his NBA-drafted brothers, his journey reminds us that success can be measured in more ways than just financial gain.
