Adam Silver Net Worth: NBA Commissioner Is Worth $35 Million

Adam Silver’s net worth is around $35 million. How did he accumulate such massive wealth?

Silver has been a part of the NBA family for many years. Before becoming the commissioner, he started off as the Special Assistant to the Commissioner. He is considered an expert in marketing the entertainment side of the league after serving as Senior Vice President of Entertainment and producing documentaries such as "Michael Jordan to the Max".

Silver got his law degree at the University of Chicago. He worked at Cravath, Swaine & Moore law firm in New York. Heavy reports that he could have received a starting salary of $83,000 during his time there. But his true calling was in basketball. Former commissioner David Stern was so impressed with his negotiation skills that helped pave the way for NBA China, CBA negotiations and TV contracts. He endorsed Silver to succeed him in 2014.

Silver was also instrumental in creating the NBA 2K League. e-Sports have gained popularity and viewership tremendously in recent years, it is only logical for the NBA to adapt to the rising trend. In an interview with ESPN, Silver is treating the NBA 2K League as a real, professional league that is on par with the NBA, WNBA and G-League. There are actual teams, players, prizes and even draft selections.

Silver’s NBA salary is at $10 million. In 2018, his NBA contract was extended for five more years. He will have the commissioner position until 2023. When compared to the salary of his predecessor, the current NBA head’s salary is much lower. Stern allegedly was paid twice the salary of Silver when he was in the position. Stern had about $135 million from serving as NBA commissioner but Silver has a chance to outdo his mentor because he still has many years ahead of him.

Silver's leadership style is transparent and open. He listens to the players, the fans and the stakeholders. This was evident in 2014 when he was faced with his first big challenge as NBA top honcho -- he decided to ban Clippers’s former owner Donald Sterling after a video of him making racist remarks surfaced.

Now, the commissioner has suspended the league indefinitely due to coronavirus scare. So far, three players have tested positive to COVID-19 and the NBA is halting its season to contain the spread of the virus. The NBA season may resume after 30 days if things get better. Once resumed, the NBA season could have a different format.