Thomas Haugh set to make more money than LeBron James next season

Florida forward Thomas Haugh is set to make more money in NIL than LeBron James is going to make with the Philadelphia 76ers next season.

>James is set to make the lowest amount of his career, with his contract sitting at $3.8 million. Haugh could earn more than $10 million during the 2026-27 season after withdrawing his name from the 2026 NBA Draft and returning to the swamp.

>That figure makes him one of the highest-paid players in college basketball and more than doubles James’ projected $3.8 million salary next season with the 76ers.

>This shows not only the benefits of high-level collegiate players remaining in college basketball, but also the bargain the 76ers got LeBron for. With millions of dollars now available through NIL deals and revenue-sharing opportunities, top college players can command salaries that rival and, in Haugh’s case, surpass those of veteran minimum contracts.

>Haugh played a key role for the Gators during their 2025-26 campaign, leading the team in scoring with 17 points per game on 46% shooting from the field, and will return as one of the team's most important pieces.

>Now, he is set to enter the upcoming season with an honor few college basketball players or NBA stars can claim, and that's making more money than LeBron James.

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>This article originally appeared on Gators Wire: Thomas Haugh set to make more money than LeBron James next season