Carmelo Anthony Made $262 Million Playing Basketball—But His Biggest Payday Might Still Be Ahead

Carmelo Anthony Made $262 Million Playing Basketball—But His Biggest Payday Might Still Be Ahead

 

By SportHubs

 

Carmelo Anthony spent nearly two decades lighting up NBA courts, dropping buckets with a silky jumper and an unshakeable confidence that made him one of the league’s most iconic scorers. Over the course of his 19-year career, Melo earned an estimated $262 million in salary alone, placing him among the highest-paid players in NBA history. But while most retirements mark the beginning of financial slowdown for athletes, for Anthony, the opposite might be true.

 

Now less than two years removed from his official retirement from professional basketball, Carmelo Anthony is emerging as a powerful force in the business world. While fans remember him for his time with the Denver Nuggets, New York Knicks, and other NBA franchises, insiders are beginning to take notice of a different kind of Melo—the investor, entrepreneur, and global ambassador.

 

A Sneaker Pioneer and Business Trendsetter

 

Carmelo’s business instincts began showing long before his playing days were over. In fact, he made sneaker history early in his career when he became the first Jordan Brand athlete besides Michael Jordan himself to receive a signature shoe. That kind of trust from the legendary MJ spoke volumes. But Melo didn’t stop at signature shoes and sneaker sales.

 

Over the years, he quietly built a diversified portfolio, investing in private equity, technology, media production, hospitality, and even wine. He was never flashy about it. Unlike some athletes who make headlines for extravagant purchases or questionable ventures, Carmelo operated with discipline and strategic vision.

 

“Basketball was just the beginning for me,” Anthony said in a recent interview. “I always looked at the game as a platform to open doors, not just a final destination.”

 

From Hardwood to Boardroom

 

One of Anthony’s most impressive moves has been his involvement in private equity and tech startups. Through his firm, Melo7 Tech Partners, he’s backed early-stage companies in sectors ranging from software to health and wellness. He’s shown a knack for identifying trends early and partnering with smart operators.

 

But it’s not just about money. Melo has made it clear he wants to empower and uplift, especially in communities that have historically lacked access to capital. His ventures often have a social impact component, reflecting his long-standing commitment to philanthropy and social justice.

 

He’s also stepped into media, co-founding Creative 7, a production company that has partnered with other entertainment giants to tell powerful, culturally relevant stories. From documentaries to scripted projects, Anthony is using storytelling to amplify voices and experiences that matter.

 

Enter the Global Stage: NBL Ambassador and Future Team Owner

 

Most recently, Anthony has turned his attention to the international basketball scene, taking on a major role as a global ambassador for Australia’s National Basketball League (NBL). The NBL has steadily grown in global prominence, becoming a top destination for young prospects and international talent looking to launch or revive their professional careers.

 

Anthony’s involvement with the NBL isn’t just ceremonial. He’s not there for photo ops—he’s putting skin in the game. Sources say he’s exploring ownership opportunities with a proposed NBL expansion team. If successful, this would place him among the few former NBA stars to take on ownership roles outside of the U.S.

 

The move makes sense. The NBL has seen rising TV ratings, increased investment, and growing talent pipelines. With Anthony’s brand power and business acumen, an expansion franchise backed by him could become a global asset.

 

“Basketball is global now,” Anthony said. “And the NBL is one of the most exciting leagues out there. I believe in its future, and I want to be a part of building it.”

 

Life After Basketball—And Maybe a Bigger Payday

 

With all these ventures combined, some insiders believe Carmelo Anthony’s earnings off the court could soon eclipse what he made during his time in the NBA. That’s no small feat for someone who brought in over a quarter of a billion dollars in salary alone.

 

And let’s not forget his endorsements, real estate deals, restaurant investments, and even his growing wine label, which is earning accolades among connoisseurs and casual drinkers alike.

 

Anthony’s path mirrors a new generation of athletes who view retirement not as an end, but as a pivot point. From LeBron James and Serena Williams to Kevin Durant and now Carmelo Anthony, the era of the athlete-investor is here—and thriving.

 

Carmelo Anthony may have hung up his sneakers, but his playbook for success is far from finished. In fact, the next chapter could be the most lucrative one yet.