St. John’s Basketball Star Will Make More Money Than Lebron James

There are multiple men's college basketball players who will make more money than LeBron James, including a St. John's Red Storm star.

May 11, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (23) during the second half in game four of the second round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

The St. John’s Red Storm lost a lot of talent from their 30-win team last season that advanced to the Sweet 16.

In need of experienced and talented players, Rick Pitino hit the transfer portal once again and found a ton of success. Right now, the Red Storm have the No. 1-ranked transfer portal class in the country, headlined by forward Tounde Yessoufou.

The star wing originally declared for the 2026 NBA Draft, but near the deadline to withdraw and maintain eligibility, Yessoufou decided to come back to the college ranks. St. John’s was able to land him, a massive addition to help replace all of the production that has been lost.

To bring Yessoufou to Queens, the Red Storm put together an eye-popping NIL package. Reports indicated that he would receive upward of $7 million, taking full advantage of the pay structure the program has, since there is no football team at St. John’s.

Tounde Yessoufou received massive NIL payday from St. John's

Feb 24, 2026; Waco, Texas, USA; Baylor Bears guard Tounde Yessoufou (24) scores a basket against Arizona Wildcats forward Tobe Awaka (30) during the first half at Paul and Alejandra Foster Pavilion. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images / IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Given how much money Yessoufou is reportedly making, he is one of several men’s college basketball players who will actually be earning more during the 2026-27 season than NBA superstar LeBron James.

After playing eight seasons with the Los Angeles Lakers, James hit free agency and decided to change teams for the fourth time in his career. He will be playing for the fourth different franchise of his career, agreeing to a deal with the Philadelphia 76ers.

James signed a two-year deal worth approximately $8 million, which is the veteran’s minimum in the NBA. With about $3.9 million per year, Brendan Marks and Joe Rexrode of The Athletic (subscription required) compiled a list of men’s college basketball players who will be making more than the future Hall of Famer.

"I don't think most people realize how good Tounde Yessoufou is.

It's June, but if I had to pick a preseason Player of the Year right now - it'd be him."

- @Aaron_Torres with a deep dive on SJU's off-season on tonights show #Sjubb

📺https://t.co/tfdMH54qL1 pic.twitter.com/2OgzOASkoR

— TorresOnSJU (@TorresOnSJU) June 29, 2026

Last season, the highest-paid player in men’s college basketball in terms of NIL earnings was reportedly AJ Dybantsa of the BYU Cougars with about $5 million. There are reports that Thomas Haugh will be earning more than $10 million with the Florida Gators, as money in collegiate sports is reaching incredible heights.

14 of the 18 players on the list were in the transfer portal this offseason. Two players returned to their teams, Haugh and JT Toppin of the Texas Tech Red Raiders, and two are freshmen: Tyran Stokes of the Kansas Jayhawks and Nikola Kusturica of the UCLA Bruins.

Yessoufou certainly earned his payday with a huge freshman year with Baylor. He averaged 17.8 points, 5.9 rebounds, 1.6 assists and 2.0 steals per game.