Final answer:
Stephen Curry earned $47.3 million in advertisements and endorsements in 2017, ranking 42nd among celebrities worldwide. This demonstrates the significant income that can be generated through endorsements and sponsorships in the sports industry.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stephen Curry, a Golden State Warriors guard, is one of the highest paid athletes in the NBA, earning around $43 million a year (Sports Illustrated 2020). In 2017, Curry was reportedly paid $47.3 million in advertisements and endorsements, ranking 42nd in the world among celebrities. This demonstrates the significant income that can be generated through endorsements and sponsorships in the sports industry.
The stratification and inequality in sports salaries can also be seen by comparing the highest paid athletes with the lowest paid players. While Curry earns millions from endorsements, the lowest paid player in the NBA earns just over $200,000 (ESPN 2021). This emphasizes the vast difference in income within the profession.
Overall, this information highlights the lucrative nature of endorsements and advertising deals for top athletes like Stephen Curry, showing how their earnings can far exceed their salary from their respective sports teams.