Josh Giddey Becomes Australia’s Highest-Paid Athlete With $100 Million NBA Deal
At just twenty-three, the Chicago Bulls guard secures a four-year fully guaranteed contract that sets a new benchmark for Australian sports earnings
Josh Giddey has become Australia’s highest-paid athlete after signing a four-year, US$100 million contract with the Chicago Bulls, a fully guaranteed deal that cements the twenty-three-year-old as a central figure in the franchise’s long-term plans.
The agreement, reached ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season, reflects Chicago’s confidence in Giddey’s development and his growing influence as an all-around playmaker.
Giddey’s rise has been rapid since entering the league as the sixth overall pick in 2021. After being traded to Chicago in 2024, he delivered a breakout campaign marked by consistent scoring, elite rebounding for a guard, and top-tier playmaking.
His season included seven triple-doubles and thirty double-doubles, supported by a career-best improvement in his outside shooting.
Those numbers positioned him among the most productive young guards in the NBA and helped justify the Bulls’ decision to invest heavily.
The deal is the largest guaranteed contract ever signed by an Australian athlete, surpassing previous records across basketball, football and cricket.
Analysts note the annual US$25 million salary still offers the Bulls roster flexibility while ensuring Giddey remains a foundational piece as they rebuild around youth and versatility.
For Giddey, the contract represents milestone recognition of his talent and a commitment from Chicago to support his development as he enters his athletic prime.
It also signals his status as one of Australia’s most successful exports in global sport, with expectations that his ceiling continues to rise as he evolves into a leading figure for the Bulls.
The agreement, reached ahead of the 2025–26 NBA season, reflects Chicago’s confidence in Giddey’s development and his growing influence as an all-around playmaker.
Giddey’s rise has been rapid since entering the league as the sixth overall pick in 2021. After being traded to Chicago in 2024, he delivered a breakout campaign marked by consistent scoring, elite rebounding for a guard, and top-tier playmaking.
His season included seven triple-doubles and thirty double-doubles, supported by a career-best improvement in his outside shooting.
Those numbers positioned him among the most productive young guards in the NBA and helped justify the Bulls’ decision to invest heavily.
The deal is the largest guaranteed contract ever signed by an Australian athlete, surpassing previous records across basketball, football and cricket.
Analysts note the annual US$25 million salary still offers the Bulls roster flexibility while ensuring Giddey remains a foundational piece as they rebuild around youth and versatility.
For Giddey, the contract represents milestone recognition of his talent and a commitment from Chicago to support his development as he enters his athletic prime.
It also signals his status as one of Australia’s most successful exports in global sport, with expectations that his ceiling continues to rise as he evolves into a leading figure for the Bulls.
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