How Stephen Curry Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

A closer look at the lasting mark left by Stephen Curry—a timeline of influence.

Stephen Curry is a professional basketball player renowned as the greatest shooter in NBA history. Playing point guard for the Golden State Warriors, he's nicknamed "Chef Curry" and credited with revolutionizing basketball by popularizing the three-point shot. His influence spans all levels of the game.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition Challenges & Struggles Legacy & Impact

December 2018: Curry questions moon landing and auctions shoes for STEM education

In December 2018, Stephen Curry jokingly questioned the Apollo program's Moon landing, which led to media attention. He partnered with Under Armour, creating signature shoes inspired by the comment and auctioned them off for $58,100, with the money donated to STEM education initiatives.

2018: Forbes Ranking

Beginning in 2018, Stephen Curry was listed among the 10 highest-paid athletes in the world by Forbes.

October 2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team Selection

In October 2021, Stephen Curry was honored as one of the league's greatest players of all time as a member of the NBA 75th Anniversary Team.

2021: Sportico Ranking

Since its induction in 2021, Stephen Curry has been included in every annual ranking of the highest-paid athletes by Sportico.

August 31, 2022: Jersey Retirement and Hall of Fame Induction

On August 31, 2022, Stephen Curry became the first Davidson graduate to have his jersey number retired and was inducted into the Davidson Athletics Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to the university's basketball program.

2022: Complex Ranking

After winning his fourth NBA championship and first Finals MVP award in 2022, Complex ranked Stephen Curry as the 10th greatest player in NBA history the following year.

2024: Sportico Ranking

In 2024, Sportico rated Stephen Curry as the second highest-paid athlete with estimated earnings of $153.8 million.

March 2025: Advisory Role at Davidson

In March 2025, Davidson announced that Stephen Curry would serve as assistant general manager for basketball programs and create the "Curry-Berman Fund" to support both men's and women's basketball.

2025: Forbes Ranking

Forbes listed Stephen Curry among the 10 highest-paid athletes in the world every year between 2018 and 2025, and ranked him second in 2025 with estimated income $156 million.