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, also known as Steph Curry or 'Chef Curry', is a professional basketball player renowned as the greatest shooter in NBA history. Playing point guard for the Golden State Warriors, Curry revolutionized basketball by popularizing the three-point shot. His exceptional skill and long-range accuracy have transformed the game at all levels, solidifying his legacy as a transformative figure in basketball.

Sections (6)

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

2009: Rookie Card

In 2009, Stephen Curry's rookie card was released. It would later become one of the most expensive sports cards of all-time.

February 27, 2013: Start of the Three-Point Era

On February 27, 2013, Stephen Curry's game against the New York Knicks, where he made 11-of-13 shots from behind the arc en route to a 54-point performance, is considered the start of the three-point era, also known as "the Steph Effect".

2015: Jersey Sales Leader

From the 2015–16 to 2017–18 seasons, Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales for three consecutive years.

2017: Jersey Sales Leader

From the 2015–16 to 2017–18 seasons, Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales for three consecutive years.

2018: Forbes Ranking

Between 2018 and 2025, Forbes listed Stephen Curry among the 10 highest-paid athletes in the world every year.

2019: Sports Illustrated Feature

In a 2019 feature, Sports Illustrated highlighted that Stephen Curry and the Warriors were a great match, emphasizing that their system predicated on the idea that a player doesn't need to dominate the ball to dominate a game, which Curry elevated beyond expectations.

July 2021: Record Sale of 2009 Rookie Card

In July 2021, Stephen Curry's 2009 rookie card was purchased by Alt Fund II for a record $5.9 million, becoming the most expensive basketball card ever sold at the time.

October 2021: NBA 75th Anniversary Team

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 Induction

In 2021, Stephen Curry was included in Sportico's annual ranking of the highest-paid athletes since its induction.

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.

2022: Jersey Sales Leader

From the 2022–23 to 2023–24 seasons, Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales for two consecutive years.

2023: Jersey Sales Leader

From the 2022–23 to 2023–24 seasons, Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales for two consecutive years.

2024: Sportico Ranking

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

March 2025: Assistant General Manager and Curry-Berman Fund

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

May 2025: Curry named in Time's list of influential people in philanthropy

In May 2025, Curry and his wife were named in Time's inaugural list of the most influential people in philanthropy, recognizing their work through the Eat. Learn. Play. Foundation.

August 2025: Most expensive basketball card sale surpassed

In August 2025, a Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant card was sold for $12.9 million, surpassing Stephen Curry's 2009 rookie card which was sold for $5.9 million in July 2021 and previously held the record for the most expensive basketball card ever sold.

2025: Forbes Ranking

In 2025, Forbes ranked Stephen Curry second among the world's highest-paid athletes, with an estimated income of $156 million, only behind Cristiano Ronaldo.