How Stephen Curry Shaped the Future: A Legacy Timeline

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Stephen Curry

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

Stephen Curry is a professional basketball player for the Golden State Warriors, renowned as the greatest shooter in NBA history. Known as "Chef Curry," he revolutionized the game through his exceptional three-point shooting ability, influencing basketball at all levels. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest point guards of all time.

2015: NBA Jersey Sales

From the 2015–16 to 2017-18 seasons Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales three consecutive times.

2017: NBA Jersey Sales

From the 2015–16 to 2017-18 seasons Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales three consecutive times.

2018: Forbes Highest-Paid Athletes List

From 2018 to 2025, Stephen Curry was listed among the 10 highest-paid athletes in the world by Forbes.

2019: Sports Illustrated feature

In a 2019 feature, Sports Illustrated stated that Curry and the Warriors are a great match of player and system.

July 2021: Record sports card sale

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 Highest-Paid Athletes 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 Number Retired

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: NBA championship and Finals MVP award

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.

2022: NBA Jersey Sales

From the 2022–23 to 2023-24 seasons Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales two consecutive times.

2023: NBA Jersey Sales

From the 2022–23 to 2023-24 seasons Stephen Curry led the NBA in jersey sales two consecutive times.

2024: Rated second highest-paid athlete

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

May 2025: Currys named in Time's inaugural list of the most influential people in philanthropy

In May 2025, Stephen Curry and his wife were named in Time's inaugural list of the most influential people in philanthropy.

August 2025: Record sports 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 sale record.

2025: Forbes Highest-Paid Athletes List

In 2025, Stephen Curry was ranked second on Forbes' list of the world's highest-paid athletes, with an estimated income of $156 million.