Jalen Brunson still calls his parents before making major financial decisions despite signing a four-year, $156 million contract extension with the New York Knicks.
Doesn’t Play With His Money
When Brunson signed the deal in 2024, he was already thinking beyond his NBA salary. According to The Wall Street Journal, the Knicks star still seeks a second opinion from his parents before making major purchases because he wants to ensure he is making smart financial decisions and protecting his wealth for the long term.
“Even to this day—I know it’s crazy—if I feel like I’m making a big purchase, I’m gonna call my parents. I was like, ‘What do you think about this?’” Brunson said in a July 18 WSJ interview.
Brunson’s approach to money was shaped by his parents, Rick and Sandra Brunson, who both brought different financial lessons into his life. Rick played nine NBA seasons, while Sandra has decades of experience in finance, legal operations and nonprofit management, according to People.
Rick’s NBA career taught Jalen that professional sports income is not guaranteed and that contracts and careers can change quickly, helping shape his conservative approach to wealth management, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Sandra’s financial background has also played a major role in how Jalen manages his finances and prepares for life after basketball, Fortune reported.
Jalen said one of his biggest financial priorities is making sure his wealth lasts beyond his playing career and benefits future generations, according to People.
Brunson’s decision to sign his extension also came with a major financial sacrifice. By signing the four-year, $156 million deal in 2024, Brunson passed on the opportunity to wait another year and potentially become eligible for a five-year contract worth roughly $100 million more, according to The Wall Street Journal.
“Everyone looks at it as leaving money on the table, and so, while it is to a certain degree, it was the most I could sign for at the time,” Brunson told WSJ.
While some viewed the decision as leaving money on the table, Brunson said he accepted the smaller deal because he had already built financial security through previous NBA earnings and wanted to give the Knicks salary-cap flexibility to build a stronger roster, Fortune reported.
Brunson said having financial stability “in my back pocket” allowed him to play freely because he knew he and his family were secure, according to People.
Instead of relying only on endorsement deals, the Knicks star said he is now focused on equity investments and ownership opportunities that can continue generating wealth after basketball, according to The Wall Street Journal.
“At this point now… I am looking for equity deals. I am looking to further my business outside of basketball, prepare myself for life after basketball,” Brunson said to WSJ.
Brunson has expanded his portfolio beyond his NBA salary through business ventures, including becoming an equity investor and long-term partner with Just Salad, Fortune reported.
He also co-hosts “The Roommates Show” podcast with teammate Josh Hart as part of his growing off-court business interests, according to People.
His endorsement portfolio includes partnerships with Nike, American Express, AT&T, DoorDash, BodyArmor and Delta Air Lines, according to The Wall Street Journal.
Brunson said he has saved enough money to pursue investments that may carry more risk but provide greater long-term opportunities, Fortune reported.
As Finurah previously reported, he has also become involved in financial education for other athletes through the JPMorgan Chase Athlete Council.
Through the partnership, Brunson is helping professional players and young athletes with NIL deals learn about budgeting, investing and protecting their wealth, according to People.
Brunson’s commitment to building generational wealth extends beyond himself. In 2023, he and his mother co-founded the Second Round Foundation, a nonprofit focused on supporting young people through educational, athletic and community-building opportunities, according to The Wall Street Journal.
During the 2026 NBA Finals, Sandra also went viral after a Knicks fan thanked her for raising the team’s “franchise changer,” with her reaction capturing the pride she has for her son, Fortune reported.
