How NBA superstar Nikola Jokic makes and spends his fortune: the Denver Nuggets MVP and millionaire was spotted in a Mercedes and sporting a Cartier Calibre Chronograph, but his secret love is horses

Jan 27 , 2024

Nikola Jokić in 2023, soon before playing the Lakers; the MVP signed a mega contract to stay with the Nuggets. Photo: USA Today Sports

Nikola Jokic signed a five-year, US$264 million contract to stay with the Denver Nuggets in 2022, and has partnered with Western Union, Somborac, Panini and 361°

Apart from reportedly owning properties in Denver and land in his hometown of Serbia, he has also been seen wearing a Rolex Daytona and Rolex Yacht-Master 40 – but was hit with fines during games, too

Nikola Jokic may be nicknamed the “Joker” on the court, but he has a bank account that’s no laughing matter. The 2020-21 and 2021-22 NBA MVP has amassed an estimated net worth of US$50 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.

The NBA superstar also boasts a collection of luxury cars and watches, and owns properties and land on opposite sides of the globe.

Nikola Jokic of the Denver Nuggets in June 2021, in Denver, Colorado. Photo: Getty Images

Born in Sombor, Serbia, on February 19, 1995, Jokic’s passion for basketball was evident from a young age. He made his Serbian league debut with Mega Basket as a teenager and quickly became the league’s MVP, according to his NBA bio. His journey took him to the NBA, where he joined the Denver Nuggets in 2015. He quickly made a name for himself as one of the most talented centres to ever play the game.

Jokic’s sporting achievements are as impressive as his 211cm frame. He won a silver medal with Serbia at the 2016 Summer Olympics and an NBA championship with the Nuggets in 2023. He has two regular-season MVP awards and one Finals MVP, and is a five-time NBA All-Star.

Denver Nuggets centre Nikola Jokic celebrates winning the Western Conference MVP Trophy and beating the Los Angeles Lakers at the 2023 NBA playoffs. Photo: USA Today Sports

With such accolades, it’s no surprise that Jokic’s value soared. In 2018, he signed a five-year contract extension worth around US$147 million, Forbes reports. A year later, he ranked as the 89th richest athlete globally.

In 2022, Jokić signed a five-year US$264 million contract to stay with the Nuggets. This made him the highest-paid player in NBA history at the time, as reported by Spanish sports outlet Marca.

According to ESPN, Jokic’s salary will increase each year, from US$42 million in the 2023-2024 season to over US$54 million in the 2027-2028 season.