Shorter deals with staggering annual payouts, massive guaranteed money, and total values creeping toward $1 billion. Front offices across the NFL, NBA, and MLB are rewriting the financial playbook—here’s a look at some of the most recent contract signings.
NFL
On August 1st, 2026, guard Matthew Bergeron signed a four-year, $96 million extension with the Atlanta Falcons. His contract’s average annual value (AAV) lies around $24 million, with $60 million in guarantees.
Bergeron has been a reliable piece of Atlanta’s offensive line, only missing two starts since he was drafted in 2023. Falcons general manager Ian Cunningham shares, “He’s establishing himself as one of the top young guards in the NFL, and his toughness, consistency and leadership have made him a cornerstone of our offensive line and the culture we’re building in Atlanta.”
Accordingly, on August 1st, 2026, wide receiver Deebo Samuel made his return to the San Francisco 49ers. His 1-year, $7 million contract filled the void of a solid WR2/WR3 after Ricky Pearsall’s PCL injury.
Marking his return from his one-year stint with the Washington Commanders, Samuel shares via ESPN, “It kind of felt like I didn’t even go nowhere, to be honest. When I got back, I was just like, ‘Well I know what’s going on. I know the people here. Staff still the same.’ So it’s kind of like the same for real.”
NBA
On Sunday, July 26th, LeBron James agreed to the terms of a two-year, $8 million contract with the Philadelphia 76ers. This upcoming season will mark his 24th in the NBA, with his years in Cleveland, Miami, and Los Angeles preceding his final chapter in Philadelphia.
In a post on X, James shares, “I thought I was done when the season ended. I wasn’t ready to announce it, and I knew I needed some time to really (decide), but I was pretty sure I played my last game. I was honest at that last press conference when I said I needed to look at myself and decide if I still love this game. I still truly love this game, and I have more to give…I still want to sacrifice. I still want to work. I still want to grind.”
Just yesterday, the Dallas Mavericks re-signed forward Naji Marshall to a three-year, $52 million deal. Marshall has found his rhythm in Dallas, scoring more than 30 points in eight games; with the New Orleans Pelicans, he failed to achieve even one 30-point game.
Marshall averaged a career-best of 15.2 points in the 2025-2026 NBA season, signifying his improving play. Dallas Mavericks President Masai Ujiri shares, “He is a competitive player who impacts winning in a variety of ways. His versatility, toughness and willingness to embrace every challenge make him an important part of what we’re building.”
