In a surprising turn of events, creators on OnlyFans collectively earned $6.6 billion in 2023, a staggering $1.7 billion more than the combined salaries of all NBA players, which amounted to $4.9 billion.
This remarkable milestone highlights the growth of the digital creator economy, where influencers and entertainers on platforms like OnlyFans are outpacing even the highest-paid professional athletes.
This earnings surge is partially due to OnlyFans’ business model, which allows creators to keep 80% of their earnings, a stark contrast to traditional entertainment industries where distribution channels typically take a larger share.
Top OnlyFans stars, such as Bella Thorne, who reportedly earns $11 million per month, illustrate the financial potential of this platform. Lesser-known creators are also enjoying significant success, with some earning hundreds of thousands in short periods.
While the top 0.1% of creators are pulling in enormous figures, the earnings gap on OnlyFans is vast. Many creators make far less than top earners, averaging around $1,300 annually. In contrast, even the lowest-paid NBA players still earn six-figure contracts, showing a more even distribution of wealth in traditional sports.
The rise of OnlyFans and other platforms reflects a shift in how wealth is accumulated in the digital era, with online content creators becoming formidable earners in the entertainment world. This phenomenon underscores the changing landscape of modern economies, where traditional industries, including professional sports, are being rivaled by digital platforms offering new opportunities for financial success.
