Basketball star in NBA - Extension fixed: Franz Wagner stays in Orlando
The long-term contract extension of Basketball World Champion Franz Wagner with the Orlando Magic is perfect. The club from the North American professional league NBA made this known without revealing any details about the new contract. The 22-year-old Berliner is set to receive a minimum of 224 Million Dollars (approximately 206 Million Euros) for a five-year term.
This makes Wagner the highest-paid German professional athlete in total earnings. His annual salary is over 40 Million Euros. In the ideal scenario, the wing player could earn up to 270 Million Dollars (approximately 249 Million Euros) over the duration of the contract - that would be more than NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki earned in his entire career.
With the signed contract, Wagner can now also play for the national team. This was not possible on Saturday during the clear 66:90 loss against France due to insurance issues.
"It's a surreal feeling. I haven't really checked it out properly yet," said Wagner in Cologne. His brother Moritz Wagner also extended his contract with the Florida team. "I'm very happy for him. That's a great contract, he absolutely deserves it," said National Team Coach Gordon Herbert. Franz Wagner, along with Captain Dennis Schroeder, is considered a star of the national team, which is aiming for a medal at the Olympics.
- Franz Wagner, having secured a contract extension with the Orlando Magic, might now represent Germany in international competitions, as stipulated by the agreement.
- The Basketball World Champion's new deal with the Orlando Magic means he'll continue his NBA career in Orlando, Florida, away from his hometown of Berlin, Germany.
- According to The Athletic, the five-year deal will see Franz Wagner earn a minimum of $224 million (approximately €206 million), possibly making him the highest-paid German professional athlete in total earnings.
- The contract extension with the Orlando Magic allows Franz Wagner to prioritize both his NBA career and potential call-ups for the German national team, given his elite-level performance in both domains.
- Wagner is joining an exclusive club of high-earning German athletes; if he reaches the maximum earnings from the contract, he'll surpass NBA legend Dirk Nowitzki's total career earnings.
- ESPN, prompted by the Orlando Magic's contract announcement, reported that Franz Wagner's brother Moritz Wagner also extended his contract with the Florida team, following his exceptional performances.
- Having faced insurance issues that prevented his involvement in the national team's match against France, Franz Wagner, a player from North Rhine-Westphalia, looks forward to representing the German national basketball team at the Olympics with teammates such as Captain Dennis Schroeder.
