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Winning an NBA Championship is every player’s dream, but the glory isn’t the only thing at stake. The 2025 title-winning Oklahoma City Thunder didn’t just make history—they secured a significant payday in the process. Each Thunder player will receive approximately USD $828,000, contributing to a total team prize of USD $12.4 million from the NBA’s Player Playoff Pool. It’s a well-deserved bonus for the league’s newest champions and a reminder that success on the court in the NBA also pays—literally.
Unlike other major sports, the NBA doesn’t have a fixed championship prize pool. Instead, it uses a Player Playoff Pool that distributes money based on both regular-season performance and playoff success. This year’s pool was roughly USD $34.7 million, mainly generated from ticket sales and designed to reward consistency, wins, and postseason advancement. Every playoff team gets a share of it—but how large that share is depends on how far they progress.
Canadian Oklahoma City Thunder star Shaivonte Aician Gilgeous-Alexander, also known by his initials SGA | Image: Getty Images
During their dominant run through the Western Conference Finals, NBA MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander reminded everyone exactly why the Thunder are the real deal. Dropping 34 points, seven rebounds, and eight assists in the 124–94 victory that secured their spot in the Finals, the 26-year-old Canadian kept the team grounded in the moment. “This is a step in the right direction but we have a lot more work to do to get to our ultimate goal, so let’s buckle up and get ready,” he told reporters after the game. Even with the win, his focus was clear: “That’s all that I’m focused on. This isn’t the end of our road.”
To get a clearer picture, here’s how the playoff and regular-season payouts were structured this season:
Playoff Earnings
NBA Champion: $4,775,940
First Round: $6,439,658 ($402,479 per player)
Conference Semifinals: $3,831,216 ($478,902 per player)
Conference Finals: $3,165,594 ($791,398 per player)
Losing Team in the NBA Finals: $3,164,731
Regular Season Bonuses
Best Overall Record: $777,840
Best Record in Conference: $1,361,206 ($680,603 each)
Second-Best Record in Conference: $1,094,078 ($547,039 each)
Third-Best Record in Conference: $816,729($408,364 each)
Fourth-Best Record in Conference: $641,862 ($320,931 each)
Fifth-Best Record in Conference: $534,822 ($267,411 each)
Sixth-Best Record in Conference: $364,782 ($182,391 each)
Teams that dominate during the regular season earn an early advantage before the playoffs even tip off. The Thunder’s stellar run gave them the largest cut available, securing their full share of the $12.4 million pot. For comparison, teams eliminated in the second round receive a standard payout, while those reaching the conference finals or the NBA Finals itself earn significantly more. Play-in tournament teams, however, don’t see a cent of the pool—another incentive to push for a higher seed.
It’s not just the payday that’s special—it’s the journey. Gilgeous-Alexander joined an elite company this year, becoming one of only a few players in the past two decades—alongside Steph Curry, LeBron James, and Kobe Bryant—to reach the NBA Finals in the same season as winning MVP. “These guys really make me feel like I’m a kid playing AAU basketball again,” he said after clinching the Western Conference title. “It’s just fun. That’s what makes us really good. We have so much fun being out there together.”
Of course, that $828,000 payout hits differently depending on your paycheque. For superstars like Gilgeous-Alexander, who’s reportedly set to sign a record-breaking USD $380 million contract, this championship bonus is pocket change. But for role players and rising stars like Branden Carlson ($496,519), Jaylin Williams ($2 million), and Dillon Jones ($2.6 million), that extra cash makes a significant difference. It’s a well-earned reward for players who work hard through 82 regular-season games, numerous practices, and a tough postseason schedule.
Compared to other leagues, the NBA dominates in playoff bonuses. The NFL caps out around $357,000 per player, while MLB playoff payouts are closer to $477,000—figures that pale in comparison to the NBA’s potential earnings. The money is distributed by round, and the further your team advances, the larger your share. Winning might not change a superstar’s life, but for much of the roster, it’s a meaningful bonus for a season’s work.
The championship bonus is more than just money — it’s a sign of recognition. It honours teamwork, consistency, and resilience throughout a season where every possession matters. The Thunder’s $12.4 million reward reflects not only their talent but also their discipline and chemistry as a young, hungry team that refused to back down. Glory comes first — but it definitely doesn’t hurt when the trophy is accompanied by a hefty cheque, too.
Oklahoma City Thunder NBA Championships | Image: Getty Images
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
Our team of editors and experts thoughtfully chooses each product. If you decide to buy through one of our links, we may earn a commission. Learn more. Want to know how we test products? Click here for more details.
Alright, buckle up, PS5 owners—2025 is here, and it’s bringing a lineup of games that will keep you locked in for hours. It feels like just yesterday Sony launched the PlayStation 5, but the console has already established itself as a powerhouse with lightning-fast load times, stunning 4K visuals, and gameplay so immersive it blurs the line between reality and fantasy. And now, with the arrival of the PlayStation 5 Pro, things are looking even sharper, smoother, and more breathtaking than ever.
This year’s releases offer a mix of exhilarating action, hilarious multiplayer chaos, and emotional, story-rich adventures that will stay with you long after the credits roll. Not every title on this list is a PlayStation exclusive, but each one is worth your time. So grab your controller and get ready—we’ve gathered the 10 best PS5 games you absolutely must play in 2025.
God of War Ragnarök Review | Video: Youtube / IGN
1. God of War Ragnarök
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Santa Monica Studio
Release Date: November 9, 2022 (PS5 Enhanced for 2025)
Why Play It: A breathtaking mix of Norse mythology, emotional storytelling, & brutal combat.
Few games hit as hard—both emotionally and physically—as God of War Ragnarök. Kratos and Atreus return in a sweeping conclusion to the Norse saga, delivering cinematic storytelling that’s as raw as it is beautiful. From jaw-dropping boss battles to quiet, heartfelt moments between father and son, the game strikes a balance between scale and intimacy that few titles can match. Enhanced for PS5 and PS5 Pro, Ragnarök takes full advantage of next-gen hardware with stunning visuals, lightning-fast load times, and combat so fluid it feels like poetry in motion—albeit very violent poetry. Whether you’re here for the mythological depth, the gripping narrative, or to swing the Leviathan Axe one more time, this is a must-play masterpiece.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | Video: Youtube / IGN
2. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Ubisoft Montreal
Release Date: November 10, 2020
Why Play It: An immersive Viking saga that blends open-world exploration with rich storytelling.
Step into the boots of Eivor, a fierce Viking raider exploring the rugged beauty of ninth-century England. Assassin’s Creed Valhalla builds on everything fans love about the series: expansive open worlds, stealthy assassinations, and epic battles, while introducing deep RPG features like settlement building and branching storylines. On the PS5, the game looks better than ever—vivid landscapes, smooth frame rates, and almost instant loading times make raiding monasteries or exploring the English countryside feel cinematic. Whether you’re chasing glory in combat or uncovering the hidden lore of the Assassin Brotherhood, Valhalla is the kind of game that makes hours vanish in the blink of an eye.
Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart | Video: Youtube / IGN
3. Ratchet and Clank: Rift Apart
Genre: Action-Adventure / Platformer
Developer: Insomniac Games
Release Date: June 11, 2021 (PS5 Exclusive)
Why Play It: A dazzling showcase of PS5’s power with fast-paced action & stunning visuals.
If there’s one game that screams “next-gen,” it’s Ratchet & Clank: Rift Apart. Bursting with colour, humour, and creativity, it’s a rollercoaster ride through multiple dimensions where loading screens virtually don’t exist thanks to the PS5’s SSD. The combat is chaotic in the best way—combining wild weapons, clever gadgets, and acrobatic movement—while the story balances laughs with heartfelt moments. This isn’t just a fun platformer; it’s proof of what the PS5 can truly achieve, blending cinematic visuals with gameplay that feels as seamless as it looks.
Helldivers 2 | Video: Youtube / IGN
4. Helldivers 2
Genre: Cooperative Third-Person Shooter
Developer: Arrowhead Game Studios
Release Date: February 8, 2024
Why Play It: Chaotic, hilarious, and endlessly replayable co-op mayhem.
Helldivers 2 ramps up the action with over-the-top combat and a healthy dose of satire, making it one of the most engaging co-op experiences on the PS5. You and up to three squadmates drop into hostile alien worlds, armed to the teeth and tasked with defending “managed democracy” one explosive mission at a time. It’s frantic, unpredictable, and laugh-out-loud funny when friendly fire inevitably wipes out half your team. Add in stunning visuals, tight gunplay, and near-limitless replay value, and you’ve got one of the top multiplayer titles to play with friends in 2025.
Demon’s Souls | Video: Youtube / IGN
5. Demon’s Soul
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Bluepoint Games
Release Date: November 12, 2020 (PS5 Remake)
Why Play It: The definitive test of patience, skill, and triumph on PS5.
If you’re looking for a game that highlights both the beauty and brutality of the PS5, Demon’s Souls is it. This complete remake of the 2009 classic enhances everything fans loved about the original with stunning visuals, eerie atmospheres, and smooth yet brutal combat. Every victory feels deserved, every defeat humbling, and the haunting landscapes draw you deeper into its dark, mysterious world. For many players, this was the first major showcase of what the PS5 could offer—and even in 2025, it remains one of the most unforgettable and rewarding experiences on the console.
Astro Bot | Video: Youtube / IGN
6. Astro Bot
Genre: Platformer / Adventure
Developer: Team Asobi
Release Date: September 6, 2024
Why Play It: A joyful showcase of PS5’s hardware & pure platforming fun.
Astro Bot is the kind of game that reminds you why you fell in love with gaming in the first place. Bursting with charm, creativity, and clever nods to PlayStation history, it turns every level into a playground full of surprises. The DualSense controller truly excels here, with haptic feedback and adaptive triggers making every jump, swing, and interaction feel lively in your hands. It’s lighthearted, endlessly entertaining, and an instant classic that shows not every must-play game needs to be dark or gritty—sometimes, joy is the best experience of all.
Spider-Man 2 | Video: Youtube / IGN
7. Spider-Man 2
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Insomniac Games
Release Date: October 20, 2023
Why Play It: Swing through New York as both Peter Parker and Miles Morales in an unforgettable superhero story.
Everyone’s friendly neighbourhood Spider-Man is back; this time, he has a partner in crime-fighting—Miles Morales. Spider-Man 2 elevates the experience with Peter Parker and Miles swinging through New York to confront Venom and other major threats. The game’s open-world action is smoother than ever, featuring epic combat, stunning visuals, and a story that fully immerses you. You’ll zip around the city, uncover secrets, and battle enemies while unlocking new powers and gadgets. With an expanded world, emotional stakes, and heart-pounding moments, Spider-Man 2 is a must-play for anyone who’s ever dreamed of being the web-slinger. It’s time to swing through New York like never before!
Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales | Video: Youtube / IGN
8. Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales
Genre: Action-Adventure
Developer: Insomniac Games
Release Date: November 12, 2020
Why Play It: A vibrant, heartfelt superhero journey that makes Miles Morales shine as Spider-Man.
Here’s another Spider-Man game, and this time, it’s all about Miles Morales stepping into the spotlight. In Marvel’s Spider-Man: Miles Morales, you’re not just swinging through New York as Peter Parker—you’re experiencing the burden of Miles’ own journey as he balances being a hero and a regular teen. Featuring stunning visuals, smooth gameplay, and exciting new powers like invisibility and electric venom strikes, this game takes the Spider-Man universe in a fresh direction. You’ll encounter new enemies such as Roxon and the Tinkerer, explore a snowy New York, and dive into Miles’ emotional story. If you’re ready to swing through a new chapter with an all-new Spidey, give this one a try.
Final Fantasy XVI | Video: Youtube / IGN
9. Final Fantasy XVI
Genre: Action RPG
Developer: Square Enix
Release Date: June 22, 2023
Why Play It: A darker, cinematic take on the beloved franchise with fast-paced combat & unforgettable storytelling.
Final Fantasy XVI redefines the iconic series with a gritty, mature story and some of the most cinematic combat the franchise has ever showcased. You take on the role of Clive Rosfield, caught in an expansive tale of war, politics, and destiny across the kingdom of Valisthea. Featuring real-time action that feels smooth and intense, enormous Eikon battles that shake the ground beneath you, and visuals reminiscent of a blockbuster film, the game pushes the PS5 to its full potential. It’s bold, emotional, and grand in every way—a must-play not only for Final Fantasy enthusiasts but also for anyone seeking a sweeping RPG adventure.
Gran Turismo 7 | Video: Youtube / IGN
10. Gran Turismo 7
Genre: Racing Simulation
Developer: Polyphony Digital
Release Date: March 4, 2022
Why Play It: The ultimate driving simulator with jaw-dropping realism & endless car culture depth.
With an incredible roster of meticulously detailed vehicles, tracks that feel almost realistic, and physics so accurate you can feel every gear shift and tire grip, it offers the most authentic driving experience on the PS5. Whether you’re fine-tuning your dream garage, mastering time trials, or simply cruising to enjoy the game’s stunning graphics, GT7 captures the excitement of driving like nothing else. For both gearheads and casual players, this is the ultimate way to put the pedal to the metal on PlayStation.
Elias Albay is the Founder and Director of Many Men Magazine, a Toronto-based digital publication dedicated to promoting modern masculinity through style, culture, and self-improvement. What started as a personal turning point became a purposeful platform. — born from Elias’ desire to create something meaningful after completing his studies and finding no career path that truly matched his ambitions. With a background in Civil Engineering from York University and experience in Commercial Flight Operations at CAE, he applied skills, and resilience from both fields to forge a new path.
