With the massive influx of money into the sports industry because of TV rights, sponsorship deals and merchandise sales, a sportsperson’s brand value has increased significantly in the last decade.
Several sportspersons have been earning a fortune through sports and have been able to enjoy and lead a lavish and affluent lifestyle. It is more from endorsement deals that the athletes earn rather than the match fees during their playing days.
As sports has become so lucrative, people are flocking towards making this their profession. Players do not have to do side businesses and side streams of income in order to sustain their lifestyle or even family,
In this article, we take a look at the top 10 highest-paid athletes of all time:
1. Michael Jordan ($3.3 billion)
Despite retiring from the sport in 2003, Michael Jordan tops the charts when it comes to the highest paid athletes of all time. He has a total earning of $3.3 billion and it speaks volumes about his immense popularity, both on and off the field.
Apart from being a word-class player of Chicago Bulls in the National Basketball Association (NBA), he also had a collaboration with sportswear brand Nike and had launched the Air Jordan shoes, which became an instant hit among the masses.
2. Tiger Woods ($2.5 billion)
A doyen in the world of golf, Tiger Woods symbolizes class and consistency. He has been a dominating figure in the world of golf and is credited for taking the sport in the global realms.
Hailing from the US, Tiger Woods has won 14 major trophies and is the heartbeat of this sport. Brands love taking him onboard as he has a massive popularity and justifies his all-time earnings of $2.5 billion.
3. Arnold Palmer ($1.7 billion)
Another maestro in gold turned billionaire, Arnold Palmer is 3rd in the list of all-time highest paid athletes. Having won the US Open, Masters Tournament and The Open Championship, Palmer is considered as one of the greatest-ever golf sportspersons to have graced this sport.
Be it in Asia or the US, Arnold Palmer’s apparel has been extremely popular among the sports-loving fans and his presence revolutionized the whole dynamics of brand endorsements.
4. Jack Nicklaus ($1.63 billion)
Golf’s popularity came because of a few athletes and another addition to this glamorous list is Jack Nicklaus. He has a net worth of $1.63 billion and had called it quits from professional golf in 2005.
The Nicklaus Companies, which is owned by him, sells several apparels, golf balls, art and memorabilia and is quite popular among the youth.
5. Cristiano Ronaldo ($1.58 billion)
One of the greatest-ever footballers to have played this beautiful sport, Cristiano Ronaldo is an emblem of class, fashion and style. Apart from his incredible dribbling and finishing skills, Ronaldo has a massive popularity off the field.
It might be his strong physique and his dashing looks that people instantly fall in love with him. And this has lured brands to get associated with him and the likes of Nike, American Tourister, Louis Vuitton and Tabalat have constantly been associated with him.
6. Lebron James ($1.23 billion)
One of the best basketball players of all time, Lebron James sparkles with rhythm and rhyme in this sporting arena. James plays for Los Angles Lakers in the NBA and has a net worth of $1.23 billion.
Ask any young and aspiring basketball player, their favourite player, and they will instantly name Lebron James. With substantial deals and endorsements with high-profile companies like Nike and Coca-Cola, Lebron James is a household name across the globe.
7. Lionel Messi ($1.48 billion)
Arguably, the greatest footballer of all time, Lionel Messi has a net worth of $1.48 billion. He plays for Inter Miami in the Major League Soccer (MLS) and has previously represented top clubs such as Barcelona and PSG.
Messi’s undying popularity has made brands flock to him and several endorsement deals has made him an absolute legend in this sports marketing world.
8. Floyd Mayweather ($1.41 billion)
The boxer from USA, Floyd Mayweather is a living legend of this sport. From his high-voltage fights inside the boxing ring, Mayweather has earned some fat pay-checks and his famous bouts with the likes of Conor McGregor and Manny Pacquiao have made him extremely popular and he has a net worth of $1.41 billion.
9. Roger Federer ($1.38 billion)
One of the best tennis players of all time, Roger Federer is a beacon of light in this sport. Along side Rafael Nadal, Federer is considered as a heavyweight and living legend in tennis.
Off the field as well, he connects with fans instantly and has a brand value of $1.38 billion. Federer’s association with brands such as Rolex, Mercedes-Benz and Nike has been a big shot in the arm for the tennis player.
10. Phil Mickelson ($1.36 billion)
Apart from winning 45 events on the PGA Tour and 3 Masters titles, Phil Mickelson had a lot of brand value, off the field. His net worth is $1.36 billion and earns millions every year through associations with companies such as Titleist, Intrepid Financial Partners and Grayhawk.
Also read: Top 10 Managers Of The All-Time
