Highest-Paid Athletes in Team Sports
In the NBA, the highest-paid athlete is Stephen Curry, who earned an estimated $156 million in total income, with his salary at $55.8 million and significant off-court earnings from Under Armour and Curry Brand. In the NFL, Patrick Mahomes leads with roughly $45 million in salary and a landmark contract extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, while his off-field earnings are boosted by a long-term deal with Nike. In the Premier League, Cristiano Ronaldo remains the top earner, with his Al-Nassr contract reported at around $200 million per year, making him the highest-paid athlete in soccer globally. In MLB, Shohei Ohtani leads with a record contract that includes a massive deferred payment structure and a separate MLB salary, while his off-field deals with brands like Red Bull and New Balance add substantially to his total income. In the NHL, Connor McDavid tops the list with an annual salary exceeding $16 million under his Edmonton Oilers contract, and his endorsements with companies like Bauer and Adidas contribute to his high total earnings. In the MLS, Lionel Messi's move to Inter Miami set a new benchmark, with his contract including a large salary, equity, and commercial revenue share that makes him the league's highest-paid player. Forbes highest-paid athletes list
Highest-Paid Athletes in Individual Sports
In tennis, Carlos Alcaraz and Novak Djokovic are the top earners, with Djokovic's Grand Slam prize money and off-court endorsements from brands like Lacoste and Asics driving his income, while Alcaraz's rising ranking and new sponsorship deals with luxury and sportswear brands boost his total earnings. In golf, Jon Rahm and Tiger Woods remain among the highest earners, with Rahm's LIV Golf contract and major endorsement deals with companies like Callaway and Rolex contributing significantly, and Woods' ongoing earnings from sponsorships and his brand despite reduced tournament play. In boxing, Canelo Alvarez is the top earner, with his PPV share and massive promotional deals with DAZN and Golden Boy Promotions driving his income, while his sponsorships with companies like Hennessy and Oakley add to his total. In MMA, Conor McGregor continues to earn at the top of the sport, with his UFC contracts and a long-term whiskey brand deal with Proper Twelve generating substantial income beyond fight purses. Forbes highest-paid individual athletes
Highest-Paid Athletes in Emerging and Niche Sports
In esports, the highest-paid players earn millions through salaries, tournament prizes, and streaming, with figures like Johan Sundstein and Anathan Pham from Dota 2 topping the list due to record prize pools and long-term team contracts. In Formula 1, Max Verstappen leads in earnings, with his Red Bull contract and a growing portfolio of endorsements from brands like Red Bull, Rolex, and Tommy Hilfiger, while his on-track success drives substantial bonus payments. In surfing, Gabriel Medina and Caroline Marks are among the top earners, with prize money from the World Surf League and sponsorship deals with brands like Rip Curl, Red Bull, and Oakley contributing to their income. In track and field, the highest-paid athletes earn from a mix of Olympic bonuses, World Athletics prize money, and lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, Adidas, and other major brands, with figures like Usain Bolt and current Olympic champions leveraging their global reach.