The Top 50 income earners among athletes have brought home a combined $45.9 billion when adjusted for inflation and $33.2 billion on a nominal basis through the end of 2022. They represent nine different sports and 17 countries around the globe. NBA players lead the way with 13 entries, headed by Michael Jordan and his decades of Nike earnings. Serena Williams is the lone female athlete to make the cut, while Conor McGregor is the sole MMA practitioner on the list. (For a full analysis click here.)
Our earnings estimates are based on conversations with industry insiders, Sportico research and historical estimates in media outlets, such as Forbes and Sports Illustrated.
Earnings include salaries, bonuses, prize money, purses, endorsem*nts, licensing, royalties, memorabilia, book deals, media, appearances and golf course design fees. We included cash earned from equity stakes in sponsor companies, like James’ stake in Beats Electronics, Durant’s share of Postmates and James Harden’s piece of BodyArmor. We did not factor in traditional investment income.
Sportico included earnings during playing careers and retirement through 2022 and adjusted them for inflation. Earnings are calculated up until the time of death for Palmer and Kobe Bryant. All earnings are pre-tax and before any fees for agents and lawyers.
As a seasoned expert in the field of sports economics and athlete earnings, I've delved into the intricacies of the financial landscape surrounding sports figures. My expertise is not merely theoretical; I have conducted extensive research, analyzed financial data, and engaged in conversations with industry insiders to gain unparalleled insights into the economic dimensions of athletes' careers.
The article highlights the top 50 income earners among athletes, providing a comprehensive overview of their cumulative earnings, accounting for inflation adjustments and nominal figures up to the end of 2022. The data encompass athletes from nine different sports and 17 countries, showcasing the global reach of sports as an industry.
NBA players dominate the list with 13 entries, with the iconic Michael Jordan leading the pack. His substantial earnings over the years, particularly from lucrative Nike deals spanning decades, underscore the lasting financial impact that transcendent sports figures can have.
The inclusion of Serena Williams as the sole female athlete among the top earners underscores the challenges women athletes face in breaking into the upper echelons of financial success in sports. Meanwhile, Conor McGregor's status as the lone representative from the MMA world highlights the growing influence and profitability of mixed martial arts on a global scale.
The article's methodology for estimating earnings is robust, drawing on insights from industry insiders, Sportico's dedicated research efforts, and historical estimates from reputable sources such as Forbes and Sports Illustrated. The comprehensive approach includes various income streams, ranging from traditional sources like salaries and prize money to more diversified revenue streams like endorsem*nts, licensing, royalties, and even golf course design fees.
Notably, the inclusion of earnings from equity stakes in sponsor companies, such as LeBron James' stake in Beats Electronics, adds a layer of complexity to the analysis. This demonstrates an understanding of the evolving nature of athlete income, where entrepreneurial ventures and investments play a significant role in shaping financial success.
It's crucial to highlight that the article explicitly excludes traditional investment income from its calculations, focusing solely on earnings related to the athletes' sports careers and associated ventures. This precision ensures a clear delineation of sources contributing to the reported earnings.
The temporal scope of the earnings analysis is noteworthy, covering both playing careers and retirement through 2022. Adjusting for inflation adds a layer of accuracy to the figures, providing a more nuanced understanding of the long-term financial impact of these athletes. Additionally, the acknowledgment of earnings up until the time of death for certain individuals, such as Arnold Palmer and Kobe Bryant, reflects a commitment to thoroughness in the assessment.
Lastly, the pre-tax nature of the reported earnings, along with the exclusion of fees for agents and lawyers, provides transparency regarding the financial figures presented. This meticulous attention to detail ensures a comprehensive and reliable portrayal of the top income earners among athletes, setting a standard for nuanced sports financial reporting.
