4 golfers, 2 footballers, 2 NBA stars, others, see Top 10 highest-earning athletes of all time
4 golfers, 2 footballers, 2 NBA stars, others, see Top 10 highest-earning athletes of all time
March 14, 2023
Sports have become a major part of our lives, and over the years, many athletes have achieved immense success and earned significant amounts of money.
From basketball to golf to soccer, these athletes have not only become famous for their skills but also for their wealth.
These athletes have not only set records in their respective sports but have also established themselves as some of the wealthiest people in the world.
In this article, Sporting Tribune takes a look at the top 10 highest-paid athletes of all time, both in non-inflation-adjusted and inflation-adjusted earnings.
EXPLAINER: Inflation-adjusted earnings are the earnings that have been adjusted to account for the impact of inflation over time. This means that the earnings have been adjusted to reflect the current purchasing power of the money earned in the past.
For example, $1 million earned in 1990 would have less purchasing power in 2023 due to inflation, so the inflation-adjusted earnings for that amount would be higher in 2023 than in 1990.
Michael Jordan
With inflation-adjusted earnings of $3.3 billion and non-inflation-adjusted earnings of $2.37 billion, Michael Jordan is considered the highest-paid athlete of all time. His net worth is largely derived from his career earnings as a basketball player and his lucrative endorsement deals with major brands.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods has earned $2.5 billion in inflation-adjusted earnings and $1.77 billion in non-inflation-adjusted earnings, making him one of the highest-paid athletes in history. His golf career and numerous endorsement deals have contributed to his wealth, although his earnings have been impacted by personal scandals in recent years.
Arnold Palmer
Arnold Palmer’s inflation-adjusted earnings are $1.7 billion, and his non-inflation-adjusted earnings are $885 million. He was a legendary professional golfer and successful entrepreneur, with his eponymous iced tea and lemonade beverage still popular today.
Jack Nicklaus
Jack Nicklaus’ inflation-adjusted earnings are $1.63 billion, and his non-inflation-adjusted earnings are $870 million. He is widely considered one of the greatest golfers of all time, with 18 major championship wins and a successful course design business.
Cristiano Ronaldo
Cristiano Ronaldo has earned $1.58 billion in inflation-adjusted earnings and $1.29 billion in non-inflation-adjusted earnings throughout his career. He is one of the most successful and popular soccer players of all time and has lucrative endorsement deals with major brands.
LeBron James
LeBron James has earned $1.53 billion in inflation-adjusted earnings and $1.23 billion in non-inflation-adjusted earnings. He is widely regarded as one of the best basketball players of all time and has lucrative endorsement deals with brands such as Nike, Coca-Cola, and PepsiCo.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi’s inflation-adjusted earnings are $1.48 billion, and his non-inflation-adjusted earnings are $1.22 billion. He is a highly successful and popular soccer player and has endorsement deals with major brands such as Adidas and PepsiCo.
Floyd Mayweather
Floyd Mayweather’s inflation-adjusted earnings are $1.41 billion, and his non-inflation-adjusted earnings are $1.11 billion. He is one of the most successful boxers of all time, with a perfect 50-0 record, and has earned significant wealth from his fights and lucrative endorsement deals.
Roger Federer
Roger Federer’s inflation-adjusted earnings are $1.38 billion, and his non-inflation-adjusted earnings are $1.1 billion. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest tennis players of all time and has earned significant wealth from his tennis career and endorsement deals with brands such as Rolex and Credit Suisse.
Phil Mickelson
Phil Mickelson’s inflation-adjusted earnings are $1.36 billion, and his non-inflation-adjusted earnings are $1.03 billion. He is a highly successful professional golfer with five major championship wins and has earned significant wealth from his golf career and endorsement deals with brands such as KPMG and Rolex.
