Have you ever wondered who are the highest paid athletes of all time and how they made their fortunes? The allure of the sporting world extends beyond the thrill of competition to the intriguing realm of financial success.
Sports is a lucrative industry that can generate billions of dollars in revenue for athletes, teams, leagues, sponsors, and media outlets.
Some athletes have transcended their sports and become global icons, earning huge sums of money from salaries, winnings, endorsements, investments, and other sources. But who are the highest-paid sportsmen, and how did they achieve their success and fame?
This blog post ranks the top 5 highest-paid athletes of all time. The rankings rely on inflation-adjusted earnings, per a Sportico study. We will also look at how they achieved their success and what they are doing now. So, let’s get started and see who made the cut.
The Top 5 Highest Paid Athletes Ever
| Highest Paid Athlete | Sport | Earnings (Inflation-Adjusted) |
| Michael Jordan | Basketball | $3.75B |
| Tiger Woods | Golf | $2.66B |
| Cristiano Ronaldo | Football | $1.92B |
| Arnold Palmer | Golf | $1.76B |
| Lebron James | Basketball | $1.7 B |
1. Michael Jordan
- Sport: Basketball
- Country: USA
- Earnings: $3.75B
Michael Jordan, an iconic American basketball player, left an indelible mark on the NBA throughout his illustrious 15-season career. Revered as the highest paid athlete of all time, Jordan’s legacy is characterized by numerous accolades and achievements.
Career Dominance and Achievements
Michael Jordan’s NBA career spans 15 seasons, marked by unparalleled achievements, cementing his status as the greatest basketball player. With six NBA championships and six Finals MVP titles, he exemplified team leadership and clutch performances with the Chicago Bulls. Jordan’s scoring dominance is evident through ten regular season scoring titles and five NBA MVP Awards, showcasing his offensive brilliance. Defensively, he earned ten All-NBA First Team selections and nine All-NBA Defensive First Team nods, highlighting his prowess on both ends. His 14 NBA All-Star Game selections, three MVP awards, and two Olympic gold medals attest to his monumental impact and enduring legacy.
Current Role and Business Ventures
While no longer the majority owner (having sold his controlling stake in 2023), Michael Jordan retains a minority share and connection to the Charlotte Hornets. Beyond the court, he’s a savvy entrepreneur with successful ventures. His clothing and shoe line, coupled with strategic business partnerships, demonstrate his acumen. Inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015, Jordan’s influence persists, extending far beyond his playing days.
Revolutionizing Athlete Endorsements
In 1984, Jordan’s business acuity transformed athlete endorsements, securing a groundbreaking $2.5 million, five-year deal with Nike. This deal surpassed previous NBA standards. The Air Jordan sneaker line, introduced in 1985, aimed for a modest $3 million in sales for the initial three years. However, it exceeded expectations, generating an astonishing $126 million in the first year alone. This agreement not only signaled a paradigm shift in athlete endorsements but also established the groundwork for Jordan’s unmatched success in the business world. It solidified his iconic status, extending beyond the basketball court.
2. Tiger Woods
- Sport: Golf
- Country: USA
- Earnings: $2.66B
Tiger Woods, an iconic American golfer, made an enduring impact on golf, boasting a career filled with remarkable achievements and milestones. His historic victories and lasting sponsorships contribute to his status among the highest-paid golfer of all time. Let’s explore key aspects of his illustrious career.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Tiger Woods’ journey in professional golf is marked by groundbreaking achievements. In 1997, at just 21, he became the youngest player to win the Masters Tournament, followed by the youngest to achieve a career Grand Slam at 24 in 2000. Woods further solidified his legacy by securing four consecutive Masters Tournament victories in 2001-2002 and again in 2019-2020. Tied with Jack Nicklaus, he boasts 15 PGA Tour major championships.
The pinnacle of Woods’ career was the “Tiger Slam” in 2001, where he won four consecutive major titles, albeit not in the same calendar year. Despite a dominant period in 2001-2002, his career later faced a notable slump. With five Masters Tournament wins at Augusta National Golf Club, he stands second only to Jack Nicklaus. Woods’ journey is a testament to his unparalleled skill and enduring impact on professional golf, showcasing both highs and lows in the unpredictable world of sports.
Current Activities and Projects
Despite facing physical limitations from injuries, Tiger Woods continues to compete periodically in major tournaments and events he hosts, maintaining his presence in professional golf. He co-founded TGL, an innovative tech-infused golf league (though its launch faced delays). Beyond playing, he owns TGR Design, a successful global golf course design firm, and champions philanthropy through the Tiger Woods Foundation, focusing on empowering underserved youth through education. In early 2024, Woods launched his own apparel line, Sun Day Red, in partnership with TaylorMade.
Major Sponsors and Deals
Tiger Woods’ influence reaches beyond the golf course, evident in his longstanding affiliations with major sponsors. Nike, his primary sponsor since 1996 until, supplies him with apparel, footwear, and equipment. Titleist has sponsored his golf equipment, including balls, clubs, and accessories, since 1997. Bridgestone has been his golf ball sponsor since 2007, while Rolex has been his watch sponsor since 2011. These partnerships not only underscore his golfing supremacy but also play a pivotal role in solidifying Woods’ status as one of the world’s highest-paid athletes.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo
- Sport: Football
- Country: Portugal
- Earnings: $1.92B
Cristiano Ronaldo is widely regarded as one of the richest athletes of all time. He has won numerous individual and team awards, including five Ballon d’Or awards, five UEFA Champions League titles, and seven+ league titles in three different countries. He is also the all-time leading scorer for Portugal and Real Madrid.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Ronaldo’s journey in football is studded with remarkable achievements. With 34 senior trophies to his name, including seven league titles and six Champions League titles, he has consistently showcased his prowess on both domestic and international fronts. Notably, he holds the record for the most goals and assists in the Champions League and the record for most international goals and appearances for a European national team. His five Ballon d’Or awards and four European Golden Shoes further solidify his status as one of the game’s all-time greats, with a total of 931 senior career goals.
Major Sponsors and Deals
Beyond the football pitch, Ronaldo has cultivated a powerful brand. Nike, with whom he signed a lifetime contract in 2016, remains a steadfast partner. His endorsement portfolio extends to various global brands, including Herbalife, DAZN, Clear, MTG, Altice Portugal, Garena Free Fire, American Tourister, LiveScore, TAG Heuer, and Louis Vuitton. The CR7 brand, featuring clothing, footwear, underwear, fragrances, and hotels, has become a testament to his entrepreneurial success. Renowned as one of the world’s most marketable athletes, he generates approximately $45 million annually through advertising revenues.
Current Activities and Projects
In January 2023, Ronaldo embarked on a new chapter with Al-Nassr FC in Saudi Arabia, leaving behind Juventus FC. His impact has been immediate, contributing 94 goals in 104 appearances. He also led Al-Nassr to victory in the Saudi Pro League and the quarter-finals of the AFC Champions League. Simultaneously, Ronaldo has continued to be a pivotal figure for the Portugal national team, guiding them through the qualification stages for the 2024 FIFA World Cup.
3. Arnold Palmer
- Sport: Golf
- Country: USA
- Earnings: $1.76B
Arnold Palmer, an American professional golfer, is widely regarded as one of the highest paid and most influential figures in the sport’s history. Born in Latrobe, Pennsylvania, on September 10, 1929, Palmer dominated the golfing scene during the 1950s and 1960s, captivating audiences with his charismatic personality and aggressive playing style.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Arnold Palmer, a golf legend, left an indelible mark on the sport and sports marketing. His illustrious career spanned from the 1958 Masters to the 1964 Masters, during which he secured seven major titles. In 1998, the PGA Tour honored him with the Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 1974, he became one of the inaugural inductees into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Palmer’s legacy includes being the first to win the Masters Tournament four times, pioneering golfers’ earnings by becoming the first to reach $1 million and contributing significantly to the Ryder Cup as both player and captain. His influence extended to senior golfers with the establishment of the PGA Tour Champions.
Major Sponsors and Deals
Palmer revolutionized sports marketing by leveraging his fame to build a business empire. Aligning his name with various products and services, he became a trailblazer in athlete endorsements. United Airlines, Cadillac cars, Rolex watches, Hertz car rental, Pennzoil engine fluid, Callaway golfing products, and E-Z-Go golf carts all bore the Palmer brand. Founding Arnold Palmer Enterprises, he managed his endorsements and ventures, marking the debut client of Mark McCormack, founder of IMG. Within two years, his endorsement earnings skyrocketed from $6,000 to over $500,000 annually.
Current Activities and Projects
Arnold Palmer, who passed away in 2016, left a lasting legacy. The annual Arnold Palmer Invitational at his Bay Hill, Florida golf resort is a prominent tournament. Palmer designed nearly 300 global golf courses and was a philanthropist, founding medical facilities in Orlando and supporting education through scholarships and collegiate golf competitions. In 2023, his estate is valued at $875 million, cementing his status among the wealthiest athletes in history.
5. Lebron James
- Sport: Basketball
- Country: USA
- Earnings: $1.7B
LeBron James, an American professional basketball player, is often ranked among the greatest players in NBA history. Known for his unique combination of size, athleticism, court vision, and longevity, he has built an unparalleled career both on and off the court.
Career Highlights and Achievements
Drafted first overall in 2003, LeBron James’s NBA journey includes four NBA championships with three different franchises (Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, Los Angeles Lakers), earning Finals MVP honors in each victory. He holds four NBA Regular Season MVP awards. As of early 2025, he is a 21-time NBA All-Star (record) and has been selected to the All-NBA Teams a record 20 times. In February 2023, he surpassed Kareem Abdul-Jabbar to become the NBA’s all-time leading scorer, later becoming the first player to cross the 40,000-point threshold in March 2024. He also boasts two Olympic gold medals with Team USA.
Major Sponsors and Deals
LeBron James is a global marketing icon. His most prominent endorsement is a lifetime deal with Nike, signed in 2015 and rumored to be worth over $1 billion. He has held numerous other high-profile endorsements throughout his career with brands like AT&T, PepsiCo (shifting from Coca-Cola), Walmart, and Beats by Dre. Beyond traditional endorsements, he was an early investor in Blaze Pizza and co-founded Ladder, a sports nutrition company. His business acumen is a significant driver of his wealth.
Current Activities and Projects
Currently playing for the Los Angeles Lakers deep into his remarkable career, James continues to perform at an elite level. Off the court, he is a major force in business and media. He co-founded The SpringHill Company, a media production and entertainment conglomerate valued highly. James is also a part-owner of Fenway Sports Group, giving him stakes in entities like Liverpool F.C. and the Boston Red Sox. His philanthropic efforts are substantial, most notably the founding of the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron, Ohio, providing education and support to at-risk youth.
Conclusion
Well, we have reached the end of our list of the top 5 highest paid athletes of all time! These athletes have amassed incredible wealth and fame through their sports careers and beyond. They have set new standards of excellence and innovation in their fields and inspired millions of fans around the world. It has also been involved in various business and charitable ventures, using its influence and resources to make a positive impact. They are truly some of the greatest athletes ever, legends of their sports, and icons of their generations. Also, let us know who is your favorite athlete on the list and why. And which other athletes did you expect to be on this list?
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