The biggest sports stars on the planet had another banner year with the 100 top-earning athletes banking $3.11 billion combined over the past 12 months. Global soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo nabbed the top spot with $93 million, including $35 million off the pitch from sponsors and licensing, but LeBron James grabbing second place.
Salaries are soaring in team sports thanks to blockbuster TV contracts both locally and nationally, but the players at the very top of the earnings food chain separate themselves by what they make from endorsements.
The five highest-paid athletes, Ronaldo, James, Lionel Messi, Roger Federer and Kevin Durant all generate more than $25 million annually from sponsors. In addition to their athletic achievements, the appeal of this group for marketers is a function of the global sports they play. Nike (and Adidas in the case of Messi) can use all of them in ad campaigns around the world. That is not the case with stars in the NFL and MLB.
In addition to James, other NBA players in the top 10 were: Kevin Durant, Steph Curry and James Harden.
The only other American sports figure in the top 10 is NFL player Andrew Luck, who makes $47 million in salary and $3 million from endorsements.
Complete Top 10 and
Other Notables
The earnings below span June 1, 2016 through June 1, 2017 and include salaries, bonuses, prize money, endorsements, licensing and appearance fees.
Rank, Name, Earnings (Sport, Country)
1. Cristiano Ronaldo, $93 million (Soccer, Portugal)
2. LeBron James, $86.2 million (Basketball, U.S.)
3. Lionel Messi, $80 million (Soccer, Argentina)
4. Roger Federer, $64 million (Tennis, Switzerland)
5. Kevin Durant, $60.6 million (Basketball, U.S.)
6. Andrew Luck, $50 million (Football, U.S.)
6. Rory McIlroy, $50 million (Golf, U.K.)
8. Stephen Curry, $47.3 million (Basketball, U.S.)
9. James Harden, $46.6 million (Basketball, U.S.)
10. Lewis Hamilton, $46 million (Racing, U.K.)
11. Drew Brees, $45.3 million (Football, U.S.)
12. Phil Mickelson, $43.5 million (Golf, U.S.)
13. Russell Westbrook, $38.6 million (Basketball, U.S.)
17. Tiger Woods, $37.1 million (Golf, U.S.)
19. Dwyane Wade, $36.2 million (Basketball, U.S.)
23. Usain Bolt, $34.2 million (Track, Jamaica)
24. Conor McGregor, $34 million (MMA, Ireland)
51. Serena Williams, $27 million (Tennis, U.S.) The only female on the list.
The cutoff earnings for the top 100 was $21.4 Million.