Winning The Wealth Game: 10 Of The Wealthiest Athletes of 2023
Ruling soccer fields and basketball courts, wrestling rings and golf courses, it’s not hard to see why these icons have earned both fame and wealth
When it comes to sports, some individuals have taken their game to a whole new level – not just in terms of skills on the field, but also in stacking up jaw-dropping fortunes. These aren’t your average athletes; they’re true titans of their sports, the ones who’ve not only conquered championships but earned some serious cash that we might not even dream of earning in a whole lifetime! Ruling soccer fields and basketball courts, wrestling rings and golf courses, these icons have certainly made a name for themselves over the years, which is little surprise as to why they’re so rich. Some are no longer in the sporting scene, because let’s face it, they have enough money for another dozen lifetimes.
Others, on the other hand, like star footballer Ronaldo, have decided to continue their sporting journey. Not because they’re short of cash, but more because their passion for the sport is what keeps them alive. And, if you’re looking to get in on a little action while watching these high net earning athletes, you should definitely check out this Sportuna Casino Review. As the name indicates, it mainly offers bettors sportsbook services, but if you also enjoy the occasional casino game, there’s also a handsome $1000 match bonus waiting for you.
Bonuses aside, let’s zoom in on these wealthy athletes whose great sportsmanship has translated into mind-blowing riches.
1. Vince McMahon – $2.2 Billion
Vince Kennedy McMahon isn’t just a name – it’s synonymous with wrestling brilliance and business savvy. This American sports wizard has donned many hats in the wrestling world, from former wrestler to the mastermind behind the WWE empire. With a track record that reads like a highlight reel, including some iconic wins against the likes of Undertaker, McMahon is a force to be reckoned with.
Plus, his foresight in planning for his financial future, alongside his ventures during and post-career, has positioned him among the exclusive ranks of billionaire athletes. As the ex-wrestler turned executive chairman and owner of WWE, McMahon’s four-decade-long stewardship of the premier wrestling enterprise shows no signs of slowing down. With a staggering net worth of $2.2 billion, McMahon isn’t just a wrestling icon; he’s a financial one too, making not just matches but history itself!
2. Michael Jordan – $2 Billion
The legendary American basketball icon Michael Jordan has left an indelible mark on both the sport and the world of wealth. Over a remarkable 15-year career spanning the NBA, Jordan showcased his incredible skills on two prominent teams: the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards. Often hailed as the greatest basketball player in history, his legacy goes beyond his playing days, as he now holds the reins as the main owner of the Charlotte Hornets. Known affectionately as MJ, his
legacy was further cemented by the NBA, which publicly recognized him as the ultimate basketball player on their official website.
3. LeBron James – $1 Billion
LeBron has brilliantly combined his on-court brilliance with some smart business acumen, earning not just bucketloads of money, but a bank! His main revenue comes from a lifetime contract with Nike, a deal that has strengthened his financial portfolio big time. And selling part of his production company, SpringHill for $725 million is another smart move no one saw coming. LeBron is also sinking his teeth into smart investments like Tonal, among other endorsements, driving his net worth to a staggering $1 billion.
LeBron’s recent triumph, topping Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s long-standing all-time leading scorer record, further cements his legacy. In a league where many retire, LeBron remains a dominant force, setting himself apart as one of the few active players on the list of wealthiest athletes.
4. Tiger Woods – $1.1 Billion
Hailing from the United States, Eldrick Tont “Tiger” Woods has firmly etched his name in the annals of golf history with a trail of great achievements. Renowned for his exceptional skills, Woods came first in the PGA Tour, also clinching a commendable second position in the Major Championships.
The financial prowess of this amazing star matches his golfing prowess, as he consistently raked in over $100 million annually from his performances on the course, a feat that secured his place atop Forbes’ prestigious list of the world’s highest-paid athletes for an unprecedented decade.
Beyond his athletic feats, Woods boasts an intriguing ethnicity, tracing his roots to an interesting blend of Caucasian, Black, American Indian, and Asian heritage – a fascinating mix he humorously termed ‘Cablinasian’!
5. Roger Federer – $600 Million
Swiss Tennis virtuoso Roger Federer, currently ranked 3rd in men’s singles tennis, stands as a living legend in the sports universe. As he gears up for the twilight of his remarkable career, his legacy shines brightly, marked by an astonishing six consecutive years at the top of his game and a remarkable collection of 19 grand slam titles under his belt.
This guy has also got his name etched into the annals of tennis history, with amassed records such as a 237-week consecutive stint as the number 1 player and a remarkable 310 weeks on top of the Association of Tennis Professionals rankings.
A brand ambassador for prestigious names like Rolex, Credit Suisse, Mercedes Benz, and Uniqlo, Federer’s investment acumen extends to emerging shoe brand ON, solidifying his position as the highest earner in the endorsement game. For Federer, retirement might be on the horizon, but his bank account isn’t slowing down anytime soon!
6. Lionel Messi – $600 Million
The earning journey of Messi, the world-known Argentine football icon, witnessed a remarkable evolution. From being Barcelona’s top earner to taking a 50% pay cut at Paris Saint Germain, Messi is not just scoring goals, he’s making strategic moves.
His impressive income comes from an array of lucrative deals, including a $20 million partnership with Socios, a fan engagement app, alongside enduring endorsements with powerhouse brands such as Adidas, Budweiser, PepsiCo, and Hard Rock International.
Standing as one of the rare active billionaires in sports, Messi’s wealth also comes from his football contracts, endorsements, and astute investments. Leading both the Argentina national team and Ligue 1’s Paris Saint-Germain, Messi is still adding victories to his list. Just recently, he helped his team seal a smashing 2-1 win.
His net worth is estimated to be $600 million, making him the 3rd richest soccer player in the world, and 18th on the list of richest athletes!
7. Christiano Ronaldo – $500 Million
Ronaldo, the football sensation from Portugal, is like the MVP of both the Real Madrid FC squad and the Portuguese National team. He is well-known even among those who don’t really follow football. His name is often mentioned in heated debates over who’s the best in the soccer world – him or Lionel Messi. The answer? Well, for the past several years, they have both practically owned
the “Player of the Year” award.
Apart from leading his national team, Ronaldo has taken his game to the Saudi professional League with Al Nassr, where he’s signed up for a solid 2.5 years. And the best part is that Al Nassr made him the new captain as soon as he joined the crew!
8. George Foreman – $300 Million
This one’s must more than your regular ex-boxer. He’s a real heavyweight champ in more ways than one. Hailing from the US, he rocked the boxing scene from 1967 to 1997, snagging titles left and right, including not one but two Heavyweight Champion titles and even an Olympic Gold Medal. Although he’s had 76 wins out of 81 fights, there’s more to George than his boxing gloves. He’s a financial champ, and he’s also talented in other respects, being also an author, entrepreneur, and a minister. So, whether he’s throwing punches or making deals, George Foreman is a true powerhouse both in and out of the ring.
9. Kimi Räikkönen – $250 Million
A Finnish racing wizard, Kimi Raikkonen, emerges as a distinctive figure among the world’s wealthiest athletes. His nickname “Iceman” suits him perfectly – he’s as cool as a cucumber under the high-speed pressures of the racetrack. But it’s not just his icy demeanor that’s turned heads; his bank account has been doing some serious growing too. Pulling in more than $50 million each year, he’s raced his way into the world’s top-paid athletes. With a racing career that’s hotter than his engines, his net worth has soared to around $250 million as of August 2023. This guy’s not just about speed; he’s about stacking up some serious cash while tearing up the track.
10. Gary Player – $250 Million
This pro golfer is a legend on the greens and a worldwide favorite. This guy’s got fans everywhere, and it’s no surprise considering his incredible skills on the golf course. To boot, he’s rocked the PGA world while raking in some serious cash. With a net worth cruising around $250 million as of August 2023, Gary’s hitting financial holes-in-one just as effortlessly as he did with his golf swings. This retired golfing maestro is on fire with a whopping £260 million net worth, and it’s not hard to see why – he’s got a staggering 9 championships under his belt! Gary Player isn’t just a golfer but also a living testament to how much the game can pay off in the long run.
