The world of sports is not only about athletic prowess but also about financial success.
Some athletes earn staggering amounts through their salaries, endorsements, and other ventures. Here’s a look at the highest-paid sports by the average salary of the top 10 highest earners in each sport, ranked accordingly.
Highest Paid Sports by Average Salary of the Top 10 Athletes
1. Golf
- Average Salary: $21.8 million
- Top Earners: Jon Rahm leads the list with total earnings of $218 million, primarily from his participation in LIV Golf, which has significantly increased player salaries in recent years.
2. Soccer (Football)
- Average Salary: $20.5 million
- Top Earners: Cristiano Ronaldo tops the list with $260 million, followed by Lionel Messi at $135 million. The lucrative contracts in leagues like the Premier League and La Liga, along with substantial endorsement deals, contribute to high earnings.
3. Basketball
- Average Salary: $17.9 million
- Top Earners: LeBron James earns around $128 million, with significant contributions from endorsements and business ventures. The NBA's salary cap allows for high player salaries, especially for star athletes.
4. American Football (NFL)
- Average Salary: $15.2 million
- Top Earners: Patrick Mahomes leads with $45 million per year from his contract with the Kansas City Chiefs. NFL contracts can include substantial signing bonuses, which inflate average earnings.
5. Baseball (MLB)
- Average Salary: $13.5 million
- Top Earners: Shohei Ohtani, with a contract worth $70 million annually, highlights the lucrative nature of baseball contracts, which often include lengthy deals with significant guarantees.
See: Which Sport Has the Highest Paid Athletes?
See: How many economically viable paid professional athletes are there in the world?
6. Tennis
- Average Salary: $12.3 million
- Top Earners: While tennis players primarily earn through tournament winnings, endorsements play a crucial role. Players like Roger Federer and Serena Williams have made substantial earnings off the court.
7. Boxing
- Average Salary: $11.7 million
- Top Earners: Canelo Álvarez leads the boxing world with earnings of $365 million over five years, showcasing the high stakes and rewards in major boxing matches.
8. Ice Hockey (NHL)
- Average Salary: $10.5 million
- Top Earners: Players like Connor McDavid earn around $12.5 million per year, reflecting the competitive nature of NHL contracts.
9. Formula 1
- Average Salary: $9.8 million
- Top Earners: Lewis Hamilton is among the highest-paid drivers, with earnings that include race winnings and endorsements, contributing to the overall high average in the sport.
10. Mixed Martial Arts (MMA)
- Average Salary: $8.3 million
- Top Earners: Fighters like Conor McGregor have made headlines with earnings that include fight purses and significant endorsement deals, elevating the average salary in MMA.
The financial landscape of sports is diverse, with various factors influencing athletes' earnings, including league structures, endorsement opportunities, and individual performance. Golf and soccer currently lead the way in terms of average salaries for top earners, reflecting the lucrative nature of these sports. As athletes continue to leverage their fame and skills, the potential for high earnings remains a significant aspect of professional sports.
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