Top Athlete Salary Rankings and Earnings
The highest paid athletes in 2024 include Cristiano Ronaldo, who earned an estimated 260 million USD in total income, with his salary from Al Nassr and off field earnings combined. Lionel Messi earned around 130 million USD, with his salary from Inter Miami and business income combined. These figures reflect base salary, guaranteed money, and off field earnings from endorsements and business ventures, according to the latest Forbes athlete earnings list Forbes athlete earnings list.
In the NBA, the highest salary in the 2024 season belongs to Stephen Curry, who earns around 55.8 million USD from the Golden State Warriors, while in the NFL, the highest paid player receives over 50 million USD in guaranteed money from a multi year deal with the Kansas City Chiefs. In soccer, the Saudi Pro League has become a major destination for top talent, with clubs like Al Nassr and Al Hilal offering salaries that exceed 200 million USD per year in total compensation for marquee signings.
How Athletes Salary Is Structured
Athletes salary typically includes base pay, guaranteed money, roster bonuses, and performance incentives. In the NFL, the highest paid player on a team like the Kansas City Chiefs has a contract that includes large signing bonuses and guaranteed base salary, with total earnings often exceeding 50 million USD per year. In the NBA, stars like Stephen Curry earn salaries that are tied to the salary cap and luxury tax rules, with the Warriors paying him around 55.8 million USD in the 2024 season.
In soccer, players like Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi have contracts that combine weekly or monthly salary with image rights and commercial deals. Ronaldo's reported 260 million USD total income includes his salary from Al Nassr and earnings from his CR7 brand and media ventures. Messi's 130 million USD includes his salary from Inter Miami and income from his stake in the club and various endorsement deals Forbes athlete earnings list.
Athletes Salary Across Leagues and Sports
The NFL leads in average salary per player, with the highest paid individuals earning over 50 million USD per year, while the NBA average salary is around 10 million USD per player, with stars like Curry earning more than double that. In soccer, the Premier League and La Liga pay top players between 20 million and 50 million USD per year, while the Saudi Pro League has pushed salaries higher for select stars, with Ronaldo earning the highest total income in the sport.
In baseball, the highest paid players earn over 40 million USD per year, with Shohei Ohtani's contract with the Dodgers setting a new benchmark for total guaranteed money. In the NHL, the top earners make around 13 million USD per year, while in the WNBA, the highest paid players earn around 200,000 to 300,000 USD per year, with the league implementing a new collective bargaining agreement that increases maximum salaries and revenue sharing SEC filings for athlete related companies.