Highest Paid Athlete by Sport: Top Earners in Global Professional Sports
In the latest Forbes and Sportico athlete rankings, the highest paid athlete by sport varies by league, with top earners combining guaranteed contracts, performance bonuses, and off-field revenue streams. Cristiano Ronaldo leads global soccer earnings with an estimated $275 million in total income, driven by his Al Nassr contract and massive social media brand value. In the NBA, Stephen Curry remains among the highest paid basketball players after signing a record $62 million per season extension with the Golden State Warriors. In the NFL, Patrick Mahomes leads quarterback pay with a 10-year, $450 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, making him one of the highest paid football athletes per year. In baseball, Shohei Ohtani commands a historic $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, blending record salary and deferred compensation. In the NHL, Connor McDavid continues to top hockey earnings with an eight-year, $100 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers. In boxing and MMA, the highest paid combat sports athletes include Canelo Álvarez and Conor McGregor, whose pay-per-view shares and promotional deals push total income above $100 million in peak years. In golf, Tiger Woods and LIV Golf stars like Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson earn tens of millions annually through tournament winnings, sponsorships, and league guarantees.
The highest paid athlete by sport often depends on whether total compensation includes base salary, bonuses, endorsements, equity stakes, and media revenue shares. Leagues such as the NBA, NFL, and MLB distribute significant media rights and revenue-sharing income, while international soccer stars like Ronaldo and Lionel Messi earn large portions from club contracts and global brand deals. In motorsport, Formula 1 drivers such as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton command high salaries plus performance-linked bonuses from teams and sponsors. In tennis, the highest paid individual sport athletes include Carlos Alcaraz and Coco Gauff, whose Grand Slam winnings and off-court endorsements add tens of millions annually. In esports, top earners in League of Legends and Counter-Strike tournaments, along with streamers on platforms like Twitch and YouTube, can match traditional sports salaries through prize pools and creator revenue.
Highest Paid Athlete by Sport: League-by-League Earnings Breakdown
NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and MLS Salary Leaders
In the NBA, the highest paid athlete by sport in the United States is frequently Stephen Curry, whose $62 million annual salary with the Golden State Warriors sets the benchmark for basketball earnings. In the NFL, Patrick Mahomes leads quarterback pay with a $450 million contract extension, while the highest paid wide receiver and edge rusher earn more than $40 million per year in total compensation. In MLB, Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million Dodgers deal makes him the highest paid baseball player, with deferred payments structured to maximize present value and endorsement income. In the NHL, Connor McDavid’s $100 million contract with the Edmonton Oilers places him among the top earners in hockey, while in the MLS, Lionel Messi’s Inter Miami deal combines salary, equity, and commercial revenue.
Soccer, Boxing, Golf, and Motorsport Global Earnings
In soccer, Cristiano Ronaldo’s Al Nassr contract and commercial portfolio make him the highest paid athlete by sport globally, with total earnings exceeding $275 million according to Forbes. In boxing, Canelo Álvarez’s pay-per-view shares and promotional deals with Golden Boy and Matchroom push his income above $100 million in big fight years. In golf, LIV Golf stars such as Brooks Koepka and Phil Mickelson earn guaranteed league salaries plus tournament winnings and sponsorships that rival PGA Tour top earners. In Formula 1, Max Verstappen’s Red Bull contract and Lewis Hamilton’s multi-team and brand partnerships keep them among the highest paid