5 of The Wealthiest Sportsmen In History

As fans, we’ve seen our favorite sports legends become incredibly wealthy throughout their careers. The amount of money they’re getting for playing their sport is certainly reasonable, considering that they have unparalleled expertise as athletes. With this in mind, we’ve listed five of the wealthiest sportsmen in history.

5. Floyd Mayweather | Career Earnings: $1.1 billion

Everybody knows Floyd Mayweather as one of the most successful boxers of all time. He’s certainly one of the most decorated boxers, and there’s no other boxer who’s made more money than him. Learning about Mayweather’s financial success from boxing certainly isn’t a surprise considering his nickname is “Money.”

Mayweather’s earnings as a boxer topped over $1.1 billion throughout his career. Some of his most lucrative bouts included some of boxing’s biggest fighters such as Manny Pacquiao, Marcos Maidana, Juan Manuel Marquez, and many more. Now that he’s retired, you could say that Mayweather won’t need any money loan to sustain any lifestyle he wants considering he’s worth $505 million.

4. Jack Nicklaus | Career Earnings: $1.15 billion

Legendary golfers also made this list, and Jack Nicklaus is just one of three golfers who made it in this one. This golfer managed to win over eighteen majors during his playing career between 1962 and 1986. However, Nicklaus didn’t start making the big bucks, not until he followed Arnold Palmer’s footsteps in business. As a businessman, Nicklaus built a company that designs and builds golf courses.

Besides his business and investments, Nicklaus also owns portrait rights and a considerable pile of merchandising. Through these pursuits, he managed to earn over one billion dollars, and he has a current net worth of over $400 million

3. Arnold Palmer | Career Earnings: $1.35 billion

The second golf athlete who managed to make this list is Arnold Palmer. He deserves credit for his seismic impact on the sport of golf. During his playing career, Palmer managed to win over 62 PGA Tour events, which includes four victories at the Masters. He also received an induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame back in 1974.

Despite being one of the most successful golfers, Palmer didn’t make this list through playing golf alone. He made most of his fortune when he decided to enter the world of sports marketing. As a businessman, Palmer sold golf clubs, and he also managed the construction of various golf courses. Without a doubt, his post-golf career was just as successful as his playing days.

2. Tiger Woods | Career Earnings: $1.65 billion

There’s absolutely no doubt that Tiger Woods is the most famous and recognizable golfer in the world. Though he’s only the second wealthiest sports figure on this list, he’s the first one to earn more than $1 billion as an active athlete, making over $1.65 billion throughout his career, and he continues to be one of golf’s premier players.

Woods managed to earn this massive fortune through his lucrative Nike deal. He’s certainly bound to earn more as he’s seeking a new partner for golf equipment as Nike recently exited from the equipment industry. He’s currently 46 years of age, and there’s no telling how long he’ll continue to stay active in golf. Nonetheless, we’re pretty confident that this sports figure won’t need any payday loans any time soon.

1. Michael Jordan | Career Earnings: $1.9 billion

One could easily argue that Michael Jordan is the greatest hoops player of all time. Besides being the greatest in basketball, he’s also the wealthiest sports icon in history. He’s earned over $1.9 billion throughout his career, and he currently enjoys a massive net worth of $2.1 billion as of the moment.

Jordan’s net worth certainly isn’t a surprise considering his brand earns over $3 billion annually. He also continues to earn from various commercial partnerships to this day. Interestingly, Jordan donates $10 million per year to various organizations that are fighting for social justice, education, and equality. He certainly deserves credit for using his fortune to help his community!