Jon Rahm, Ronaldo, Owenr Farrel, Tyson Fury

Ranking the Highest-Paid Athletes in Every Major Sport in the World

March 20, 2025 Rasmus Kristensen

Some sports offer massive financial rewards, with top athletes securing record-breaking contracts and endorsement deals. Others, however, see even their biggest stars earning a fraction of what footballers and basketball players make. The gap in earnings across the world’s major sports is striking, highlighting just how much commercial appeal and prize money can impact an athlete’s income.

We’ve examined the highest-paid athletes across the biggest sports in 2024, identifying the top earner in each discipline to showcase how salaries vary from one sport to another.

Badminton – Viktor Axelsen – £800,000

Danish badminton star Viktor Axelsen leads the earnings in his sport, making £800,000 per year. His income comes from tournament winnings and sponsorships with brands like Yonex. Badminton’s prize pools are smaller than other sports, but Axelsen remains one of its most marketable players.

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Rugby – Owen Farrell – £850,000

England rugby captain Owen Farrell is the top earner in his sport, bringing in £850,000 per year. Rugby salaries remain significantly lower than other major sports, but Farrell’s leadership and consistency make him one of the highest-paid players. His earnings also include sponsorships and performance-related bonuses.

Cycling – Tadej Pogačar – £7.1 million

Slovenian cyclist Tadej Pogačar is the best-paid rider in the sport, earning £7.1 million. His contract with UAE Team Emirates and his dominance in major races like the Tour de France make him a highly valuable athlete. Prize money and sponsorships add to his growing financial success.

MMA – Alex Pereira – £7.5 million

UFC champion Alex Pereira tops the earnings list in mixed martial arts, making £7.5 million. His pay-per-view fight bonuses, sponsorships, and performance bonuses contribute to his income. With the UFC’s growing global appeal, Pereira’s earnings are likely to increase in the coming years.

Ice Hockey (NHL) – Auston Matthews – £17 million

Toronto Maple Leafs forward Auston Matthews is the NHL’s highest-paid player, earning £17 million. His salary and bonuses make up most of his earnings, as ice hockey’s sponsorship market is smaller than other major sports. However, his talent and leadership on the ice ensure he remains one of the sport’s top earners.

Cricket – Virat Kohli – £28 million

Indian cricket legend Virat Kohli remains the sport’s highest-paid player, earning £28 million. His income is driven by massive endorsement deals with brands like Puma and MRF, as well as his lucrative contracts in the Indian Premier League (IPL). Kohli’s star power extends far beyond the cricket field.

Tennis – Jannik Sinner – £41 million

Italian tennis star Jannik Sinner has had a breakout year financially, earning £41 million. Prize money from Grand Slam victories and ATP tournaments make up a significant portion of his earnings, while sponsorships with brands like Nike and Rolex add to his wealth. His rise in the rankings has cemented his financial success.

Baseball (MLB) – Shohei Ohtani – £58 million

Japanese baseball sensation Shohei Ohtani is the highest-paid MLB player, earning £58 million. His rare ability to dominate both as a pitcher and hitter has made him a global star. Ohtani’s sponsorships with major brands like New Balance and Topps contribute heavily to his total earnings.

Motorsport (Formula 1) – Max Verstappen – £60 million

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen leads the earnings in Formula 1, making £60 million in 2024. His lucrative contract reflects his back-to-back championship victories, and additional earnings come from race bonuses and sponsorships. Verstappen’s dominance on the track makes him a valuable asset in motorsport.

American Football (NFL) – Dak Prescott – £80 million

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is the NFL’s highest earner, with an annual income of £80 million. His lucrative contract, combined with significant endorsement deals, keeps him at the top of football’s financial rankings. Prescott’s leadership on the field and marketability off it make him a major moneymaker.

Golf – Jon Rahm – £83 million

Spanish golfer Jon Rahm leads the way in his sport, earning £83 million in 2024. His move to LIV Golf has significantly increased his prize money earnings, while sponsorships from major brands further add to his wealth. His dominance on the course has made him one of golf’s biggest stars.

Basketball – Stephen Curry – £121 million

Golden State Warriors superstar Stephen Curry remains the highest-paid NBA player, bringing in £121 million. His salary is among the league’s highest, and his endorsement deals with Under Armour, Subway, and other major brands make up a large portion of his income. Curry’s status as one of the greatest shooters in history keeps his brand value high.

Boxing – Tyson Fury – £122 million

Heavyweight boxing champion Tyson Fury had an extraordinary financial year, earning £122 million. A large part of his income comes from high-profile fights, where pay-per-view sales generate massive revenue. Fury’s larger-than-life personality also attracts major sponsorship deals, further increasing his earnings.

Football – Cristiano Ronaldo – £170 million

Despite being placed last on this list, Cristiano Ronaldo is the highest-paid athlete in the world, earning a staggering £170 million per year. His contract with Saudi club Al-Nassr accounts for the majority of his income, while his sponsorships with Nike and other global brands add to his wealth. At 39, Ronaldo continues to be a dominant force in football and the financial world.