The Sunday Times has revealed its 2026 Rich List for British Sport, highlighting a diverse array of wealth generated across various disciplines, from motorsport and boxing to fashion and fitness. Published on May 15, 2026, the list underscores the significant financial power concentrated among the UK’s top sporting figures and entrepreneurs, with the top spot held by a familiar name in Formula One.
Topping the prestigious list are Bernie Ecclestone and family, with an estimated fortune of £2 billion. Ecclestone, who founded the Formula One Group in 1987, remains a dominant financial force despite recent legal challenges. Last year, he was sentenced to 17 months in jail, suspended for two years, and paid a civil settlement of £652 million in a tax fraud case.
The upper echelons of the list feature several other billionaires, showcasing the varied paths to immense wealth in the sporting world:
- Bernie Ecclestone and family – £2bn
- Sir David and Victoria Beckham – £1.185bn
- Barry and Eddie Hearn – £1.035bn
- Ben Francis – £800m
- Sir Lewis Hamilton – £435m
- Tom and Phil Beahon – £350m
- Rory McIlroy – £325m
- Anthony Joshua – £240m
- Tyson Fury – £162m
- Harry Kane/Sir Andy Murray – £110m
The billionaire club: Beckhams and Hearns
Sir David and Victoria Beckham secure the second spot with £1.185 billion. David Beckham’s foresight in securing a contract option to purchase Inter Miami CF in 2007 has proven highly lucrative, while Victoria Beckham’s successful fashion enterprise, Victoria Beckham Fashion, significantly contributes to their combined wealth.
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Veteran sports promoters Barry and Eddie Hearn rank third, with their fortune reaching £1.035 billion. Barry Hearn founded Matchroom Sport in 1982, building it into a global powerhouse before handing control to his son Eddie in April 2021.
New fortunes and sporting legends
Ben Francis, founder of the sportswear brand Gymshark in 2012, has seen his wealth soar to £800 million. At just 33 years old, Francis became the UK’s youngest billionaire, demonstrating the rapid growth potential in the athletic apparel market.
Among the active athletes, seven-time F1 World Drivers’ Champion Sir Lewis Hamilton is the wealthiest, with £435 million. Hamilton shares the record for most F1 titles with Michael Schumacher and holds F1 records for most wins (105), most pole positions (104), and over 200 podium finishes.
Brothers Tom and Phil Beahon, founders of the sportswear brand Castore in 2015, are valued at £350 million. Their brand gained significant traction after signing Sir Andy Murray as their first flagship athlete in 2019.
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Golfing sensation Rory McIlroy, with £325 million, made history by winning the Masters in April 2025, becoming only the sixth golfer to complete a career Grand Slam. He is also the second golfer, after Tiger Woods, to amass over $100 million in official PGA Tour career earnings.
In the boxing world, two-time unified heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua holds £240 million. His most recent bout against Jake Paul saw him earn an estimated £70-75 million, winning by knockout in the sixth round. Fellow heavyweight Tyson Fury, who has engaged in major fights with Deontay Wilder and Oleksandr Usyk, is listed at £162 million, with a highly anticipated fight against Joshua reportedly expected later this year.
Sharing the tenth spot are football star Harry Kane and recently retired tennis icon Sir Andy Murray, each with £110 million. Kane has enjoyed a stellar season, scoring over 50 goals across all competitions and securing his second Bundesliga title. He reportedly earns around £400,000-a-week at Bayern Munich, with his image rights firm adding another £10.8 million to his fortune. Sir Andy Murray, who called time on his career following the Paris Olympic Games in August 2024, leaves behind a legacy of three Grand Slam titles and two Olympic gold medals.
Sources: www.thetimes.com
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