Although the Olympic Games are still associated with unity, flags, and sporting glory, the ideal of the poor amateur is far from reality in 2024. During last summer’s Olympics in Paris, 20 athletes competed having each earned over $35 million in the year leading up to the Games. Combined, their earnings reached a staggering $1.35 billion – driven by salaries, prize money, and, most of all, massive sponsorship deals.
Here are the 20 highest-paid Olympians of 2024 – ranked from lowest to highest:
20. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander
Sport: Basketball Country: Canada Earnings: $36 million Canada’s NBA star shines both on the court and in the market – with a sneaker deal from Converse and memorabilia endorsements.
Sport: Golf Country: USA Earnings: $36.2 million Olympic gold medalist from Tokyo and one of golf’s most consistent earners, thanks to solid sponsorships and tour performance.
Sport: Tennis Country: Serbia Earnings: $38.7 million The most successful Grand Slam player in history still lacks Olympic gold – but remains one of the financial giants in Paris.
17. Jrue Holiday
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Sport: Basketball Country: USA Earnings: $39 million Veteran with both an NBA title and Olympic gold – and a paycheck that reflects his experience.
16. Jamal Murray
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Sport: Basketball Country: Canada Earnings: $42.4 million Championship winner with the Denver Nuggets and one of Canada’s biggest Olympic stars. A solid presence in both the NBA and endorsement world.
15. Rudy Gobert
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Sport: Basketball Country: France Earnings: $42.5 million France’s defensive pillar earns big in the NBA – and is one of the most prominent Olympic athletes on home turf.
Sport: Basketball Country: USA Earnings: $43.5 million Boston’s top player is ready to chase another Olympic medal – and has the financial backing to match.
13. Carlos Alcaraz
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Sport: Tennis Country: Spain Earnings: $45 million The young superstar who beat Djokovic at Wimbledon now tops both the rankings and the earnings charts.
12. Viktor Hovland
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Sport: Golf Country: Norway Earnings: $45.9 million Norway’s top golf name and one of Europe’s most successful players – in both sporting and financial terms.
11. Anthony Davis
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Sport: Basketball Country: USA Earnings: $46.7 million LeBron James’ regular partner on the Lakers and a dominant force in both the NBA and the Olympics.
Sport: Basketball Country: USA Earnings: $48.1 million The Phoenix Suns’ scoring machine is also a major player in the endorsement game, with Nike among his partners.
9. Nikola Jokić
Photo: Wiki Commons
Sport: Basketball Country: Serbia Earnings: $54.7 million Two-time MVP and famously modest – but financially heavyweight. Olympic gold would crown his career.
8. Joel Embiid
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Sport: Basketball Country: USA/Cameroon Earnings: $57.7 million Born in Cameroon, now playing for the USA. The 2023 NBA MVP blends power and finesse – and is paid accordingly.
7. Scottie Scheffler
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Sport: Golf Country: USA Earnings: $62.6 million World No. 1 in golf and a Masters champion – with a mix of prize money and sponsor income.
Sport: Golf Country: Ireland Earnings: $77.9 million The global face of golf and a constant presence on the earnings lists for over a decade.
5. Kevin Durant
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Sport: Basketball Country: USA Earnings: $89.7 million Durant is chasing yet another Olympic gold – and remains a commercial superstar with nearly $90 million in income.
4. Giannis Antetokounmpo
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Sport: Basketball Country: Greece Earnings: $100.8 million The “Greek Freak” combines international appeal with NBA dominance and has lucrative deals with brands like Nike.
3. Stephen Curry
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Sport: Basketball Country: USA Earnings: $101.9 million The three-point king makes his Olympic debut – and ranks among the most marketable athletes in the world.
Sport: Basketball Country: USA Earnings: $127.7 million Four-time MVP and Olympic veteran. LeBron earns more off the court than any other athlete – and will carry the American flag in Paris.
1. Jon Rahm
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Sport: Golf Country: Spain Earnings: $210 million His move to LIV Golf came with a nine-figure bonus – making Rahm the undisputed top earner of all Olympic athletes in 2024.
