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.
19. Xander Schauffele
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.
18. Novak Djokovic
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
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
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
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.
14. Jayson Tatum
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
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
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
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.
10. Devin Booker
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
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
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
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.
6. Rory McIlroy
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
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
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
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.
2. LeBron James
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
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.
