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Sportico has unveiled its annual list of the 100 highest-paid athletes of all time, with the group raking in a combined $6.2 billion in earnings last year alone.
Yet, leading the pack is a sports icon who retired more than two decades ago—Michael Jordan.
Despite hanging up his sneakers in 2003, the NBA legend reportedly earned a staggering $300 million in 2024 alone, largely thanks to his ever-profitable partnership with Nike.
Jordan’s total career earnings now sit at an estimated $3 billion—or $4.15 billion when adjusted for inflation—making him the highest-paid athlete in history.
The six-time NBA champion tops a list that includes sporting heavyweights like Tiger Woods, Cristiano Ronaldo, and LeBron James.
Woods, who has endured an injury-plagued run and only competed in five tournaments last year, still managed to come in second.
While his 2024 season featured just 12 competitive rounds, his earnings, boosted by decades-long endorsement deals, including a now-ended $500 million deal with Nike, have reached $1.91 billion ($2.79 billion adjusted for inflation).
Cristiano Ronaldo and LeBron James, both still active at age 40, follow closely behind. The football icon has banked $1.83 billion ($2.23 billion with inflation), while James has earned $1.49 billion ($1.88 billion adjusted).
Fellow soccer superstar Lionel Messi, currently playing for Inter Miami, rounds out the top five with $1.49 billion in total earnings, or $1.85 billion adjusted.
Notably, golf legends Arnold Palmer and Jack Nicklaus, who earned significantly less during their active careers, still appear in the top 10 thanks to the adjusted value of their earnings.
Palmer’s total sits at $885 million ($1.82 billion with inflation), while Nicklaus has reached $910 million ($1.75 billion adjusted).
The top 10 also includes:
David Beckham – $1.61 billion (inflation-adjusted)
Roger Federer – $1.59 billion
Floyd Mayweather – $1.52 billion
Interestingly, seven-time Super Bowl champion Tom Brady misses the top 20 despite his enormous 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox Sports. With total earnings of $635 million ($820 million adjusted), Brady lands at No. 21, just behind NBA star Steph Curry.
Tennis legend Serena Williams is the sole woman in the top 50. Ranked at No. 40, the 23-time Grand Slam champion has accumulated $485 million in career earnings, which climbs to $660 million when adjusted for inflation.
