How many of you aspire to be a cricketer or a footballer or any sportsperson? If yes, then you must be aware that athletes are among some of the highest paid individuals in the world.
But ever thought how do these individuals earn so much that they land up in Forbes’ annual list of the world’s highest-paid athletes. Obviously, it is not the only on-field earning which makes them this rich, but they make a lot more from sponsorship deals and endorsements.
Let us know a few athletes who were in the Forbes’ annual list because of its humungous earnings from endorsements:
1. LeBron James
- Percentage of earnings from endorsements: 61%
- Total Earnings: $85.5 Million
- Salary/Winnings: $33.5 Million
- Endorsements: $52 Million
James, three-time NBA champion, secured deals with companies like Nike, Coca Cola (Sprite), Beats By Dre, and Kia Motors. He is also the co-founder of the multimedia company Uninterrupted and boasts his own production company Spring Hill Entertainment.
2. Roger Federer
- Percentage of earnings from endorsements: 84%
- Total Earnings: $77.2 Million
- Salary/Winnings: $12.2 Million
- Endorsements: $65 Million
Federer added another Grand Slam in 2018 to bring his total to a record-breaking 20 – the most in men’s tennis history. He has long-standing relationships with Credit Suisse, Jura, Lindt, Mercedes, Moet & Chandon, NetJets, Rolex, Sunrise, and Wilson.
3. Stephen Curry
- Percentage of earnings from endorsements: 55%
- Total Earnings: $76.9 Million
- Salary/Winnings: $34.9 Million
- Endorsements: $42 Million
Curry, the first NBA player in history to sign a $200 million contract with a $201 million five-year deal with the Golden State Warriors.
4. Kevin Durant
- Percentage of earnings from endorsements: 56%
- Total Earnings: $57.3 Million
- Salary/Winnings: $25.3 Million
- Endorsements: $32 Million
Durant has picked up two championship rings since joining the Golden State Warriors. He and business partner Rich Kleiman started the Durant company, which has over 30 investments plus media production company Thirty Five Media.
5. Tiger Woods
- Percentage of earnings from endorsements: 97%
- Total Earnings: $43.3 Million
- Salary/Winnings: $1.3 Million
- Endorsements: $42 Million
Woods needs no introduction and his 2019 triumphant return has been one of the biggest sports stories. His win was a piece of great news for the 15-time major winner’s sponsors, which include Bridgestone, Monster Energy, Nike, and TaylorMade.
6. Rafael Nadal
- Percentage of earnings from endorsements: 65%
- Total Earnings: $41.4 Million
- Salary/Winnings: $14.4 Million
- Endorsements: $27 Million
Nadal, the king of the clay court, with his consistency and longevity have made him an attractive spokesperson for brands like Babolat, Banco Sabadell, Kia Motors, Nike, Richard Mille, and Telefonica.
7. Phil Mickelson
- Percentage of earnings from endorsements: 90%
- Total Earnings: $41.3 Million
- Salary/Winnings: $4.3 Million
- Endorsements: $37 Million
Mickelson, ranked second all-time on the PGA Tour’s money list, yet most of his income comes from endorsements. The golfer has dealt with Amgen, ExxonMobil, Greenbrier, Intrepid Financial Partners, KPMG, Rolex, and Workday.
8. Jordan Spieth
- Percentage of earnings from endorsements: 73%
- Total Earnings: $41.2 Million
- Salary/Winnings: $11.2 Million
- Endorsements: $30 Million
Also Read: Virat Kohli Only Cricketer In Forbes’ 2019 World’s 100 Highest-Paid Athletes. Check Complete List
25-year-old Spieth has already compiled a list of impressive achievements in his short career. His success and marketability have landed him endorsements with AT&T, Coca-Cola, Rolex, and Titleist.
