Michael Jordan tops list of highest-paid athletes of all time

While the debate over who is the greatest player of all time will likely continue for decades, there is no doubt who the highest-paid athlete in history is: Michael Jordan.

This is underlined by a report released by Sportico, which declares that Airness is the highest-paid athlete in sports history, not because of the money he earns on the court (Jordan was a bit late), but because of a landmark The deal paved the way for him. This is how Jordan thrives after his career is over.

Inflation-adjusted earnings approached $4 billion

Jordan tops the list with $3.75 billion in inflation-adjusted earnings since he left the University of North Carolina and turned pro. Golf icon Tiger Woods ranks second with earnings of $2.66 billion, and soccer superstar Cristiano Ronaldo ranks third with $1.92 billion. Another golf superstar, Arnold Palmer, ranks fourth with earnings of $1.76 billion, while LeBron rounds out the top five with $1.7 billion.

Where do I make the most money?

Jordan was arguably the GOAT of the sport, winning 6 NBA championships, 6 Finals MVP trophies, 5 NBA MVPs and as many as 10 scoring titles during his illustrious career. Oddly enough, he played in an era when wages weren’t as high as they are now. In fact, Jordan only earned $94 million in his 15-year career and became the highest-paid player in the NBA in just two seasons.

However, it is through his endorsements that he makes money.

“He scores points off the court, and he still has endorsement relationships with long-time partners Gatorade, 2K Games, Five Star Fragrance and Upper Deck.”

Kurt Badenhausen writes on Sportico.

“Nike accounts for the bulk of his earnings, conservatively estimated at $250 million last year and second only to Cristiano Ronaldo among current and retired athletes at $275 million in 2023.”