Russell Westbrook – Basketball Player, $160 Million Net Worth

Basketball star Russel Westbrook has done much more than earn a spot on the Washington Wizards and NBA All-Star team nine times. He’s also professionally represented the United States in both the FIBA World Championship and the Olympics. Fans and coaches alike love him for his insane efficiency and athleticism. No wonder he’s earned more than $160 million in paychecks and endorsements.

Westbrook’s current salary gives him around $41 million per year, depending on his performance. Meanwhile, recently, endorsements have also been quite good to the young man, with him earning over $53 million in just the past few years.

Kyrie Irving – NBA Player, $90 Million Net Worth

Like many other future NBA stars, Kyrie Irving his basketball career in college, playing for Duke’s Blue Devils. Then, in 2011, he turned pro, playing for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Soon enough, Irving had earned the title of Rookie of the Year, and the rest, as they say, is history. Now, the basketball legend’s worth nearly $100 million!

While his $35 million a year salary might be where Irving earns the bulk of his cash, a large amount comes from his endorsements, like most basketball players. Of course, you’re probably familiar with one of his biggest earners: the viral Pepsi ads featuring the star as elderly basketball player Uncle Drew. The character even received its own feature film in 2018.

Blake Griffin – NBA Player, $110 Million Net Worth

NBA All-Star Blake Griffin made his debut in 2009 for the L.A. Clippers. Since then, Griffin has managed to make quite a name for himself, becoming one of the biggest stars in all of basketball. Thanks to his fantastic performance on the court, the power forward has managed to make the All-Star game a whopping six times. Meanwhile, off the court, Giffin has earned a fortune of $110 million.

$110 million is a staggering amount, no question. However, it’s a tad more understandable when you find out that the Clippers pay Griffin anywhere between $30 and $40 million a year. Add on to that the $6 to $10 million Griffin makes in endorsements every year, and suddenly it all makes sense!

Tobias Harris – NBA Player, $30 Million Net Worth

Just ten years ago, Tobias Harris left behind college ball and joined the NBA in order to play for the Charlotte Bobcats. Since then, he’s bounced around a lot, playing for the Milwaukee Bucks and Orlando Magic, among other teams. His constant transfers have resulted in Harris having a smaller net worth than some of his contemporaries. Still, $30 million is nothing to shake your head at!

With only one major endorsement, from Nike, you can see another reason why Harris hasn’t earned quite as much as the other stars of the NBA. However, at the age of 28-years-old, this basketball star has plenty more years ahead of him to earn plenty more millions!

Conor McGregor – Mixed Martial Artist, $200 Million Net Worth

Even those not a fan of mixed martial arts have heard of this notorious Irishman, given all the headlines he’s caused over the past few years. MMA fighter Conor McGregor is a former lightweight UFC champion, still best remembered for knocking out José Aldo within thirteen seconds, the fastest win in UFC history. Afterward, McGregor earned a slew of endorsements, earning him millions. Today, he’s managed to keep $200 million of all that.

After a disappointing re-entry into the MMA in 2021, McGregor nowadays tends to focus more on his side projects, which are earning him more than he ever did in the ring. For instance, he managed to sell his own whiskey brand, Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey, this year for a whopping $600 million! While he won’t get all of that, McGregor’s net worth is sure to jump soon.

Kyle Lowry – NBA Player, $55 Million Net Worth

While Kyle Lowry started out in the NBA playing for the Memphis Grizzlies, he’s truly made a name for himself on the Raptors, who he continues to play for. Since he started playing professionally in 2006, he has been a six-time NBA All-Star and helped the Raptors win the NBA championship in 2019. While Lowry says he does not know when he’ll retire, he does know he’ll stay a Raptor forever. So expect his $55 million net worth to continue to climb!

Even more impressive, unlike most basketball stars, Lowry has managed to earn his millions without that many significant endorsements. Whatever he’s doing is clearly working!

Tom Brady – NFL Player, $250 Million Net Worth

At this point, even his detractors are starting to concede that Tom Brady just might be the greatest quarterback of all time. While he started playing in Michigan in college, he became a household name as a member of the Patriots, helping them win their first Super Bowl. Now, he’s managed to break nearly quarterback record, including most Super Bowl wins and appearances. Along with all that fame and skill has come quite the net worth – $180 million to be exact!

Now that Brandy also has a Super Bowl win with his new team, the Buccaneers, there’s little doubt he’s the best ever. In fact, Buccs General Manager Jason Licht recently said, “if he wants to play until he’s 50, and he still feels like he can play, he can still play until he’s 50.” That’s quite the commitment, as Brady is only 43!

Paul George – NBA Player, $80 Million Net Worth

Pro basketball star Paul George started his career at Fresno State before being drafted into the NBA by the Indiana Pacers in 2010. It was a slow start for George, culminating in his win of Most Improved Player in 2013. However, now, his accomplishments include an Olympic gold medal and an $80 million net worth.

So what does a famous basketball star do with all that money? Pick up a celebrity mansion, of course! Recently, George spent a whopping $16 million to pick up fellow NBA superstar DeAndre Jordan’s Los Angeles home. The 10 square foot Cape Cod home comes with everything one could want: a pool, home theater, wine room, and even “disappearing glass” windows.

Lebron James – NBA Player, $500 Million Net Worth

Now a pro basketball player for nearly two decades, Lebron James has become one of the greatest basketball players of all time. A role model for fans and aspiring athletes alike, James has not only played for the likes of the Los Angeles Lakers, but also earned two Olympic gold medals. Off the court, he’s known for his years of philanthropic work in his hometown of Akron, Ohio. Along the way, his skills and goodwill have also made James one of the wealthiest athletes in the world, with a whopping net worth of $500 million.

Of course, with a current salary of roughly $40 million, expect James’ millions only to keep increasing over time. Meanwhile, it certainly does not hurt that the basketball legend also makes over $55 million from endorsements every year.

Maria Sharapova – $195 Million Net Worth

There are few female tennis players who have managed to achieve more than Russian star Maria Sharapova. But, when you discover she started training at only six-years-old, it all makes sense! Now, Sharapova’s the only Russian to earn a Grand Tournament Slam in tennis, winning the title five times, and has also achieved the silver medal in the Olympics. These days, the tennis star has retired and, like many female athletes, started a very successful modeling and endorsement career. Now, she enjoys a net worth of $195 million!

Even today, more than a year after her retirement, Sharapova remains the third highest-earning female tennis player of all time, behind the Williams sisters. That’s quite the accomplishment to hold on to!

Sloane Stephens – Tennis Player, $15 Million Net Worth

For those not in the know, Sloane Stephens has taken the tennis world by storm, winning her first Wimbledon in 2018. In the three years since, she’s also managed to earn six WTA singles, a U.S. Championship, and endorsements from brands like Nike and Mercedes-Benz. The tennis star even created her own version of Air Jordans. What an honor! Thanks to all those deals, Stephens now enjoys a fantastic net worth of $15 million.

As stated, tennis players tend to make most of their money from endorsements. While Stephens might earn as much as $4 million a year from tennis tournaments, she earns nearly double that from appearing in ads. It’s really no wonder so many female tennis stars become models after they retire!

Novak Djokovic – Tennis Player, $220 Million Net Worth

Novak Djokovic is a high-performing tennis player from Serbia, that is currently regarded as the best player in the world by both fans and The Association of Tennis Professionals. Djokovic is also the only player ever to have won every one of the elite tournaments included in the APT Tour. It’s certainly paid off – Djokovic is worth just over $220 million these days!

During all his years playing, Djokovic has won altogether $145 million from his different tournaments. Meanwhile, he is also known for working with Lacoste doing various endorsements. The exact compensation is not known, but we are talking about a deal that gives Djokovic eight figures per year, at the very minimum. That’s right!

Venus Williams – Tennis Player, $95 Million Net Worth

The older sister to the legendary Serena Williams, Venus Williams has accomplished plenty on her own. In addition to opening up the world of tennis to women of color, she also earned the number one singles ranking in 2002. Currently, still in the top 100, Venus has participated in 16 Grand Slam finals and has even won four Olympic gold medals! Meanwhile, she’s also earned plenty of endorsements from brands like Ketel One Vodka, totaling a net worth of just under $100 million.

Just like her sister, Serena, Venus also decided to take a large portion of her net worth and become a part-owner of the Miami Dolphins. Of course, that will ensure Venus will continue to earn the big bucks, long after she decides to retire.

Patrick Mahomes – NFL Player, $40 Million Net Worth

Jeffrey Beall, CC BY 4.0 , via Wikimedia Commons

In case you didn’t know, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes actually started out playing baseball. That’s right! That’s because his father is none other than professional baseball player Pat Mahomes. However, Patrick later decided to focus entirely on his football career. Today, Mahomes has won countless awards and enjoys a net worth of $40 million.

But this really is just the tip of the iceberg for Patrick. After all, he signed a ten-year, $450,000,000 contract with the Kansas City Chiefs, which he’s currently in the middle of. Expected to dominate the NFL for the foreseeable future, certainly all eyes will remain on the player to see if his performance was worth all that cash!

Serena Williams – Tennis Player and Team Owner, $200 Million Net Worth

This professional tennis player hardly needs any introduction. Serena Williams has won 23 Grand Slam singles titles, been ranked number one multiple times, and has been regularly recognized by the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) as one of the greatest to ever play. Her skill has also earned Williams a $200 million net worth. A few years ago, the tennis goddess took her millions and spent a good chunk to become part-owner of the Miami Dolphins, an NFL team.

Like so many other rich sports stars, Williams has slowly been setting herself up for the day she does choose to retire. In addition to becoming part-owner of the Dolphins, she also started her own fashion empire, S by Serena.

Drew Brees – NFL Player, $160 Million Net Worth

Tulane Public Relations/Wikimedia Commons

In case you don’t know, the iconic Drew Brees started his football career playing at Purdue University. Then, in 2001, he turned pro with the San Diego Chargers. Now, he’s become of the sports’ biggest stars. Most notably, he signed with the New Orleans Saints in 2006 and eventually brought the team to their first Super Bowl win in 2009. So, it’s really no wonder he’s worth a whopping $160 million these days, thanks to earning roughly $45 million a year.

Now that Brees has retired from the football field, expect his net worth to drop a tad. However, since he recently picked up a job on the show NBC Sunday Night Football, we don’t expect it to drop too much…

Dak Prescott – NFL Player, $12 Million Net Worth

During his college years, quarterback Dak Prescott played for the Mississippi State Bulldogs and was later drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016. Prescott was quickly awarded the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and has since attended the Pro Bowl twice. Not too shabby! So, it’s really no wonder that he’s earned nearly $12 million as of this writing.

Prescott recently signed a new contract with the Cowboys this year – an agreement which will give him a salary of $42 million per year. While plenty of football fans probably heard about the contract, fewer heard about his incredible signing bonus of $66 million. That’s right! Not too shabby just for signing a paper, eh?

Stefon Diggs – NFL Player, $12.5 Million Net Worth

Throughout his years in the NFL, Stefon Diggs has undoubtedly earned quite a name for himself. Not only has he played for the likes of the Vikings and Bills, but he’s also headed to the Pro Bowl and came in in 7th as a sprinter during the prelims of the Bill Carver T&F Classic in 2011. Meanwhile, Diggs seems to have also been setting up a future career in the male modeling world. He often posts professional-looking photos of himself wearing expensive brands like Fear of God, R12, and Ralph Lauren.

Currently, Diggs’ net worth sits at roughly $12.5 million. With that said, many football experts that, within a few years, the star will have a net worth closer to $75 million, or possibly even $100 million. We’ll have to wait and see!

Russell Wilson – NFL Player, $115 Million Net Worth

A star athlete at the University of Wisconsin, current NFL star Russel Wilson has played for the Seattle Seahawks since 2012. Of course, Wilson’s now most famous for the Super Bowl ring around his finger, which he earned in 2013. The win pushed Wilson to A-list celebrity status, earning him plenty of major endorsements from brands like Nike. Now, he’s worth an incredible $115 million!

However, unlike many of the other wealthiest sports stars in the world, Wilson is not too picky about what endorsements he takes on. For instance, between 2018 and 2019, he made $90 million from endorsements alone. That’s nearly double what most of his fellow players earn. Add onto that his “regular” NFL salary of $35 million a year, and it no surprise he’s one of the wealthiest sports stars in the world!

Naomi Osaka – Tennis Player, $29 Million Net Worth

It certainly seems hard to believe, but world-famous tennis player Naomi Osaka is only 23-years-old. That’s right! Still, she’s already managed to win the U.S. Open in 2018 and the Australian Open in 2019. Next, she will represent Japan at the 2021 Olympics, as long as they are not rescheduled once again.

Believe it or not, Osaka has managed to earn her nearly $30 million net worth with few endorsements, as she has previously said she’s pretty shy. However, she’s recently started coming out of her shell – which has caused her net worth to bloom. Most recently, in early 2021, Osaka launched her first fashion brand, a line of swimsuits. She also caused quite the stir online by posting in the bikinis! She must not be too shy anymore!

Phil Mickelson – Golfer, $400 Million Net Worth

Thanks to 44 trips to the PGA Tour in his career, Phil “Lefty” Mickelson will go down in history as one of the greatest golfers of all time – and one of the richest! As one of the only twelve players who have won three of the four major golf championships, Mickelson has earned quite a few endorsements. Those endorsements have led to a massive net worth of $400 million and a beautiful mansion in south Florida.

Golfers get to play their sport a lot longer than most athletes, explaining golfers’ incredible net worths. Even today, at the age of 50-years-old, Mickelson still earns roughly $35 million a year playing the sport he loves. While that might seem high, the golfer made $100 million a year at the height of his career. Still, not too shabby!

Tiger Woods – Golfer, $800 Million Net Worth

Without a doubt, Tiger Woods is the most famous golfer in the world. Over his decades-long career, Woods has won numerous tours and has already earned entrance into the World Golf Hall of Fame. Few other 45-year-olds can make that claim! Due to his massive celebrity in the golf world, Woods has managed to amass an impressive fortune of $800 million.

Over the years, Woods has earned a mind-boggling $1.5 billion. Yes, that’s billion with a B. Of course, taking a few years off the green and a rough separation, Woods’ has retained less than half of that. With his recent car accident, many expect that number to drop once again. We wish Woods a speedy recovery!

Dustin Johnson – Golfer, $50 Million Net Worth

Famous golfer Dustin Johnson has enjoyed quite the past few years, so it should come as that he’s worth $50 million. After all, he recently shot to worldwide stardom after clinching the 2020 Masters. Meanwhile, in addition to earning the famed green jacket, Johnson also married model Paulina Gretzky, the daughter of hockey great Wyne Gretzky, in 2014. Today, the couple has two sons, Tatum and River. Talk about sports royalty!

Despite his young age – for golf at least – Johnson has already become the fifth highest-earning golfer of all time. The 35-year-old recently had one of his biggest earning yet: $20 million for winning the 2020 FedEx Cup title.

Rory McIlroy – Golfer, $122 Million Net Worth

Formerly the number one golfer globally, Rory McIlroy has won four major championships, one of the few to accomplish this before turning 25. How do you get that good, that fast? Well, McIlory started playing and practicing golf at a very young age. It clearly paid off – just take a look at his $122 million net worth! Most notably, he earned over $15 million from the FedEx Cup and the Tour Championship in 2019 alone.

In the past few years, McIlory has started investing that money into everything from health management programs to futuristic golf software. It seems that someone is setting themselves up for retirement early – McIlory’s only 32-years-old!

Aaron Rodgers – NFL Player, $120 Million Net Worth

Football star Aaron Rodgers has undoubtedly worked hard for his $120 million fortune.  Named as the Associated Press Athlete of the Year in 2011, few know that Rodgers actually had a bit of a rough start during his college years. However, he eventually found his place within the football team, overcoming the obstacles in front of him. Now, many consider Rodgers one of the greatest quarterbacks in football’s history.

Over the years, thanks to high-profile relationships with the likes of actress Shailene Woodley, Rodgers has become something of a celebrity, even outside of the sporting world. So it should come as no surprise that he makes $90 million a year from endorsement alone. No wonder Rodgers donated his salary when he hosted Jeopardy!

Obi Toppin – NBA Player, $1 Million Net Worth

From the very beginning, it seemed inevitable that Obi Toppin would become one of the best basketball players ever. After all, he earned the Rookie of the Week title no less than seven times while playing in college! Plus, he’s the son of the former pro basketball with a name last year. Just last year, in 2020, Toppin started playing for the New York Knicks. Now, he’s already worth just over $1 million.

Toppin recently signed a two-year contract with the Knicks, from which he will earn $5 million per year. His salary seems somewhat higher than his actual net worth. One might wonder what this all-star athlete is spending his money on?