Sports stars with the highest earnings off the pitch

Photographic illustration by Michael Flocker // Stacker // Getty Images

Sports stars with the highest earnings off the pitch

A collage of the most famous athletes of today. (from left to right: LeBron James, Cristiano Ronaldo, Steph Curry, Lionel Messi, Aaron Rodgers)

Athletes often become brand ambassadors to gain additional income from their sports success. A product endorsement by a specific athlete can lead to increased sales of that product or products. Due to their success, personality, or charisma, sports personalities are great endorsers for sports-related companies such as Nike and Adidas.

Many athletes also receive compensation for advertising cosmetic products, fashion lines, nutritional products, sports betting apps, e-gaming companies, and even hotels and gyms. Additionally, many athletes and celebrities also engage in business ventures, including buying shares in companies or investing in start-ups. Some sports personalities also start their own companies, such as media companies and fashion brands.

OLBG examines the highest-paid athletes off the field, from tennis stars to NFL legends. But it’s not just sports stars who make money through business.

Athletes who earned the most from business in 2024

LeBron James

Sports – Basketball

Off-field earnings – $80,000,000

With an estimated net worth of $1 billion, LeBron James is one of the highest-paid athletes. From January 2024 to date, James has earned $80 million through a strong portfolio of endorsement deals with major brands, including Nike, PepsiCo, Beats by Dre, and Walmart. His lifetime deal with Nike is extremely lucrative, reportedly worth over $1 billion. Additionally, the basketball star also has a number of off-court business ventures that play a significant role in his current earnings.

Lionel Messi

Sports – Football

Off-field earnings – $70,000,000

Lionel Messi is set to earn $70 million off the pitch in 2024, thanks to a mix of endorsements, business ventures and investments. His major deals with Adidas, PepsiCo and Budweiser are key contributors to this year’s earnings, along with his own clothing line, The Messi Store, and MiM Hotels. The former La Liga star has also invested in real estate and media ventures, which have boosted his income. The 2022 FIFA World Cup winner also benefits from image licensing and personal appearances.

Giannis Antetokounmpo

Sports – Basketball

Off-the-field earnings – $65,000,000

As of 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s net worth is estimated to be between $150 and $200 million. He has earned $65 million off the court, mainly through lucrative endorsement deals with Nike, WhatsApp, Google, and Hugo Boss. His Nike shoe line is the main source of his income. Antetokounmpo also invests in real estate and various business ventures, which contribute to his wealth. It’s safe to say that the Milwaukee Bucks star’s income sources further reflect his growing influence both on and off the basketball court.

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NFL Players Who Made the Most Money in the Business in 2024

Table showing the top eight athletes and their earnings.

NFL players put in long hours training, competing, and traveling for their teams. However, many of them supplement their on-field income with off-field activities such as brand endorsements, media deals, and other business ventures. While not all NFL players have the same opportunities to earn extra money, some have been able to leverage their fame and fortune to create a ton of wealth. Here are the top three NFL players who made incredible off-field earnings in 2024.

Patrick Mahomes – $25,000,000 in off-field earnings

Patrick Mahomes’ net worth is estimated to be between $250 million and $300 million in 2024, with $25 million of that coming from off-the-field earnings. His income comes from major endorsements with brands like Adidas, State Farm, and Oakley, as well as exclusive deals like Hunt’s Ketchup. Mahomes also has a minority stake in the Kansas City Royals and has invested in various startups. His media appearances further contribute to his earnings, solidifying his financial success along with his three Superbowl wins in the past five years.

Justin Herbert – $11,000,000 in off-field earnings

As of 2024, Justin Herbert’s net worth is around $50 million. The Los Angeles Chargers quarterback has earned $11 million off the field through endorsements with brands like Nike and PepsiCo. Herbert also benefits from investments in startups and real estate. Additional income comes from media appearances and public engagements, in addition to the $67.7 million he has earned for his efforts on the field since the beginning of this year.

Aaron Rodgers – $9 million in off-field earnings

Third on the list of NFL stars who earn the most off the field is Aaron Rodgers. As of 2024, Rodgers’ net worth is around $200 million, including $9 million in off-the-field earnings this year. This amount comes from endorsements with brands like State Farm and Adidas. The former Superbowl winner currently profits from investments in startups and real estate, in addition to a number of ongoing media engagements.

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NBA Players Who Earned the Most from Business in 2024

Table showing the list of the top 8 NFL athletes and their earnings.

The NBA is home to some of the most talented and beloved basketball players in the world, but many of these stars are using their fame to earn impressive amounts of money off the court. From endorsement deals to business ventures, there is a growing trend among athletes to leverage their popularity for more than just the game. Some of the most famous examples of NBA stars with huge off-the-court earnings include LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant.

The rise of NBA stars who are making huge gains off the court is an inspiring reminder that hard work can pay off off the court, too.

LeBron James – $80,000,000 in off-court earnings

LeBron was already listed as the highest-paid off-the-court player with $80 million in 2024, but he also earned $48.2 million for his on-the-court activities, giving him total earnings in 2024 of $128.2 million.

Giannis Antetokounmpo – $65 million in off-court earnings

Antetokounmpo is in third place on the list, with his $65 million combined with $46 million for his recent on-court earnings, for a total of $111 million.

Steph Curry – $50,000,000 in off-court earnings

Third on the list of NBA icons who have earned the most off the court is none other than Steph Curry. The Golden State Warriors talisman has a net worth of around $500 million and has earned $50 million off the court thanks to major sponsorships from Under Armour, Chase and PepsiCo. Curry has also been diversified with business ventures, including his production company Unanimous Media and investments in tech startups. Not bad for a man who has won four NBA championships in his career.

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Footballers who earned the most from business in 2024

Table showing the list of the top 8 NBA athletes and their earnings.

Football is undoubtedly one of the most popular sports in the world, with millions of devoted fans worldwide. It is also one of the most lucrative sports, with top players regularly earning huge sums of money. In this section, OLBG takes a look at some of the highest earners in football and discovers why they are so successful. From lucrative contracts to international endorsements, these players have built impressive financial empires that keep them at the top of their game.

Lionel Messi – $70,000,000 in Off-Pitch Earnings

Lionel Messi has clearly moved to the top, earning $70 million in 2024. This means the Argentine no longer has to share the title of best player off the pitch with Cristiano Ronaldo. In addition to the $70 million he earned off the pitch, the Inter Miami forward also earned $65 million, giving him total earnings of $135 million.

Cristiano Ronaldo – $60,000,000 in off-field earnings

Euro 2024 may have been a disappointment for him, but his $60 million off-the-field earnings will go some way to softening the blow for Cristiano Ronaldo. As of 2024, Ronaldo’s net worth is around $500 million from his time with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr. The capricious Portuguese striker has earned $60 million off the field through endorsements with brands like Nike and Herbalife. Ronaldo also profits from his CR7 business, which includes clothing and fragrances, as well as real estate investments.

Neymar Jr. – $28 million in off-field earnings

Despite still being out due to a long-term injury, Neymar is still raking in the big bucks from the bench. As of 2024, Neymar’s net worth is around $200 million and he is under contract with Al-Hilal in the Saudi Pro League. He has earned $28 million off the pitch thanks to major sponsorships with brands like Puma and Red Bull. Neymar also benefits from his Neymar Jr. brand, which includes clothing and other products. Considering his on-pitch salary is a cool $80 million, his side interests can be considered a nice addition to his bank account.

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Methodology

Table showing the list of the top 8 football players and their earnings.

Forbes was used to obtain the off-field earnings of the biggest athletes and sports stars in 2024. Celebrities running their own businesses were obtained from online articles as well as from Forbes.

This story was produced by OLBG and reviewed and distributed by Stacker Media.