Who are the 20 highest-paid athletes in America currently?

Who are the 20 highest-paid athletes in America currently?

Claudia Kogi
March 17, 2024 at 4:58 PM

Athlete are known for their high monetary value. Whether soccer, basketball, baseball, volleyball, boxing, wrestling, or American football, these athletes often make ransoms weekly, monthly, and annually. While most professional athletes in the US across all leagues and skill levels earn less than $60,000 per year, some of the highest-paid athletes in America boast significant pay slips.

Ronnie Stanley (Left), Tom Brady (Centre), and David Bakhtiari (Right)
Some of the highest-paid athletes in the United States of America. Photo: Jeff Kravitz, Perry Knotts, Stacy Revere (Modified by author)
Source: Getty Images

Table of Сontents:

Being a professional athlete is one of the most popular dream jobs in the United States. Many people cherish athletes and consider them as role models. The highest-paid athletes in the US earn millions of dollars annually and live a luxurious life.

Top 20 highest-paid athletes in America

Sports Brief used data from sports contract credible sources such as 247 Wallst and News Week to determine the highest-earning American athletes. NBA, NHL, NFL, and MLB athletes were ranked based on the total compensation from their teams in various seasons.

Player

Sport

Earning

Phil Mickelson

Golf

$41 million

Serena Williams

Tennis

$41.5 million

Myles Garrett

NFL

$43 million

Trent Williams

NFL

$43.5 million

Jalen Ramsey

NFL

$43.5 million

Kyrie Irving

NBA

$44 million

Joey Bosa

NFL

$44 million

Klay Thompson

NBA

$44.5 million

Dustin Johnson

Golf

$44.5 million

Ronnie Stanley

NFL

$47.5 million

David Bakhitiari

NFL

$48.5 million

James Harden

NBA

$51 million

Patrick Mahomes

NFL

$54.5 million

Russell Westbrook

NBA

$59 million

Tiger Woods

Golf

$60 million

Stephen Curry

NBA

$74.5 million

Kevin Durant

NBA

$75 million

Tom Brady

NFL

$76 million

LeBron James

NBA

$96.5 million

Dak Prescott

NFL

$107.5 million

20. Phil Mickelson - $41 million

  • Full name: Philip Alfred Mickelson
  • Date of birth: 16 June 1970
  • Birthplace: San Diego, California
  • Age: 53 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: Golf
Phil Mickelson reacts during day one of the LIV Gol at Rich Harvest Farms
Phil Mickelson reacts during day one of the LIV Golf Invitational - Chicago at Rich Harvest Farms on 22 September 2023 in Sugar Grove, Illinois. Photo: Quinn Harris
Source: Getty Images

Philip Alfred Mickelson is a professional golfer renowned for playing in the LIV Golf League. The Biography reports he has won 45 events on the PGA Tour, including six major championships. They include three Masters titles in 2004, 2006, and 2010, two PGA Championships in 2005 and 2021, and one Open Championship in 2013.

Mickelson has sponsorships and endorsement deals from Amgen, Intrepid Financial Partners, KPMG, Melin, Callaway Golf, Grayhawk Golf Club, and Heineken NV.

19. Serena Williams - $41.5 million

  • Full name: Serena Jameka Williams
  • Date of birth: 26 September 1981
  • Birthplace: Saginaw, Michigan
  • Age: 42 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: Tennis
Serena Williams reacts during the Leagues Cup 2023
Serena Williams reacts during the Leagues Cup 2023 match between Cruz Azul and Inter Miami CF at DRV PNK Stadium on 21 July 2023 in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Photo: Hector
Source: Getty Images

Serena Williams is the highest-earning female athlete in America and the only woman on our list. The legendary tennis star has earned millions through winnings, endorsement deals, and investments in over 50 startups. She also ripped big from her contract with Amazon Studios, making her one of the highest-paid athletes in the United States.

18. Myles Garrett - $43 million

  • Full name: Myles Lorenz Garrett
  • Date of birth: 29 December 1995
  • Birthplace: Arlington, Texas
  • Age: 28 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NFL
Myles Garrett attends Verizon’s “Run the Playlist Live”
Myles Garrett attends Verizon’s “Run the Playlist Live” at Super Bowl LVIII on 10 February 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Jeff Schear
Source: Getty Images

Myles Lorenz Garrett is a renowned American-based football defensive end playing for the Cleveland Browns of the National Football League. According to the NFL, Myles penned a five-year contract with Cleveland worth $125 million, with only $500,000 of his total earnings coming from off the field.

17. Trent Williams - $43.5 million

  • Full name: Trent Williams
  • Date of birth: 19 July 1988
  • Birthplace: Longview, Texas
  • Age: 35 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NFL
Trent William during pregame warmups at Allegiant Stadium
Trent William looks on during pregame warmups before Super Bowl LVIII against the Kansas City Chiefs at Allegiant Stadium on 11 February 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Ryan Kang
Source: Getty Images

Trent is a talented American athlete and among the best defensive tackles in the league. He made eleven Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams. Williams signed a six-year contract worth $138 million with the San Francisco 49ers in 2021. Around $1 million of his earnings come from investments in real estate and collectables creator Dapper Labs.

16. Jalen Ramsey - $43.5 million

  • Full name: Jalen Lattrel Ramsey
  • Date of birth: 24 October 1994
  • Birthplace: Smyrna, Tennessee
  • Age: 29 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NFL
Jalen Ramsey at Hard Rock Stadium
Jalen Ramsey looks on from the field during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills at Hard Rock Stadium on 7 January 2024 in Miami Gardens, Florida. Photo: Perry Knotts
Source: Getty Images

Ramsey is a football cornerback for the Miami Dolphins. As reported by ESPN, the bulk of his fortune comes from his five-year contract extension worth $105 million with the Los Angeles Rams.

15. Kyrie Irving - $44 million

  • Full name: Kyrie Andrew Irving
  • Date of birth: 23 March 1992
  • Birthplace: Melbourne, Australia
  • Age: 31 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NBA
Kyrie Irving looks on during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers
Kyrie Irving looks on during the first half against the Philadelphia 76ers at American Airlines Centre on 3 March 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Photo: Sam Hodde
Source: Getty Images

Kyrie Andrew Irving is a renowned American professional basketball player who plays for the Dallas Mavericks of the NBA. He is among the top 15 highest-paid athletes in the United States of America. $27 million of the player's earnings reportedly come from his four-year deal worth $141 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets.

14. Joey Bosa - $44 million

  • Full name: Joseph Anthony Bosa
  • Date of birth: 11 July 1995
  • Birthplace: Fort Lauderdale, Florida
  • Age: 28 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NFL
Joey Bosa looks on at the Lambeau Field
Joey Bosa looks on from the bench before the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field on 19 November 2023 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Photo: Stacy Revere
Source: Getty Images

The most talked about $100 million deal the Los Angeles Chargers signed went to the renowned American football athlete Joey Bosa. He also has endorsement deals with Nike, Gamebreaker, Panini and Rock-Tenn.

13. Klay Thompson - $44.5 million

  • Full name: Klay Alexander Thompson
  • Date of birth: 8 February 1990
  • Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
  • Age: 34 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NBA
Klay Thompson during the second half of their NBA game
Klay Thompson during the second half of their NBA game against the Toronto Raptors at Scotiabank Arena on 1 March 2024 in Toronto, Canada. Photo: Cole Burston
Source: Getty Images

Klay's contract with the Golden State Warriors was worth $190 million. Forbes revealed Klay sealed a $80 million deal with the Chinese shoe brand Anta. He also has deals with Waiakea Water, Bevel and NERF. He is also a co-founder of Just Live CBD.

12. Dustin Johnson - $44.5 million

  • Full name: Dustin Hunter Johnson
  • Date of birth: 22 June 1984
  • Birthplace: Columbia, South Carolina
  • Age: 39 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: Golf
Dustin Johnson playing golf at Las Vegas Country Club
Dustin Johnson reacts to a missed putt during day three of the LIV Golf Invitational - Las Vegas at Las Vegas Country Club on 10 February 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Michael Reaves
Source: Getty Images

Professional golfers like Dustin Johnson are known for their skills and success, which landed them lucrative deals. Johnson pocketed $15 million for winning the FedEx Cup in 2020. He sealed endorsements and sponsorship deals with companies such as Adidas and Hublot.

11. Ronnie Stanley - $47.5 million

  • Full name: Ronnie Garrison Stanley
  • Date of birth: 18 March 199
  • Birthplace: Las Vegas, Nevada
  • Age: 30 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NFL
Ronnie Stanley attends the 9th Annual NFL Honours
Ronnie Stanley attends the 9th Annual NFL Honours at Adrienne Arsht Center on 1 February 2020 in Miami, Florida. Photo: Jeff Kravitz
Source: Getty Images

Ronnie's fame skyrocketed following his five-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens in 2020, worth over $100 million. The Baltimore Ravens reworked Stanely's contract in March 2024 to meet their salary cap.

10. David Bakhitiari - $48.5 million

  • Full name: David Afrasiab Assad Bakhtiari
  • Date of birth: 30 September 1991
  • Birthplace: San Mateo, California
  • Age: 32 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NFL
David Bakhtiari at the Lambeau Field
David Bakhtiari (69) on the field after a win over the Dallas Cowboys at Lambeau Field on 13 November 2022 in Green Bay, Wisconsin. Photo: Stacy Revere
Source: Getty Images

David Bakhitiari has earned more from his lucrative contract with the Packers. He has reportedly earned around half a million dollars from sponsorship and endorsement deals. Naija News considers him one of the best defensive tacklers in the NFL.

9. James Harden- $51 million

  • Full name: James Edward Harden Jr
  • Date of birth: 26 August 1989
  • Birthplace: Los Angeles, California
  • Age: 34 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NBA
James Harden during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks
James Harden of LA Clippers looks on during a game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Fiserv Forum on 4 March 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Photo: Patrick McDermott
Source: Getty Images

Harden generates income from his lucrative contract with the Los Angeles Clippers and endorsements. Fox Sports reported that Adidas offered the point guard a 13-year contract worth $200 million in 2015 to leave Nike. Harden also has deals with Amazon and State Farm Auto Insurance.

8. Patrick Mahomes - $54.5 million

  • Full name: Patrick Lavon Mahomes II
  • Date of birth: 17 September 1995
  • Birthplace: Tyler, Texas
  • Age: 28 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NFL
Patrick Mahomes addresses the media at the Mandalay Bay North Convention Centre
Patrick Mahomes addresses the media after being presented the Pete Rozelle trophy at the Mandalay Bay North Convention Centre on 12 February 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Photo: Don Juan Moore
Source: Getty Images

Patrick Mahomes is among the best NFL players ever. At just 25 years of age, the professional athlete signed a ten-year contract extension worth $503 million with the Kansas City Chiefs. He also generates income from endorsement deals with Adidas, Directv, Electronic Arts, BioSteel, Bose, and CommunityAmerica Credit Union.

7. Russell Westbrook - $59 million

  • Full name: Russell Westbrook III
  • Date of birth: 12 November 1988
  • Birthplace: Long Beach, California
  • Age: 35 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NBA
Russell Westbrook at Crypto.com Arena
Russell Westbrook of the LA Clippers at Crypto.com Arena on 28 February 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Ronald Martinez
Source: Getty Images

Russell signed his first NBA contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder in 2017, worth $207 million. He played for the Houston Rockets, Washington Wizards, and LA Lakers before joining the LA Clippers. Russel penned a ten-year contract extension with Nike's Jordan brand.

6. Tiger Woods - $60 million

  • Full name: Eldrick Tont "Tiger" Woods
  • Date of birth: 30 December 1975
  • Birthplace: Cypress, California,
  • Age: 38 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: Golf
Tiger Woods holds the United States Golf Association Open Championship trophy
Tiger Woods holds the United States Golf Association Open Championship trophy on 18 June 2000 at the Pebble Beach Golf Links in Pebble Beach, Monterey, California, US. Photo: David Cannon
Source: Getty Images

Tiger Woods is one of the greatest golfers ever. He is tied for first in PGA Tour wins and ranks second in men's major championships. Woods generates income from his career, the PGA Tour 2k video game franchise and other sponsorship deals with Nike, Rolex and Monster Energy.

5. Stephen Curry - $74.5 million

  • Full name: Wardell Stephen Curry II
  • Date of birth: 14 March 1988
  • Birthplace: Akron, Ohio
  • Age: 36 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NBA
Stephen Curry looks on at TD Garden in Boston
Stephen Curry looks on during the second quarter against the Boston Celtics at TD Garden on 3 March 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts. Photo: Maddie Meyer
Source: Getty Images

A two-time NBA MVP legend, Steph Curry, is among the highest-earning NBA players and one of the best point guards. Basket News revealed Curry earns $51.9 million in salary and $50 million in endorsement in the 2023-24 season. He has a production company, Unanimous Media, which has deals with Sony and Audible.

4. Kevin Durant - $75 million

  • Full name: Kevin Wayne Durant
  • Date of birth: 29 September 1988
  • Birthplace: Washington, DC
  • Age: 35 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NBA
Kevin Durant reacts against the LA Lakers at Footprint Center
Kevin Durant reacts during the first half of the NBA game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Footprint Center on 25 February 2024 in Phoenix, Arizona. Photo: Christian Petersen
Source: Getty Images

Despite his most famous $164 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets, Kevin Durant reportedly earns more off the pitch. Around $44 million of his earnings come from sponsorship deals with companies like 2k Sports, Degree, Nike, and Master & Dynamic.

3. Tom Brady - $76 million

  • Full name: Thomas Edward Patrick Brady Jr
  • Date of birth: 3 August 1977
  • Birthplace: San Mateo, California
  • Age: 46 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NFL
Tom Brady at Raymond James Stadium
Tom Brady stands on the sideline against the New Orleans Saints at Raymond James Stadium on 19 December 2021 in Tampa, Florida. Photo: Perry Knotts
Source: Getty Images

Brady is one of the best NFL players of all time. He is a former athlete who played for the New England Patriots and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The legendary quarterback reportedly earned $45 million at Tampa Bay and generated income from his TB12 lifestyle brand and sponsorship deals with Under Armour and T-Mobile.

2. LeBron James - $96.5 million

  • Full name: LeBron Raymone James Sr
  • Date of birth: 30 December 1984
  • Birthplace: Akron, Ohio
  • Age: 39 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NBA
LeBron Jame at Crypto.com Arena
LeBron James at Crypto.com Arena on 6 March 2024 in Los Angeles, California. Photo: Ronald Martinez
Source: Getty Images

LeBron James is one of the world's best and most influential NBA players. He is famous for earning a considerable part from endorsement deals with Nike, PepsiCo and Walmart. LeBron has a production and media company, which generates more income.

1. Dak Prescott - $107.5 million

  • Full name: Rayne Dakota Prescott
  • Date of birth: 29 July 1993
  • Birthplace: Sulphur, Louisiana
  • Age: 30 (as of March 2024)
  • Sport: NFL
Dak Prescott is seen droping back to pass
Dak Prescott drops back to pass during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the Green Bay Packers at AT&T Stadium on 14 January 2024 in Dallas, Texas. Photo: Cooper Neill
Source: Getty Images

Rayne Prescott is the highest-paid athlete in the US. In 2021, he reportedly earned $97.5 million from the pitch and later signed a four-year contract extension with the Dallas Cowboys worth $160 million and a bonus of $66 million.

He also earns his income from sponsorship and endorsement deals from companies like Anheuser Busch InBev, Adidas, Albertson's, Directv, Frito-Lay, Panini, PepsiCo, and AT&T, Beats Electronics.

Trivia

Going through the list, you will realise that the mentioned athletes are mainly NBA, NFL, or golf players. The athletes are known for their impeccable and exceptional skills, talents, and achievements.

What sport pays the highest?

Basketball ranks top as the highest-paying sport, with athletes earning an average of $8.5 million annually. Baseball is second with $4.9 million, followed by Formula One ($4.0 million) and Soccer ($3.9 million).

Who is the lowest-paid NFL player?

According to the NFL's Collective Bargaining Agreement, the minimum salary for an NFL player is $750,000 annually for rookies, as reported by Diario AS. Sources revealed Jake Browning and Tyrone Swoopes as among the lowest earners, taking home the minimum wage.

Who is the richest Kenyan athlete?

Kipchoge Keino is the richest Kenyan athlete as of March 2024. According to sources such as Who Owns Kenya, he has an estimated net worth ranging between $1 and $5 million.

Final word

The highest-paid athletes in America have soared to astronomical heights thanks to their talents and achievements. Athletes earn depending on their experience, reputation, and contract negotiations. An athlete's salary also depends on the team they play for.

READ ALSO: Who are the top 10 richest athletes in Kenya?

Sports Brief reported about the wealthiest athletes in Kenya. Kenyan athletes have been on record for dominating middle and long-distance running events for over four decades.

From the 1980s to 2008, reports revealed that the wealthiest athletes in Kenya earned $31.7 million, equivalent to 3.6 billion Kenyan shillings. Click the link above to find out more about these athletes.

Authors
Claudia Kogi photo
Claudia Kogi
Claudia Kogi is a Kenyan content creator with over 3 years of experience. Claudia joined Sportsbrief.com as a writer in January 2022, covering sports and relatable content.
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