Richest Sports Person: The richest athletes in the world have more than just agility and speed — some of them also have the business savvy to earn and maintain the highest net worths in the sports industry.
In fact, some of the richest athletes don’t make most of their money dribbling or kicking a ball; a bulk of their income actually comes from endorsements, investments, business ventures and more.
1. Michael Jordan Net Worth: $1 Billion
And finally, the richest athlete of all time is former Chicago Bulls superstar, Michael Jordan. The NBA legend, businessman and “Space Jam” actor has a net worth of $1 billion.
2. Michael Schumacher Net Worth: $800 Million
Retired German racecar driver Michael Schumacher is a seven-time Formula One World Champion. According to Forbes, he earned $20 million from winnings and another $10 million from endorsements in 2012 before he retired.
3. Tiger Woods Net Worth: $700 Million
Despite a headline-grabbing 2009 scandal that threatened the pro golfer’s endorsements and sponsorship deals and ruined his marriage, Tiger Woods is still one of the richest athletes in the world. His 2015 earnings came out $50.5 million, reports Forbes, with only $600,000 coming from winnings and $50 million coming from endorsements.
4. Arnold Palmer Net Worth: $675 Million
Known to many as the namesake of the sweet lemonade and iced tea combo, Arnold Palmer is more than just a classic beverage. “The King,” as he’s known in the golf world, is considered one of the sport’s all-time greats.
5. Magic Johnson Net Worth: $500 Million
Magic Johnson might have been a huge star on the basketball court when he played with the Lakers, but he’s been extremely successful off the court as well.
6. Eddie Jordan Net Worth: $475 Million
Irish-born Eddie Jordan is a retired racecar driver, team owner and entrepreneurial guru. According to his website, Jordan was working as a bank clerk when the Dublin bank strike led him to move to Jersey, where he discovered racing for the first time.
7. Ayrton Senna Net Worth: $400 Million
In addition to a $400 million net worth, the late Brazilian racecar driver Ayrton Senna is arguably one of the best Formula One drivers of all time.
8. Floyd Mayweather Net Worth: $400 Million
It’s not a huge surprise that Floyd Mayweather is one of the richest athletes of all time. After all, the professional boxer was Forbes’ highest-paid athlete and celebrity of 2015.
9. David Beckham Net Worth: $350 Million
Posh Spice’s husband transformed from soccer sensation to model, spokesperson and international superstar, earning him enough money to be qualified as one of the wealthiest athletes of all time.
10. Shaquille O’Neal Net Worth: $350 Million
Shaquille O’Neal, known to many as “Shaq,” is a retired basketball player-turned-businessman. In 1996, the NBA legend — and Bryant’s former teammate — made history when he signed the biggest contract in NBA history at the time — seven years for $120 million with the Lakers, reports the New York Times.