The 20 Highest-Paid Athletes Competing In The Olympics

The modern Olympics began in 1896 as a showcase for amateur athletes, with professionals barred for nearly a century. This is no longer the case.

The upcoming Paris Olympics (July 24 - August 11) will feature 20 athletes who each earned over $35 million in the past year. Collectively, these athletes made $1.35 billion from salaries, bonuses, prize money, and endorsements.

While many Olympians still juggle jobs with their training to make ends meet, the idea of Olympics featuring only amateurs is now obsolete. The inclusion of highly-paid professional athletes marks a significant shift from the Games' original ethos.

This change reflects the evolving landscape of professional sports and the increasing commercialization of the Olympic Games. It raises questions about the balance between maintaining the Olympic spirit and embracing the reality of modern athletics.

The presence of these high-earning athletes alongside those who struggle financially highlights the disparities within the Olympic community and the changing nature of amateur and professional sports in the global arena.

Here are the 20 highest-earners at the Paris Olympics. Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

1. Jon Rahm🏌️‍♂️- $210M

Spain's Jon Rahm tops the list of Olympic earners with $210 million, leading a group of five golfers who will compete at Golf National near Paris. Rahm's earnings skyrocketed after joining LIV Golf in December, a move that included a substantial signing bonus from Saudi Arabia's sovereign wealth fund, PIF.

While reports varied, sources familiar with LIV contracts estimated Rahm's bonus at around $300 million, with half paid upfront and the rest distributed annually. His earnings were further boosted by $22 million in prize money and a $9 million bonus from the PGA Tour's Player Impact Program in 2023.Sponsorships contributed an additional $20 million to Rahm's income. His participation, along with other high-earning golfers, in the Olympics highlights the evolving landscape of professional sports and the increasing presence of well-compensated athletes in what was once an amateur-only event. Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

2. LeBron James 🏀 - $127.7M

LeBron James is the only billionaire competing in the 2024 Olympics, with an estimated net worth of $1.2 billion. His wealth primarily comes from sources outside basketball. Of his $128 million earnings last year, only $48.2 million was from his NBA salary with the Los Angeles Lakers. The remaining $80 million came from off-court activities.

James' financial success is largely due to endorsement deals with brands like Nike and AT&T, as well as shrewd business investments, including his stake in the Fenway Sports Group.

His presence at the Olympics highlights the evolving landscape of professional sports and the increasing financial opportunities available to high-profile athletes beyond their primary sport. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

3. Stephen Curry 🏀 - $101.9M

Stephen Curry, earning $102 million in the past year, balances his income between NBA play and off-court ventures. His $52 million salary with the Golden State Warriors is nearly matched by $50 million from endorsements and business activities.

A significant part of Curry's non-basketball earnings comes from his partnerships with various brands. Notably, he signed a lucrative deal with Under Armor last March. This agreement not only provides immediate financial benefits but also secures Curry's future by granting him an equity stake in the company and ensuring his involvement beyond his playing career.

Curry's financial portfolio exemplifies how top athletes can leverage their fame for substantial off-court earnings. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo 🏀 - $100.8M

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks superstar, earned approximately $101 million in the past year. His income is split between $46 million from basketball and $55 million from endorsements with major companies like Nike, Google, and The Walt Disney Company.

The Greek player's earnings are set to increase further. He recently signed a three-year maximum contract extension with the Bucks, valued at $186 million. This lucrative deal underscores Antetokounmpo's value to his team and the NBA.

Antetokounmpo's financial success illustrates the potential for top-tier athletes to generate substantial income both on and off the court, leveraging their athletic prowess and marketability. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

5. Kevin Durant 🏀 - $89.7M

Kevin Durant, the American basketball star, earned an estimated $90 million recently. His income is nearly evenly split between his $48 million salary from the Phoenix Suns and $42 million from off-court activities.

Durant's non-basketball earnings come from diverse sources. He has lucrative brand deals with Nike, FanDuel, and Fanatics. Additionally, he holds stakes in various sports leagues, including Major League Soccer, National Women's Soccer League, and Major League Pickleball.

Further diversifying his portfolio, Durant invests in over 100 startups through his firm, 35V. This balanced approach to income generation showcases Durant's business acumen and his ability to capitalize on his athletic fame. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

6. Rory McIlroy 🏌️‍♂️ - $80.1M

Rory McIlroy, Ireland's golfing sensation, ranks as the second-highest paid golfer globally with earnings of $80.1 million. His income is divided between $38 million from PGA Tour salary and prize money, and $45 million from endorsements, with the latter outweighing his on-course earnings.

McIlroy's financial success extends beyond traditional golf. He has invested in TGL, a technology-focused golf league supported by Tiger Woods. This venture showcases McIlroy's forward-thinking approach to his career and finances.

McIlroy's earnings breakdown illustrates how top athletes can leverage their sporting success to create substantial income streams through endorsements and strategic investments in their field. Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

7. Scottie Scheffler🏌️‍♂️ - $61M

Scottie Scheffler, the world's top-ranked golfer and recent Masters Tournament champion, earned $61 million as of June. His income is split between $41 million from PGA Tour success and winning payouts, and $20 million from endorsements.

The American golfer's exceptional performance has not only boosted his own earnings but also significantly increased the income of his caddie, Ted Scott. Scott's earnings have reportedly reached a level that likely surpasses the income of many professional golfers.

Scheffler's financial success demonstrates how elite performance in golf can lead to substantial earnings both on and off the course, while also highlighting the potential for lucrative careers in supporting roles like caddying. Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

8. Joel Embiid 🏀 - $57.7M

Joel Embiid, a Cameroonian-American basketball player representing Team U.S.A. in the Olympics, earned $57.7 million in the past year. The majority, $47.7 million, came from his salary with the Philadelphia 76ers, who signed him to a $196 million multi-year extension in 2021.

Embiid supplemented his income with $10 million from external ventures. These include sponsorships with cryptocurrency platform Crypto.com and a multi-year endorsement deal with Sketchers.

His earnings breakdown showcases how top NBA players can secure substantial salaries from their teams while also leveraging their fame for additional income through strategic partnerships and endorsements in various industries. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

9. Nikola Jokic 🏀 - $54.7M

Nikola Jokic's NBA journey began with the Denver Nuggets in 2014. After three seasons, he signed a $147 million contract extension in 2018, followed by a $264 million supermax deal in 2022. The Serbian center's international prowess was evident when he led his nation to a silver medal in the 2016 Olympics.

Jokic's breakthrough came in the 2018-19 season, earning his first All-Star selection and All-NBA first team honors. His career peaked in 2023 when he led the Nuggets to their inaugural NBA championship, securing the Finals MVP title. Jokic's rapid ascent from rookie to NBA champion and MVP showcases his exceptional talent and impact on the game. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

10. Devin Booker 🏀 - $48.1M

Devin Booker's 2021 was exceptional, leading the Phoenix Suns to their first conference title in nearly three decades, securing his second consecutive All-Star selection, and winning an Olympic gold medal in Tokyo. In 2021-22, he helped the Suns achieve the NBA's best regular-season record (64-18), though their playoff run ended in the second round. Now paired with Kevin Durant, Booker is part of a formidable team.

Off-court, Booker has lucrative partnerships with brands like Nike and 2K. The four-time All-Star has diversified his portfolio with investments in Mitchell & Ness and a Major League Pickleball franchise. He's also actively involved as a co-owner of COCO5, a coconut-water sports drink. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

11. Anthony Davis 🏀 - $46.7M

Anthony Davis, the 2012 NBA draft's first overall pick, has established himself as a basketball powerhouse with nine All-Star selections and four All-NBA First Team honors. His career trajectory includes a $127 million contract with the Pelicans in 2015, followed by a trade to the Lakers in 2019. Davis then secured a $190 million max contract with the Lakers in 2020.

Off the court, Davis has expanded his presence in entertainment, appearing alongside teammate LeBron James in "Space Jam: A New Legacy" (2021). His endorsement portfolio received a significant boost with a multi-year Nike extension signed before the 2017-18 season, enhancing his earnings beyond basketball. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

12. Viktor Hovland 🏌️‍♂️ - $45.9M

Viktor Hovland, the Norwegian golf sensation, has rapidly ascended in the professional ranks. While still pursuing his first Major title, Hovland achieved a significant milestone by winning the 2023 FedEx Cup, which came with an impressive $18 million bonus.

His professional success was foreshadowed by his amateur career. In 2018, Hovland clinched the U.S. Amateur Championship, and by the following year, he had risen to the top spot in the amateur rankings.

Hovland's breakthrough on the PGA Tour came in 2020 when he became the first Norwegian to secure a victory, winning the Puerto Rico Open. This historic win marked the beginning of his promising professional career. Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

13. Carlos Alcaraz 🎾 - $45M

Carlos Alcaraz, the world's top-ranked tennis player, made history as the youngest man (at 19) to finish a year atop the ATP rankings. His breakthrough 2022 season included winning his first Grand Slam at the U.S. Open and achieving a 57-13 record.

Alcaraz's success translated into significant earnings, placing him 10th on Forbes' list of highest-paid tennis players. Between August 2021 and August 2022, he earned $10.9 million from tournament winnings and endorsements.

His marketability is evident through lucrative deals with prestigious brands such as Rolex, BMW, and Nike. Alcaraz's rapid rise in both rankings and earnings underscores his potential as a dominant force in tennis. Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

14. Jayson Tatum 🏀 - $43.5M

Jayson Tatum, drafted by the Boston Celtics in 2017, has rapidly become a basketball superstar. His accolades include five All-Star selections, three All-NBA nods, and the 2023 All-Star Game MVP.

Before his NBA career, Tatum was a McDonald's All-American in high school and played a season at Duke University. In 2020, he signed a five-year, $163 million extension with the Celtics, solidifying his future with the team.

Interestingly, Tatum revealed in a 2022 interview that he only spends his endorsement money, saving his NBA earnings as part of an agreement with his mother. This financial strategy demonstrates his long-term thinking and family influence. Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

15. Rudy Gobert 🏀 - $42.7M

Rudy Gobert, the Utah Jazz center, has established himself as a defensive powerhouse in the NBA since being drafted 27th overall in 2013. His impressive career includes three NBA Defensive Player of the Year awards, showcasing his dominance on that end of the court.

Gobert's skills have earned him three All-Star selections, highlighting his overall impact on the game. His excellence extends to international play, where he secured a silver medal with the French national team at the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Recently, Gobert led the NBA in rebounding, further cementing his status as one of the league's premier big men. His accolades, including the 2019 French Player of the Year, underscore his consistent high-level performance. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

16. Jamal Murray 🏀 - $42.4M

Jamal Murray's financial success mirrors his on-court achievements. His salary has steadily increased from his rookie contract to his current annual earnings of approximately $42.4 million, reflecting both his performance and the NBA's rising contract values.

Off the court, Murray has leveraged his status to secure lucrative endorsement deals with well-known brands, significantly boosting his overall wealth. These partnerships, combined with his strong social media presence, have established him as a valuable marketing asset.

Murray's financial trajectory exemplifies the earning potential for top NBA players in today's sports landscape, where success on the court can translate into substantial wealth through both salary increases and strategic brand partnerships. Candice Ward-USA TODAY Sports

17. Jrue Holiday 🏀 - $41.4M

Jrue Holiday signed a contract extension in 2017 with the New Orleans Pelicans worth $132 million over five years. It was a huge payday for a player with only one All-Star nod on his resume during his eight-year NBA career at the time.

They deal included an additional $24 million in potential incentives tied to team and individual goals. He earned $1.1 million in bonuses last season.
The point guard earned more than $1 million in incentives during the 2018-18 season on top of his base salary.

He is married to former United States women's national soccer team player Lauren Holiday (nee Cheney), who won two Olympic gold medals. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports

18. Novak Djokovic 🎾 - $38.7M

Novak Djokovic's tennis dominance continued with his third consecutive Australian Open victory in 2021, followed by a Wimbledon win that tied him for a record 20 Grand Slam singles titles. He's one of only three male players to hold all four Slam crowns simultaneously, achieved in 2015-2016.

Djokovic nearly completed a calendar-year Grand Slam in 2021, falling short at the U.S. Open final. His career prize money of $153 million as of September is unparalleled in tennis history.

Off-court, Djokovic organized the Adria Tour in 2020, which faced COVID-19 challenges. He and his wife Jelena also donated one million euros for medical equipment to combat the pandemic in Serbia. Amber Searls-USA TODAY Sports

19. Xander Schauffele🏌️‍♂️ - $36.2M

As of May 2024, Xander Schauffele's career earnings total $79.9 million. This includes $49.9 million from official events, $609,167 from unofficial events, $5 million from the PIP, $2.2 million from the ComCast Business Tour, and $22.2 million from the Tour Championship.

In 2024 alone, Schauffele has earned $11 million. His highest payday came from winning the PGA Championship ($3.3 million), followed by a runner-up finish at the Wells Fargo Championship ($2.1 million). His third-largest prize was $1.8 million for finishing second at The Players Championship.

These figures highlight Schauffele's consistent high-level performance and his ability to compete effectively in golf's most prestigious and lucrative events. Michael Madrid-USA TODAY Sports

20. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander 🏀 - $36M

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's NBA earnings continue to rise, with a 7.4% increase from the 2023/24 season. This boost has improved his league-wide salary ranking from 34th to 33rd best-paid player. Among guards, he's climbed from 18th to 16th in earnings.

Gilgeous-Alexander maintains his position as the highest-paid player on the Oklahoma City Thunder for the second consecutive year. This consistency underscores his value to the team and his growing status in the league.

Represented by agents Thaddeus Foucher and Joe Smith, Gilgeous-Alexander's financial trajectory reflects his on-court performance and potential. His steady climb in salary rankings suggests continued recognition of his skills and importance to the Thunder organization. John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports