The 2024 Paris Olympics brought together the world’s top athletes, competing for glory and medals. However, even in popular Olympic sports like gymnastics, swimming, and track and field, athletes often face financial challenges. Unlike professional leagues, the Olympics happen every four years, so athletes must capitalize on their fame wisely. Here, we explore the highest-paid athletes across five of the most lucrative sports at the Paris Olympics.
Men’s Basketball: The Kings of Earnings
Basketball players are the top earners at the Paris Olympics, with NBA stars leading the pack. Representing men’s basketball are LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Steph Curry.
LeBron James
LeBron James, a legendary figure in basketball, is also a billionaire. He stands out as the only billionaire athlete competing at the 2024 Olympics. His NBA salary is complemented by substantial endorsement deals, making him one of the highest-paid athletes globally.
Giannis Antetokounmpo
Giannis Antetokounmpo, known as the “Greek Freak,” is another top earner. While his NBA salary is impressive, his endorsements with brands like Nike and JBL add significantly to his income. Giannis’s global appeal has made him a marketing powerhouse.
Steph Curry
Steph Curry, renowned for his incredible shooting skills, also makes the list. His NBA salary is substantial, but his endorsement deals with Under Armour, Rakuten, and other brands push his earnings even higher. Curry’s marketability and success on the court make him a financial juggernaut.
In total, there are 35 active NBA players competing at the Olympics, each earning significant salaries. For instance, Canada’s 10 NBA players have an average on-court salary of $16.2 million. Basketball players not only earn well from their salaries but also from consistent endorsements.
Women’s Tennis: Dominating the Earnings Game
Tennis is a lucrative sport for female athletes. Representing women’s tennis at the Paris Olympics are Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, and Naomi Osaka.
Iga Świątek
Iga Świątek, a five-time Grand Slam champion from Poland, ranks ninth in the all-time WTA prize money list. At just 23 years old, she has endorsements from Rolex, Porsche, and Visa. Świątek’s consistent performance and marketability make her one of the highest-paid female athletes.
Coco Gauff
Coco Gauff, world number two, has seen her earnings skyrocket since winning her first Grand Slam at the US Open. She has added new sponsorships from Ray-Ban and Carol’s Daughter to her portfolio. Gauff’s youth and talent make her a marketing favorite and a top earner.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka, representing Japan, aims to reclaim her title as the highest-paid female athlete. From 2020 to 2022, Osaka held this title, thanks to her impressive endorsements and prize money. Brands like Nike, Nissan, and Louis Vuitton have contributed to her substantial earnings.
Men’s Tennis: The Battle of Generations
Men’s tennis features top earners like Novak Djokovic, Carlos Alcaraz, and Daniil Medvedev.
Novak Djokovic
Novak Djokovic, a tennis legend, continues to earn significantly from both prize money and endorsements. His deals with Lacoste and Asics add to his substantial income. Despite his age, Djokovic remains a dominant force in tennis.
Carlos Alcaraz
Carlos Alcaraz, a rising star from Spain, has taken the tennis world by storm. At just 21 years old, he won the French Open and Wimbledon. His endorsements with Nike and Louis Vuitton have boosted his earnings. Alcaraz’s potential to become the highest-paid tennis player is evident.
Daniil Medvedev
Daniil Medvedev, another top tennis player, has earned well from his performances and endorsements. His consistent success on the court and deals with Lacoste and Tecnifibre have made him a financial powerhouse in tennis.
Women’s Golf: The Top Earners
Golf is another sport where female athletes earn significantly. Representing women’s golf at the Paris Olympics are Nelly Korda, Brooke Henderson, and Jin Young Ko.
Nelly Korda
Nelly Korda has dominated the LPGA Tour in 2024, earning over $3 million in prize money. Her endorsements with Delta Airlines, Goldman Sachs, and T-Mobile add to her income. Korda’s success on the course and marketability make her the highest-paid female golfer.
Brooke Henderson
Brooke Henderson, a top golfer from Canada, has also earned significantly. Her endorsements in Canada and performances on the LPGA Tour have made her a marketing star and a top earner in women’s golf.
Jin Young Ko
Jin Young Ko, another top golfer, has seen substantial earnings from her success and endorsements in South Korea. Her consistent performances and marketability have made her a financial success in women’s golf.
Men’s Golf: The Big Earners
Men’s golf features top earners like Jon Rahm, Rory McIlroy, and Scottie Scheffler.
Jon Rahm
Jon Rahm had the highest-earning year of any golfer, thanks to his move to the LIV Golf Tour. His $175 million upfront payment from the Saudi-backed tour made headlines. Rahm’s earnings are unmatched in the golf world.
Rory McIlroy
Rory McIlroy, loyal to the PGA Tour, has also benefited from increased prize money. His consistent performances and endorsements have made him one of the highest-paid golfers.
Scottie Scheffler
Scottie Scheffler, the world’s number one golfer, has seen significant earnings from both prize money and endorsements. His success on the PGA Tour and marketability have made him a top earner in men’s golf.
Conclusion: The Financial Landscape of Olympic Athletes
The 2024 Paris Olympics have showcased the financial prowess of athletes across various sports. While some sports may not offer big paydays directly, the highest-paid athletes have found ways to capitalize on their fame and marketability. Basketball, tennis, and golf athletes lead the earnings chart, with endorsements playing a crucial role in their financial success.