NBA players are the highest-paid group of athletes in Paris, with Team USA containing seven of the 50 highest-paid athletes in the world. Basketball players are the most consistent earners off the court, with many making more money from their NBA salaries than from endorsements. LeBron James stands out as the only self-made billionaire competing at the 2024 Olympic Games, showcasing his success both on and off the court.
In terms of female athletes, tennis players lead the way in earnings. Players like Iga Świątek, Coco Gauff, and Naomi Osaka have lucrative endorsements with top brands like Rolex, Porsche, and Visa. Rising tennis star Carlos Alcaraz is also poised to become one of the highest-paid players in the world, with impressive wins at Wimbledon and the French Open. The sport of tennis offers significant prize money and endorsement opportunities for its top performers.
Golfers like Nelly Korda, Brooke Henderson, and Jin Young Ko have also seen success both on and off the course. Nelly Korda, in particular, has had a dominant season on the LPGA Tour, earning over $3 million in prize money. Meanwhile, Jon Rahm made headlines with his move to the LIV Golf tour, receiving a substantial upfront payment from the Saudis. Golfers like Scottie Scheffler and Rory McIlroy have also benefited from increased prize money in response to the emergence of the LIV tour.
Finally, in women’s soccer, the top spot in terms of earnings is now held by Spanish soccer star Alexis Putellas. While notable names like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe are absent from the USWNT roster in Paris, several players earn over $1 million thanks to increased salaries and endorsement opportunities. Putellas, a two-time Ballon d’Or Féminin winner, has secured numerous long-term endorsement deals to solidify her status as a top earner in the sport.
Overall, the Paris Olympics are unlikely to produce many new millionaires, with the focus shifting to athletes’ abilities to capitalize on their success through endorsements and business ventures. It’s clear that stars like LeBron James, Simone Biles, and other top athletes across various sports have leveraged their success in competition to secure lucrative deals off the field. As the world watches these athletes compete in the Summer Games, their financial success only adds to their status as sports icons.
