• Loading stock data...
Saturday, September 13, 2025
Tuned In is Almost Sold Out! Limited Tickets Remain!

Highest-Paid Athletes List Loaded With Middle Eastern Money

  • List boasts names ranging from LeBron James to Lionel Messi.
  • LeBron James is the highest-paid American athlete.
Cristiano Ronaldo is the world's highest paid athlete.
Yukihito Taguchi-USA TODAY Sports

Five Americans are among the world’s highest-paid athletes — but the Middle East has opened its purse strings to become a stronger player in the sports arena.

When LIV Golf hit the scene in 2022, the new league dished out guaranteed money to PGA Tour members, placing several in Forbes’ world top-10 world’s wealthiest athletes.

Saudi Arabia’s sovereign wealth fund bankrolled the upstart LIV Golf tour, throwing tens of millions at stars like Phil Mickelson and Dustin Johnson. 

“Forbes estimates that Mickelson received a guarantee of $200 million to sign with the tour, and Johnson $125 million, half of which they are believed to have received upfront,” noted the magazine.

The Saudis and Qatar also pay the mega-salaries of the top three athletes on this list (in order): Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappé. 

While the above three are all international soccer players, three NBA superstars (LeBron James, Steph Curry, and Kevin Durant) and two LIV golfers (Johnson and Mickelson) feature in the top 10. 

With Middle Eastern money flowing into golf and soccer, the world’s top athletes are making more money on and off the field than ever.

According to Forbes, the top 10 highest-paid athletes collected a record $1.11 billion before taxes and agent’s fees over the past 12 months — up 12% from $990 million last year and a 5% increase over the previous record of $1.06 billion set in 2018.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Miami Heat logo

Former Heat Security Guard Pleads Guilty to Stealing Team Memorabilia

Prosecutors say he stole game-worn jerseys and sold them online for millions.

NBA Christmas Schedule Leans on LeBron, Steph While Betting on Flagg

The Lakers, Warriors, and Rockets are all in action.

LAFC’s Record Son Deal Brings Global Buzz and Local Pride

Los Angeles has the largest Korean community in the country.

After Draft-Day Snub and Drama, Sanders to Start Preseason Opener

Multiple injuries mean Sanders gets the nod for the opening preseason game.

Featured Today

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - APRIL 19: A detailed view of the MLB Debut patch on the jersey of Patrick Monteverde #44 of the Miami Marlins prior to game against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park on April 19, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

The Tiny Jersey Patch at the Center of the MLB Rookie Card..

Autographed cards containing a piece of baseball history have upended the market.
September 11, 2025

Eagles-Chiefs Super Bowl Rematch Could Set More NFL Ratings Records

Fox will nationally televise Sunday afternoon’s matchup.
September 10, 2025

ESPN’s ‘MNF’ Ratings Up 8% As NFL Surges to Strong Start

ESPN posts its second-best Week 1 “Monday Night Football” audience.
Sep 7, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills fans react during the fourth quarter against the Baltimore Ravens at Highmark Stadium.
September 9, 2025

As Bills Ascend, Their Next Frontier Lies in Canada

Buffalo and the powerful Canadian entity MLSE come together in a new pact.
September 8, 2025

Alcaraz and Sinner Have More to Gain in 2025 After Splitting Slams

Alcaraz and Sinner have split the last eight Grand Slams.
September 10, 2025

Kuminga, Grimes Remain Unsigned As Giddey Agrees to $100M Deal

Two of the four restricted free agents have inked deals.
Sponsored

How World Series Champ Dexter Fowler Became a Premier League Team Owner

Dexter Fowler discusses navigating retirement and embracing new roles as an owner & investor.
September 7, 2025

Alcaraz Beats Sinner, Wins $5M Prize, Reclaims World No. 1

Alcaraz won a record $5 million first prize at the US Open.
Angel Reese
September 5, 2025

Angel Reese Suspended For Half-Game After Ripping Teammates

The team is disciplining Reese for criticizing her teammates publicly.
Caitlin Clark
September 4, 2025

Caitlin Clark Says She Won’t Return From Injury This Year

She only played 13 games this season.
James Harden
September 4, 2025

James Harden’s Houston Restaurant Shut for Falling $2 Million Behind in Rent

A sign on the door says the locks have been changed.