Top 25 Richest Athletes in the World 2026 (Net Worth)

Last updated: 30 September 2026. Figures are the latest published estimates; see sources below.

This list ranks the richest athletes in the world by estimated net worth: what they own across business stakes, property, investments and cash, not what they earn in a year. For the athletes who were paid the most in the last 12 months, see our separate list of the highest-paid athletes of 2026 (Forbes), led by Cristiano Ronaldo with $300 million.

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2026 added several new athlete billionaires. Cristiano Ronaldo and Lionel Messi both crossed $1 billion, David Beckham became Britain’s first billionaire sportsman (jointly with his wife Victoria), and Forbes raised its estimates for Jordan, LeBron James, Tiger Woods and Magic Johnson.

Jordan’s $4.3 billion is almost double the $2.3 billion of Ion Tiriac in second place, and more than 25 times the $170 million estimated for Sachin Tendulkar, the richest cricketer. Nine athletes on this list are now valued at about $1 billion or more, either alone or, in Beckham’s case, with his wife.

At a glance: richest athletes in the world (2026)

Who are the richest athletes in the world?

1. Michael Jordan: $4.3 billion

Jordan’s fortune rests on two deals. The first is the Nike Air Jordan royalty agreement he signed in 1984, which still pays him a share of Jordan Brand sales. The second is the 2023 sale of his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets at a $3 billion valuation.

Forbes valued him at $4.3 billion in March 2026, up from $3.5 billion in 2025. That placed him third among all celebrity billionaires on the Forbes list, not just athletes.

Known for: Nike’s Air Jordan brand.

2. Ion Tiriac: $2.3 billion

Tiriac made his fortune in business after his playing career. The former Romanian tennis player founded Banca Tiriac in 1990, which later became part of UniCredit, and built interests in insurance, aviation, cars and real estate.

He owned the Madrid Open from 2009 and sold it to IMG in 2021 for a reported EUR 390 million. Forbes put his net worth at about $2.3 billion (July 2025), while Celebrity Net Worth estimates $2.4 billion. He is the richest tennis player on record, ahead of Roger Federer.

3. Magic Johnson: $1.6 billion

Johnson built most of his wealth after basketball through Magic Johnson Enterprises, a stake in insurer EquiTrust and a portfolio of team stakes. He holds interests in the LA Dodgers, LA Sparks, LAFC and the NFL’s Washington Commanders, which he bought into in 2023.

Forbes valued him at $1.6 billion in March 2026, up from $1.5 billion a year earlier. He is one of three basketball players in the top five, with Jordan and LeBron James.

Known for: Team stakes across MLB, the WNBA, MLS and the NFL.

4. Tiger Woods: $1.5 billion

Woods combines career prize money with long-running endorsements led by Nike, a golf course design business (TGR Design) and a stake in TGL, the tech-golf league he co-founded with Rory McIlroy, which launched in January 2025.

Forbes put him at $1.5 billion in March 2026, up from $1.3 billion in 2025, a rise of $200 million in a year. He is one of five athletes on Forbes’ 2026 celebrity billionaires list, and he has topped Forbes’ highest-paid athletes list a record 11 times.

5. LeBron James: $1.4 billion

In 2022 James became the first active NBA player to be named a billionaire by Forbes. His assets include a lifetime Nike deal, the SpringHill Company, a stake in Fenway Sports Group (owner of Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox) and real estate.

Forbes raised him to $1.4 billion in March 2026 from $1.2 billion. He also earned $137.8 million in the 12 months to May 2026, ranking No. 4 on Forbes’ highest-paid list. He is one of three active players in the top 10, with Ronaldo and Messi.

6. Cristiano Ronaldo: $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion

Bloomberg named Ronaldo football’s first billionaire in October 2025, valuing him at $1.4 billion. His June 2025 Al-Nassr extension, reported at more than $400 million, was a major factor. Forbes confirmed billionaire status at about $1.2 billion in June 2026.

Beyond his salary, the CR7 brand, hotels and endorsements with Nike and Binance add to his wealth. He is also the world’s highest-paid athlete in 2026, with $300 million in earnings according to Forbes.

Known for: Becoming football’s first billionaire.

7. Roger Federer: $1.1 billion

Forbes first counted Federer as a billionaire in 2024. Most of his wealth comes from endorsements, including Uniqlo and Rolex, and his stake in Swiss shoe brand On, which listed on the New York Stock Exchange in 2021.

He is new to Forbes’ celebrity billionaires list in 2026, at $1.1 billion (March 2026). Among Grand Slam champions he is the richest, though Ion Tiriac is richer overall.

Known for: An equity stake in On that has become a large part of his wealth.

8. Lionel Messi: about $1 billion

Bloomberg reported in May 2026 that Messi had crossed $1 billion, citing more than $700 million in wages and bonuses since 2007 plus endorsements and investments. Forbes followed in June 2026 with an estimate of about $1 billion.

His lifetime Adidas deal and his Inter Miami contract, which includes Apple and Adidas revenue sharing and now runs through the 2028 MLS season, are key assets. He earned $140 million in 2025-26, No. 3 on Forbes’ highest-paid list. He and Ronaldo are the only footballers with solo billionaire valuations.

9. David Beckham: $1.58 billion (with Victoria)

The Sunday Times Rich List 2026 valued David and Victoria Beckham together at £1.185 billion, about $1.58 billion, and called him Britain’s first billionaire sportsman. His individual share is not published, which is why he is ranked below the athletes with solo billionaire valuations.

His main assets are his co-ownership of Inter Miami, DB Ventures (brand licensing plus deals with Adidas and Hugo Boss) and Victoria’s fashion label.

Known for: Turning his playing fame into a brand-licensing business and a club ownership stake.

10. Tom Brady: $650 million

Brady owns about 5 percent of the Las Vegas Raiders, a stake the NFL approved in October 2024, and has a 10-year, $375 million broadcasting deal with Fox Sports announced in 2022.

His other holdings include apparel brand NOBULL, the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces and English football club Birmingham City. The $650 million figure (August 2026) is a Celebrity Net Worth estimate, as Forbes and Bloomberg do not publish one for him.

Known for: Moving from the field to the broadcast booth and an NFL ownership stake.

11. Lewis Hamilton: $580 million

The seven-time Formula 1 world champion moved to Ferrari for the 2025 season. The Sunday Times Rich List 2026 valued him at £435 million, about $580 million. Forbes separately estimated his earnings at $100 million in the 12 months to May 2026, placing him No. 10 on its highest-paid list.

12. Alex Rodriguez: $550 million

Rodriguez runs A-Rod Corp, which invests in real estate and businesses. With Marc Lore, he took control of the NBA’s Minnesota Timberwolves and the WNBA’s Lynx in a deal valued at $1.5 billion, completed in 2025. He also works as a baseball analyst for Fox. Celebrity Net Worth estimates $550 million.

13. Shaquille O’Neal: $500 million

O’Neal made early investments in Google and Ring and built a franchise business that includes Papa John’s stores, a board seat at the company and his Big Chicken restaurants. Endorsements, TNT media work and a record label add income. His estimated net worth is $500 million (Celebrity Net Worth). He is one of seven basketball players in this top 25.

14. Rory McIlroy: $435 million

McIlroy won the 2025 Masters to complete golf’s career Grand Slam. His wealth comes from PGA Tour prize money, the tour’s Player Impact Program and endorsements with TaylorMade and Omega, and he co-founded TGL with Tiger Woods. The Sunday Times Rich List 2026 put him at £325 million, about $435 million.

15. Kevin Durant: $400 million

Durant earns from his NBA salary, a lifetime Nike deal and Boardroom, the sports media company he co-founded with Rich Kleiman. His investments include an early Coinbase stake and a minority stake in Paris Saint-Germain taken in 2025. Celebrity Net Worth estimates $400 million; Forbes ranked him No. 9 among 2026’s highest-paid athletes.

16. Jack Nicklaus: $400 million

The 18-time major winner built his fortune through Nicklaus Companies, golf course design (more than 400 courses) and licensing. In 2022 he said he had turned down a reported $100 million offer to front LIV Golf. Celebrity Net Worth estimates his net worth at $400 million; Forbes and Bloomberg do not publish a figure for him.

17. Greg Norman: $400 million

Norman’s Great White Shark Enterprises spans apparel, wine, turf and real estate. He served as CEO of LIV Golf from 2021 until he was replaced in 2025. His estimated net worth is $400 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. He is one of four golfers in this top 25, with Tiger Woods, Rory McIlroy and Jack Nicklaus.

18. Stephen Curry: $350 million

Curry’s wealth comes from his NBA salary, the Curry Brand under Under Armour, production company Unanimous Media and investments through Penny Jar Capital. Forbes ranked him No. 6 among the highest-paid athletes of 2026, with $124.7 million in earnings. Celebrity Net Worth estimates his net worth at $350 million, as Forbes does not publish one.

19. Roger Staubach: $300 million

The Hall of Fame Dallas Cowboys quarterback made most of his money in business. He founded The Staubach Company, a commercial real estate firm, and sold it to Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL) in 2008 for a reported $613 million. Estimates vary widely, from $300 million (Celebrity Net Worth) to about $600 million.

20. Serena Williams: $300 million to $350 million

Williams won about $95 million in career prize money and added endorsements and Serena Ventures, her venture capital firm. She owns stakes in the WNBA’s Toronto Tempo expansion team (announced 2025) and Angel City FC. Estimates range from $300 million (Celebrity Net Worth) to $350 million (earlier Forbes lists). She is the only woman in this top 25.

21. Dwyane Wade: $200 million

Wade holds minority stakes in the Utah Jazz, Chicago Sky and Real Salt Lake, and owns Wade Cellars, which he founded in 2014. His 2012 “Way of Wade” deal with Li-Ning included equity rather than just a fee. Like several players on this list, he has moved from endorsements into ownership. Celebrity Net Worth estimates $200 million.

22. Conor McGregor: $200 million

McGregor’s largest payday came from the 2021 sale of his stake in Proper No. Twelve whiskey to Becle, owner of Jose Cuervo; McGregor and his manager received about $155 million. His fight purses include the 2017 boxing match with Floyd Mayweather. The $200 million figure is a press estimate based on Celebrity Net Worth; Forbes has none.

23. Sachin Tendulkar: $170 million (Rs 1,627 crore)

Tendulkar is the richest cricketer in the world. His wealth comes from endorsements, investments in Smaaash, Spinny and Azad Engineering, and real estate. Business Today estimates about $170 million, or Rs 1,627 crore (August 2026), while other Indian outlets such as Outlook Luxe put him nearer $147 million (Rs 1,400 crore). He is one of three cricketers in this top 25, all from India.

24. MS Dhoni: $127 million (Rs 1,215 crore)

Dhoni earns from the IPL with Chennai Super Kings, endorsements and investments including apparel brand Seven, Garuda Aerospace and co-ownership of Chennaiyin FC. Business Today estimates about $127 million, or Rs 1,215 crore (August 2026), placing him slightly ahead of Virat Kohli. The gap between the two is only about $2 million (Rs 19 crore).

25. Virat Kohli: $125 million (Rs 1,196 crore)

Kohli’s income comes from endorsements with Puma, MRF and others, plus businesses such as Wrogn, One8 and One8 Commune restaurants. He has retired from Test and T20I cricket but still plays ODIs and the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru, who won the 2025 IPL. Business Today estimates about $125 million (Rs 1,196 crore).

Who is missing from this list, and why?

• Junior Bridgeman: Forbes valued the former NBA player at over $1.4 billion, from Wendy’s and Chili’s franchises, Coca-Cola bottling, Ebony and Jet, and a 10 percent Milwaukee Bucks stake bought in 2024. He died on 11 March 2025, so his estate is not ranked.
• Floyd Mayweather: career earnings exceed $1.2 billion, but no current Forbes or Bloomberg figure exists. Celebrity Net Worth now estimates $50 million after a 2025 Business Insider investigation questioned his real estate claims, and in 2026 he filed lawsuits claiming large sums were lost through Showtime and a former associate. His net worth is disputed.
• Kobe Bryant: excluded because his wealth is held by his estate; he died in 2020.
• Vince McMahon: Forbes values him at $3.6 billion, but he is a sports business owner, not a former professional athlete.

What changed in 2026

• New billionaires: Ronaldo (Bloomberg, October 2025; Forbes, June 2026), Messi (Bloomberg, May 2026) and Beckham (Sunday Times, May 2026, with Victoria).
• Forbes raised Jordan from $3.5 billion to $4.3 billion, LeBron from $1.2 billion to $1.4 billion, Tiger from $1.3 billion to $1.5 billion and Magic from $1.5 billion to $1.6 billion.
• Roger Federer joined Forbes’ celebrity billionaires list at $1.1 billion.
• Lewis Hamilton and Rory McIlroy were added using Sunday Times Rich List 2026 figures.
• Junior Bridgeman, Floyd Mayweather and Kobe Bryant were removed.
• MS Dhoni is now estimated slightly above Virat Kohli, according to Business Today.

How we ranked this list

We used Forbes (World’s Celebrity Billionaires 2026, real-time profiles and its June 2026 football update) and the Bloomberg Billionaires Index first, then the Sunday Times Rich List 2026 for British athletes, converted at about $1.33 per pound. Where no primary figure exists, we used Celebrity Net Worth as a secondary estimate and Business Today for Indian cricketers, converted at $1 = Rs 95.24. Ranges are shown where sources differ. All figures are estimates, are not audited and change daily with markets and deals.

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