While the debate regarding who the Greatest Player of All Time will probably rage on for decades, there is no question who the highest-paid athlete in history is: Michael Jordan.
This was emphasized in a report published by Sportico that declared His Airness is the highest-paid athlete in sports history, not because of what he earned on the court (MJ was a little late for that), but because of a landmark deal that paved the way for Jordan to thrive long after his playing years were over.
Inflation-adjusted earnings of nearly $4 billion
Jordan claimed the top spot on the list, with inflation-adjusted earnings of $3.75 billion since he left the University of North Carolina to turn pro. Golf icon Tiger Woods holds second place, with earnings of $2.66 billion, while football superstar Cristiano Ronaldo is third, with earnings of $1.92 billion. Another golf superstar, Arnold Palmer, is fourth, with earnings of $1.76 billion, while LeBron rounds out the top five with earnings of $1.7 billion.
Where he made the most money
MJ is arguably the GOAT of the sport, having won six NBA championships, six Finals MVP trophies, five NBA MVPs, and a whopping ten scoring titles in his highly decorated career. Curiously, he played in an era when salaries weren’t as exorbitant as they are now. In fact, Jordan earned only $94 million in his 15-year career and was the highest-paid player in the NBA in only two seasons.
However, it was through his endorsements that he made hay.
“It was off the court where he scored, and he still maintains endorsement relationships with longtime partners Gatorade, 2K Games, Five Star Fragrances, and Upper Deck,” Kurt Badenhausen wrote on Sportico.
“It is Nike that accounts for the bulk of his earnings, conservatively estimated at $250 million last year and behind only Cristiano Ronaldo at $275 million among current and retired athletes in 2023.”
