The year 2021 has been a big year for sports, as many major events that were suspended in 2020 are now being played in 2021. We’ve also seen some big contests in boxing and MMA, and we still have several months of the year left!
To see just how profitable this year has been for some of the world’s biggest stars, take a look at the following list. The Earning Sports Stars in 2021 are given below.
Conor McGregor
Online sports books in West Virginia, New York, Las Vegas, and throughout Europe are currently offering odds on a potential fight between Conor McGregor and Jake Paul. They’re seemingly banking on the Irish fighter accepting what should be a big payday for him. But whether he accepts or not, he’s still the biggest earner of 2021 so far.
Not only did he earn tens of millions of dollars in his recent loss to Dustin Poirier, but he’s also banked vast sums in sponsorships and endorsements and recently collected $150 million after selling his stake in Proper No. Twelve whiskeys.
Lionel Messi
Lionel Messi recently guided Argentina to a victory in the Copa America. He has also just signed a new contract and while many reports suggest he took a pay cut, he’s still one of the biggest earners in the world.
Cristiano Ronaldo
You can’t have Messi on a list without putting Ronaldo there as well. These two legends have been compared to one another throughout their entire careers, both in terms of trophies and earnings.
Ronaldo is reported to be earning less than Messi as far as his soccer salary goes, but he is the ultimate self-promoter and makes a ton through sponsorships and investments.
Dak Prescott
Dak Prescott, the QB for the Dallas Cowboys, is reported to be the highest earner in the NFL. The 27-year-old is said to have signed a $160 million contract in 2021 and will earn a lot more once bonuses and sponsorships are considered.
Lebron James
Lebron James is said to earn around $37.5 million a year playing for the Lakers, but that just covers his salary. Not only does he make a lot more through sponsorships and endorsements, as with all of the athletes on this list, but he’s also making a name for himself on the Silver Screen.
James has followed in the footsteps of Michael Jordan by featuring in a Space Jam film and while his fee hasn’t been disclosed, it’s fair to assume that it will be in the tens of millions.
After all, we’re talking about one of the biggest stars on the planet spearheading a film that should make hundreds of millions at the Box Office.
Summary: Other Big Earners in 2021
The top 5 earners could generate over half a billion dollars this year, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.
2020 is also the year of the Olympics, so a lot of money will be thrown at athlete sponsorships. It’s a year in which Anthony Joshua is billed to fight Oleksandr Usyk, as well as the third fight between Wilder and Fury. Who knows, we may even see a fight between Joshua and Fury arranged before the end of the year.
If both fighters win their respective matchups, Joshua vs Fury could turn into the biggest, richest, and most anticipated fight in decades.
