The three sports superstars, who combined for more than $2 billion in pre-tax earnings across their pro careers, are once again among the world’s 50 highest-paid athletes, giving them a combined 25 appearances over the last dozen years. The cutoff for the top 50 this year is $45.2 million, up an astonishing 20% from the previous record of $37.6 million, set just last year. In all, the 50 athletes hauled in an estimated $3.44 billion over the last 12 months before taxes and agents’ fees, up 16% from last year’s record of $2.97 billion. The off-field figure of $1.08 billion—from athletes’ endorsements, appearances, licensing and memorabilia income, and other business endeavors—is also a new high, edging 2022’s $1.06 billion. Sixteen of 2023’s 50 top-earning athletes are under 30, including five who are 25 or younger.

Source: Forbes May 17, 2023 03:21 UTC