SherifThe financial arena for elite athletes is no longer just about prize money and salaries; it is a complex ecosystem of endorsements, business ventures, and savvy investments. Predicting the wealthiest sportsmen for 2025 requires analyzing current earnings, the longevity of their appeal, and their success in translating fame into lasting business empires.
Top 10 richest sportsmen in the world for 2025.
1. Michael Jordan (Basketball, Retired)
Projected 2025 Net Worth: $3.5+ Billion
The undisputed king of athlete wealth. Michael Jordan’s earnings from his playing career are a mere footnote compared to his business empire. The cornerstone is his 5% royalty from all Nike Air Jordan sales, a brand that generates billions in annual revenue. This deal alone nets him hundreds of millions each year.
His ownership of the Charlotte Hornets NBA franchise, despite recently selling a minority stake, remains a colossal asset. Combined with endorsements from brands like Gatorade and Hanes that have lasted decades, Jordan’s wealth is in a league of its own and will likely remain so for the foreseeable future.
2. Ion Tiriac (Tennis, Retired)
Projected 2025 Net Worth: $2+ Billion
A less globally famous but immensely powerful figure, Ion Tiriac is a former tennis and hockey player who became a business titan. After retiring from sports, he managed stars like Boris Becker and Goran Ivanišević.
His vast fortune comes from his business ventures in Romania and beyond, including Tiriac Holdings, which has interests in banking, insurance, car dealerships (he owns the first BMW dealership in Romania), and airlines. He also owns the Madrid Open tennis tournament. His diversified portfolio and business acumen have built a fortune that dwarfs that of almost all other former athletes.
3. Vince McMahon (Wrestling, Executive)
Projected 2025 Net Worth: $1.8+ Billion
While not a traditional sportsman, Vince McMahon built his fortune as a performer and the mastermind behind World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE). His wealth stems from his massive ownership stake in WWE, which he sold to Endeavor in 2023 to form TKO Group Holdings, netting him a colossal sum. He remains involved with the company and holds significant equity in TKO.
His career has been a blend of athletic spectacle and ruthless business strategy, creating a global entertainment juggernaut and his multi-billion dollar fortune.
4. Magic Johnson (Basketball, Retired)
Projected 2025 Net Worth: $1.2+ Billion
Earvin “Magic” Johnson brilliantly parlayed his basketball Hall of Fame career into a business empire. His post-retirement wealth comes from his ownership stakes, obtained through Magic Johnson Enterprises.
He was an early investor in the Los Angeles Lakers, sold his shares in the team for a massive profit, and has held stakes in the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Sparks, and Los Angeles FC. His primary wealth driver is his franchise business; he is one of the largest owners of Starbucks, Burger King, and TGI Fridays franchises in the United States. This focus on steady, high-volume businesses has cemented his billionaire status.
5. Tiger Woods (Golf)
Projected 2025 Net Worth: $1.1+ Billion
Tiger Woods revolutionized athlete earnings, becoming the first active athlete to reach billionaire status. His wealth is a mix of historic on-course earnings and unparalleled off-course endorsements. Even after his accident and reduced playing schedule, his brand remains incredibly powerful. His long-term partnership with Nike, though recently ended, was one of the most lucrative in sports history.
He continues to have major deals with TaylorMade, Monster Energy, and others. His own ventures, including TGR Design (golf course design) and the TGR Foundation, along with his role in launching the TGL virtual golf league, ensure his financial empire continues to grow.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo (Football/Soccer)
Projected 2025 Net Worth: $1+ Billion
As one of the most famous people on the planet, Cristiano Ronaldo’s earning power is staggering. His move to Al-Nassr in Saudi Arabia came with a contract reported to be the largest in football history, worth an estimated $200 million per year. However, his salary is almost eclipsed by his endorsement portfolio.
He has lifetime deals with Nike and his own CR7 brand, which encompasses fragrances, clothing, underwear, and a hotel chain. His social media presence, with hundreds of millions of followers, commands millions per sponsored post. By 2025, his relentless brand-building will have solidified his position as one of the wealthiest athletes ever.
7. Lionel Messi (Football/Soccer)
Projected 2025 Net Worth: $900+ Million
Lionel Messi’s move to Inter Miami in MLS was a landmark moment, not just for the league but for his brand. His contract is a complex mix of salary, ownership equity in the team, and a revenue-sharing deal with Apple and Adidas related to the league. This innovative structure could make it the most lucrative deal in American sports history.
Combined with his lifetime deal with Adidas and a portfolio of other endorsements (Pepsi, Budweiser), Messi’s earnings will continue to skyrocket. His immense global popularity ensures his marketability will remain high long after he eventually retires.
8. Floyd Mayweather (Boxing, Retired)
Projected 2025 Net Worth: $800+ Million
The master of the lucrative pay-per-view event, Floyd “Money” Mayweather perfected the art of earning nine figures for a single night’s work. His record-breaking fight against Conor McGregor alone earned him an estimated $300 million. Since retiring undefeated, he has continued to earn tens of millions for exhibition matches around the world.
His wealth is self-managed through his promotion company, Mayweather Promotions, and he is known for a lavish lifestyle and shrewd cash-based investments. His business is himself, and that business remains highly profitable.
9. LeBron James (Basketball)
Projected 2025 Net Worth: $850+ Million
LeBron James is the modern blueprint for an athlete mogul. His NBA salaries have exceeded $400 million over his career, but that is only the beginning. His lifetime endorsement deal with Nike is among the most valuable ever signed by an athlete. His real wealth generation comes from his business acumen.
He co-founded SpringHill Company, a media production powerhouse valued at hundreds of millions, and is a part-owner of the Boston Red Sox, Liverpool FC, and the Pittsburgh Penguins through his stake in Fenway Sports Group. By 2025, his post-playing career as a media mogul and owner will be in full swing, pushing his net worth well past the billion-dollar mark.
10. Roger Federer (Tennis, Retired)
Projected 2025 Net Worth: $650+ Million
Even in retirement, Roger Federer’s bank account continues to grow. While his on-court earnings were immense, his off-court endorsements were legendary for their quality, longevity, and value. His most significant deal was a long-term partnership with Nike, which ended in 2018. He then signed a landmark $300 million deal with Uniqlo, which pays him regardless of his playing status. He also has enduring partnerships with Rolex, Credit Suisse, and Wilson.
Furthermore, he is an investor in the Swiss footwear brand On Running, which had a highly successful IPO, adding tens of millions to his fortune. His elegant brand ensures his earning power remains strong.
Key Factors Influencing the 2025 Rankings:
Lifetime Deals: Athletes like Jordan, LeBron, and Ronaldo have secured endorsement deals that pay them long after they retire, providing a continuous income stream.
Equity and Ownership: The modern athlete seeks ownership stakes in teams, leagues, and brands, moving from endorser to owner for long-term wealth creation.
Global Appeal: Footballers (soccer players) have a massive advantage due to the global nature of their sport, opening up international endorsement opportunities.
Business Acumen: The richest athletes are not just talented; they are savvy businesspeople who surround themselves with experts to build empires beyond their sport.
Disclaimer: These net worth projections are estimates based on publicly available information about salaries, endorsements, and known business ventures. Private investments, debts, and market fluctuations can significantly alter these figures. This list focuses on individuals who gained their primary fame through a career as athletes.