The Olympic Games present one of the world’s biggest stages and displays of athletic prominence. From basketball to golf and now breakdancing, the Olympics always prove to be a place where people can support the top athletes representing their country. The 2024 Games are in Paris, France, welcoming big names like LeBron James, Coco Gauff, and Sha’carri Richardson.
Among those names are players who bring in massive salaries. Their performances in the Olympics showcase their talent and possibly open the door for additional revenue dollars through brand deals and partnerships.
Setting Records And Increasing Earnings At The Olympics
According to Sportico, the top 20 highest-paid athletes collectively earned about $1.35 billion over the past 12 months ending in June 2024. While this list accounts for some of the most recognizable names in sports, it is exclusively represented by men, and about 65% of the entries are NBA players.
Although NBA players dominate the list with 13 entries, here is a breakdown of their earnings, alongside two powerhouse women athletes who are top earners at the Summer Games.
LeBron James, Giannis Antetokounmpo, And Steph Curry
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The NBA is full of high net earners, but Forbes ranks James, Antetokounmpo, and Curry among the top-earnings participant in the 2024 Paris Olympics. LeBron James, 39, is not only the oldest current active NBA player but also the only actively playing billionaire in the league, and the first to play in the Summer Games. Forbes has his current annual earnings at $128.2 million.
At one point, Antetokounmpo had the highest NBA contract in history. Although he no longer holds that title, it does not discount the massive on-court salary he brings in. Forbes reports his annual earnings are $111 million, and based on data from Spotrac, the Milwaukee Bucks star is on a three-year contract worth $175.4 million. He is also a proven investor and entrepreneur, with moves like co-owning a professional sports team and launching a restaurant.
Curry is a household name to everyone with a pulse on NBA culture. Claiming the record for most three-point shots made in the NBA, the 36-year-old has cemented himself into legendary status. His annual earnings reflect that hard work at $102 million, per Forbes. Curry has a lucrative deal with Under Armour that is set to last beyond his time in the NBA. He is also president of the Curry Brand with the organization. In addition to his brand deal, Curry has also made investments across several industries, contributing to his estimated net worth of $180 million.
Coco Gauff And Naomi Osaka
The world of women’s tennis has always been electrifying. However, its future is just as bright with stars like Gauff and Osaka at the helm. Participating in the 2024 Olympics, the two are among the top three highest-earning women tennis players at the summer competition.
Gauff, 20, has multiple brand deals with companies like New Balance, Bose, Carol’s Daughter, and Naked Juice Brands. This only adds to her on-court earnings, which at one point came to about $11.5 million over five years. The previously mentioned Forbes report shows that she is raking in $21.7 million in salary earnings today.
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Osaka, 26, is also a high earner with a salary of $15.1 million. However, she is also a savvy investor and brand partner. Most notably, the tennis player owns a sports agency and teamed up with Victoria’s Secret in 2023 to become the brand’s first-ever individual collaborator in 45 years.
