12 highest paid athletes of all time

#4 Jack Nicklaus (Golf) - $1.38 billion

Jack Nicklaus has multiple business empires

One of golf's most historic icons, Jack Nicklaus reportedly made only $5.7 million in his career on the PGA tour. But he's run several successful businesses that have made him a fortune.

He founded Nicklaus Design more than 50 years ago and has designed golf courses in more than 40 countries. His business empire also includes real estate, wine, golf academies, ice cream and much more.

---

#3 Arnold Palmer - $1.5 billion

Arnold Palmer passed away in 2016

Edging narrowly in front of Nicklaus is his old rival Arnold Palmer. Much like Nicklaus himself, he drew most of his wealth through various businesses he ran until his death in 2016.

Arnold Palmer-branded apparel has over 400 stores in Asia. Meanwhile, his endorsements, licensing and golf design have all generated over 240 times the money he made in prize money.

---

#2 Tiger Woods (Golf) - $2.1 billion

Tiger Woods, the highest paid golfer

The 15-time major winner played only 18 PGA tour events in 2010s because of injuries. But his endorsement deals were among the highest in the sporting world.

TaylorMade, Bridgestone and Monster Energy were among the most recent additions to his portfolio. Meanwhile Payne's Valley, the first gold course designed by Woods, opened in 2020 in Missouri.

---

#1 Michael Jordan - $2.6 billion

Michael Jordan is the richest athlete in the world

Widely considered the greatest athlete of all-time, Michael Jordan is also the wealthiest athlete of all-time. He has a whopping $2.6 billion in net earnings!

Interestingly, only 6% of the total is from his playing contracts with the Chicago Bulls and Washington Wizards. The rest came from dozens of brands he has endorsed since turning pro in 1984.