Simone Biles beats LeBron James, Coco Gauff, and more as she tops Sports Pro's 50 Most Marketable Athletes of 2024 list

Simone Biles, the most decorated gymnast in history, has been named the most bankable athlete of the year as she topped SportsPro’s 15th Annual List of 50 Most Marketable Athletes for the second time in her career. The recognition places her ahead of iconic sporting faces like LeBron James, Coco Gauff, and Lionel Messi, among others.

The 27-year-old athlete competed in her third Olympic Games this year in Paris, where she not only earned three individual medals for herself but also helped the United States reclaim their team all-around title, last won at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She earned three golds in the team all-around, individual all-around, and vault, along with a silver in the floor exercise event.

Before the Paris Olympics, Biles also won the US Classic title this past May, followed by a record-extending ninth all-around title at the U.S. Gymnastics Championships in June. The Ohio-based gymnast has now added another feather to her crown by topping the 2024 SportsPro’s 15th Annual List of 50 Most Marketable Athletes.

Simone Biles was followed by other famous names on the list. Vinicius Junior, LeBron James, Caitlin Clark, Lionel Messi, Rebeca Andrade, Kylian Mbappe, Ilona Maher, Cristiano Ronaldo, and Katie Ledecky complete the top ten, while tennis star Coco Gauff got in 13th in the list. This marks the second time since 2021 that Biles topped the list, and it also made her only the third athlete in history to secure the number one spot twice in her career, joining Lionel Messi and Neymar Jr. in that accolade.

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SportsPro’s editorial director's thoughts on Simone Biles topping the list

Simone Biles at the Artistic Gymnastics - Olympic Games Paris 2024 (Source: Getty)

Michael Long, SportsPro’s editorial director, said the evaluation of athletes on the list goes beyond their marketability. He said their impact on society was also taken into consideration. He emphasized that Biles embodies that impact, which contributed to her securing the top spot on the list.

He said (via Sports Pro),

"As ever, the 2024 list is a mix of household names and breakthrough stars, all of whom have captivated audiences on the field of play while using their respective platforms to deliver value to their commercial partners and drive awareness of important social causes."

He added:

"Our enhanced evaluation methodology, applied in partnership with SportsPro, demonstrates not just the commercial potential of these athletes but also their influence in driving positive change in society. Simone Biles exemplifies this impact, making her a fitting leader for the 2024 list."

Simone Biles is currently occupied with the Gold Over America Tour after wrapping up her 2024 season.