[Bette]

1.Tiger Woods United States Golf $100M
2.Oscar De La Hoya United States Boxing $43.0M
3.Phil Mickelson United States Golf $42.2M
4.Kimi Raikkonen Finland Auto racing $40M
5.Michael Schumacher Germany Auto racing $36M
6.David Beckham England Soccer $33M
7.Kobe Bryant United States Basketball $32.9M
8.Shaquille O'Neal United States Basketball $31.9M
9T. Michael Jordan United States Basketball $31M
9T. Ronaldinho Brazil Soccer $31M
11. Valentino Rossi Italy Motorcycling $30M
12. Alex Rodriguez United States Baseball $29.2M
13. Roger Federer Switzerland Tennis $29M
14. Derek Jeter United States Baseball $28.3M
15. LeBron James United States Basketball $27.3M
16. Floyd Mayweather United States Boxing $26.5M
17. Yao Ming China Basketball $26.3M
18. Vijay Singh Fiji Golf $25.8M
19. Leonard Davis United States Football $25.4M
20. Arnold Palmer United States Golf $25.0M
21. Jeff Gordon United States Auto Racing $24.5M
22. Kevin Garnett United States Basketball $24.3
23. Reggie Bush United States Football $23.8M
24. Allen Iverson United States Basketball $23.3M
25. Maria Sharapova Russia Tennis $23M
Dallas Cowboys' OL Davis world's highest-paid football player | Dallas Morning News | News for Dallas, Texas | SportsDay: Football: Cowboys

[simple simon]

MJ is still earning $31 million a year ?

that's amazing

[Lefty Noob]

How about Arnold Palmer making $25 million? Or the fact that Raikkonen brings in more than Beckham, Federer, A-Rod or Lebron? Crazy list.

[NASCAR Gnome]

Tiger makes 100m a year? WOW!

Now, my math isn't that great but I know that 1 BILLION is one thousand million (of anything including currency!)

It think everyone here will agree that Tiger still can play at a high level for another 10 years - AT LEAST - and when you do the calculations based on my earlier statement, it's not at all impossible for him to accumulate ONE BILLION DOLLARS within a decade!!!

All this from hitting a golf ball?!?

Now, I love playing golf, in fact I shot a "clean" 81 the last time I played (18 holes, no mulligans or gimmies) so that tells you that I don't take it lightly but golf? Holy cow! At least there's danger associated with car racing, boxing and some of these other sports but aside from getting beaned by the rare stray golf ball, I think the most threatening thing on a golf course is driving your cart off a cliff or stepping on a snake and getting bit. Man oh man...

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by NASCAR Gnome

Tiger makes 100m a year? WOW!

Now, my math isn't that great but I know that 1 BILLION is one thousand million (of anything including currency!)

It think everyone here will agree that Tiger still can play at a high level for another 10 years - AT LEAST - and when you do the calculations based on my earlier statement, it's not at all impossible for him to accumulate ONE BILLION DOLLARS within a decade!!!

All this from hitting a golf ball?!?

Now, I love playing golf, in fact I shot a "clean" 81 the last time I played (18 holes, no mulligans or gimmies) so that tells you that I don't take it lightly but golf? Holy cow! At least there's danger associated with car racing, boxing and some of these other sports but aside from getting beaned by the rare stray golf ball, I think the most threatening thing on a golf course is driving your cart off a cliff or stepping on a snake and getting bit. Man oh man...

this list is a bit misleading Gnome

Tiger has huge endorsement deals with companies like Gillette and Buick ..... he also gets huge money (millions) from some events just for showing up

my point being, it isnt just winnings ....... of course all that extra money came because he plays golf so well, and his off course persona ............ i believe he wouldnt get nearly that if his off field persona became more like Snoop Dogg

[Lefty Noob]

I wonder what the breakdown is - I imagine it's 80% endorsements/public appearances, 20% winnings but I could be wrong.

[EmpireWF]

How are these numbers figured? Single year salary....with promotional deals, licensing deals, etc.? Or just from a single season?

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

How about Arnold Palmer making $25 million? Or the fact that Raikkonen brings in more than Beckham, Federer, A-Rod or Lebron? Crazy list.

The Finn had a fantastic racing season and won six events...and the overall title...so at least he is winning...compare to the pitiful appearances by Beckham...and hey Maria at #25...have forehand and good looks and you can join the all boys club.

[ThePundit]

How could Arnold Palmer make 25 million? Does he sell crack on the side?

[Lefty Noob]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

How could Arnold Palmer make 25 million? Does he sell crack on the side?

Pennsoil commercials, he owns several golf courses I believe, plus public appearances... still seems high, but I can almost see it.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Pennsoil commercials, he owns several golf courses I believe, plus public appearances... still seems high, but I can almost see it.

He probably sits on a few business boards too...I know Orlando has the Arnold Palmer Hospital down here etc...The man knows how to make money outside of hitting a golf ball.

[simple simon]

Originally Posted by ThePundit

How could Arnold Palmer make 25 million? Does he sell crack on the side?

he also has an Arizona Ice Tea/Lemonade named after him

[NASCAR Gnome]

Originally Posted by simple simon

he also has an Arizona Ice Tea/Lemonade named after him

Yeah, walk into a bar and ask for an "Arnie Palmer" and if they know what's up, they'll give you a 1/2 ice tea and 1/2 lemonade.

Add some "wotka" to that and you've got a nice, um, "spritzer"!!!

[legend]

Palmer most likely designs courses as well, or at least lends his name to the company that does so. Woods should have a statue of Palmer in his living room and bow to it at least once a day. Without Palmer, golf would have died on the vine long ago.

[tigerbait123]

tiger woods is the top earning athlete right now. He will soon actually become a billionaire I think.