There's no question that if you're a major sports star then you're making some major dinero. With big contracts and fat endorsement deals, it's nothing but the good life! Kidzworld takes a look at some of the richest sports stars!
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods got it all: a million dollar smile, a reputation for being a true role model, and did we mention he can play a little golf? For the past dozen years, Tiger has been the most dominant and popular player in the sport of golf. His success on the green has shown him a lot of green in return. In 2007, Tiger took home an astonishing $100 million with $23 million of that coming from winnings. The rest is money he earned from his endorsement deals with Nike, Gillette, and Gatorade among others. When he plays in exhibitions overseas, he gets as much as a $3 million appearance fee! Tiger could be the first billion-dollar athlete. He is already three-fourths of the way there, with his $750 million career earnings! Tiger has a few toys to show for it. He has a huge mansion on a lake in Florida and just bought a $20 million yacht for his wife.
David Beckham
David Beckham is as close to a movie star as an athlete can get. He has movie star looks with the pop star wife, Victoria Beckham. Along with his looks, he's got the game. In Europe, David was one of the top players while playing for Manchester United then Real Madrid. David is an icon overseas and considered the Michael Jordan of Europe. In 2007, David took his act to the United States signing an unheard of five-year contract that could potentially worth $250 million with the L.A. Galaxy of the MLS. He has been an instant hit, selling out stadiums in almost every American city. In 2007, the English soccer star pocketed $33 million from his salary as well as his endorsement deals with adidas, Pepsi, Gillette, Motorola and Disney.
LeBron James
Michael Jordan not only set the standard when it came down to becoming an elite basketball player and businessman. If there is somebody who has enough game plus charisma and marketability as MJ it's gonna be LeBron James. LeBron is probably the most hyped player to ever come out of high school, he signed a $90 million contract with Nike before he even played his first NBA game. Like Tiger, King James is aiming to be the first billion dollar athlete. LeBron pulled down a cold $27 million last year and believe me that number will continue to increase. As for his spending goes? LeBron is currently building his dream home: a 35,000 square foot estate in Cleveland, equip with a bowling alley, movie theater, basketball gym, casino and barbershop! Now that's balling!
Alex Rodriguez
It remains to be seen if Alex Rodriguez is going down as the best player in MLB history. But one thing is certain: he is the richest player to ever swing a bat. In 2000, A-Rod signed the most lucrative contract in sports history at the time, when he agreed to a 10-year, $250 million deal with the Texas Rangers. Since then, he has moved on to the Yankees who gave Alex a new 10-year deal worth $275 million and another $30 million if he breaks the all time home run record. Yeah, as if he needs more money!
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