Sports stars with the highest off-field business earnings |

Athletes often become brand ambassadors to earn additional income from their success in sports. A certain athlete’s endorsement of a product can lead to an increase in sales for that product or products. Because of their success, personality, or charisma, sports personalities make great endorsers of sports-related companies, such as Nike and Adidas. 

Many athletes are also paid to endorse beauty products, fashion lines, nutritional products, sports betting apps, electronic gaming developers, and even hotels and gyms. Furthermore, many athletes and celebrities also engage in business ventures, including buying stakes in companies or investing in start-ups. Some sports personalities also start their own companies, such as media companies and fashion brands. 

OLBG examines the highest-earning athletes off the field, from tennis stars to NFL legends. It’s not only sports stars who make money through business, though. 

Athletes who earned the most from business in 2024

LeBron James 

Sport – Basketball

Off-Field Earnings – $80,000,000

With an estimated net worth of $1 billion, LeBron James is one of the highest-earning athletes today. Since January 2024 to date, James has earned $80 million thanks to a strong portfolio of endorsement deals with major brands, including Nike, PepsiCo, Beats by Dre, and Walmart. His lifetime deal with Nike, in particular, is extremely lucrative, reportedly worth over a billion dollars. On top of this, the basketball megastar also has a number of business ventures away from the court, which all play a significant part in his current earnings.

Lionel Messi 

Sport – Football

Off-Field Earnings – $70,000,000

In 2024, Lionel Messi earned $70 million off the field through a mix of endorsements, business ventures, and investments. His major deals with Adidas, PepsiCo, and Budweiser are key contributors to this year’s earnings, along with his own clothing line, “The Messi Store,” and hotel chain, “MiM Hotels.” The former La Liga star also invested in real estate and media ventures, adding to his income. Additionally, the 2022 FIFA World Cup winner benefits from licensing his image and making personal appearances.

Giannis Antetokounmpo  

Sport – Basketball

Off-Field Earnings – $65,000,000

In 2024, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s net worth is estimated between $150-200 million. He earned $65 million off the court, primarily through lucrative endorsements with Nike, WhatsApp, Google, and Hugo Boss. His Nike signature shoe line is a major contributor to his income. Antetokounmpo also invests in real estate and various business ventures, adding to his wealth. It’s fair to say that the Milwaukee Bucks star’s income streams are further reflecting his growing influence both on and off the basketball court.