Sportico is a digital content company providing sports industry news, data, information, strategies, leadership and insight. Each year, the company meticulously lists the salaries earned by the top 100 highest-paid athletes in the world.
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10 sports and 24 countries
In 2022, the athletes include players from 10 sports and 24 countries. They earned US$4.46 billion in total income, including US$3.24 billion in salary and prize money, as well as US$1.23 billion off the field or court from endorsements, licensing, memorabilia, and appearances over the last 12 months, according to Sportico estimates.
The United States boasts no less than 69 athletes in the top 100, while the United Kingdom has only five (including those with dual citizenship) and France has four.
Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams
Once again, Japanese tennis player Naomi Osaka ranks as the highest-paid female athlete in the world, earning US$53.2 million and ranking number 20 overall. Osaka and Serena Williams (US$35.3 million, No. 52) are the only female athletes to reach the top 100, just as they were in 2021.
Osaka earned an estimated US$52 million from over 20 endorsement partners. Only LeBron James, Roger Federer, Tiger Woods, and Cristiano Ronaldo earned more from sponsors. Federer (US$85.7 million, No. 8), Osaka, and Williams earned a combined US$2.2 million in prize money and US$172 million off the court.
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