As 2025 unfolds, the world of sports contracts is revealing unprecedented figures, but context matters. While multi-year agreements often headline sports news, average annual salaries present a distinct narrative, showcasing the athletes raking in substantial earnings each season. This article explores the top sports contracts by average annual salary rather than total value, highlighting the true financial gains of today’s elite athletes.
The Largest Sports Contracts by Average Annual Earnings
| Rank | Athlete | Contract | Sport | Average Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Cristiano Ronaldo (2025) | 2 years, $620 million (Al Nassr) | Soccer | $310 million |
| 2 | Karim Benzema (2023) | 2 years, $436 million (Al-Ittihad) | Soccer | $218 million |
| 3 | Cristiano Ronaldo (2022) | 2.5 years, $536 million (Al Nassr) | Soccer | $214.5 million |
| 4 | Lionel Messi (2017–2021) | 4 years, $674 million (FC Barcelona) | Soccer | $168.5 million |
| 5 | Kylian Mbappé (2022) | 3 years, $681 million (PSG) | Soccer | $227 million* |
| 6 | Devin Booker (2025) | 2 years, $145 million (Suns) | Basketball | $72.5 million |
| 7 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2025) | 4 years, $285 million (Thunder) | Basketball | $71.25 million |
| 8 | Shohei Ohtani (2023) | 10 years, $700 million (Dodgers)** | Baseball | $70 million |
| 9 | Canelo Álvarez (2018) | 5 years, $365 million (DAZN) | Boxing | $73 million |
| 10 | Jayson Tatum (2024) | 5 years, $314 million (Celtics) | Basketball | $62.8 million |
| 11 | Jaylen Brown (2023) | 5 years, $303.7 million (Celtics) | Basketball | $60.7 million |
| 12 | Kyle Tucker (2026) | 4 years, $240 million (Dodgers) | Baseball | $60 million |
| 13 | Dak Prescott (2024) | 4 years, $240 million (Celtics) | Football | $60 million |
*Mbappé’s figure includes a $180 million signing bonus and incentives
**Ohtani’s deal is heavily deferred; only $2 million per year is paid through 2033
Sovereign Soccer Money Leads the Way
The recent surge of financial power from Saudi Arabia in soccer has significantly altered the market landscape. Cristiano Ronaldo’s two contracts with Al Nassr, the latter in 2025, has established him as the highest-paid athlete, earning $310 million a year when factoring in salary, bonuses, and equity stakes. Similarly, Karim Benzema’s contract with Al-Ittihad, averaging $218 million, places him in close competition. Meanwhile, Kylian Mbappé’s recent agreement with PSG reportedly yields an annual income of $227 million, showcasing the lucrative nature of the global soccer market.
NBA Stars Are Right There Too
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently signed a remarkable four-year deal worth $285 million, marking the highest annual salary in NBA history at $71.25 million. This figure edges out Shohei Ohtani’s considerable average, positioning Gilgeous-Alexander alongside the top echelons of athletes globally. Notably, Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown are also making headlines with contracts exceeding $60 million annually, reflecting the NBA’s increasing player wealth.
Baseball’s Numbers Look Different Here
While Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract dazzles on paper, a significant portion of the payment is deferred, with an actual average of only $2 million received annually for the first decade. In contrast, Juan Soto’s 15-year contract, although the largest in total value, averages around $50 million per year. This shift highlights that MLB players are gradually adopting models resembling those in soccer and the NBA, focusing on maximizing yearly earnings against long-term commitments.
The Real Takeaway
Total contract values might shine in the headlines, but average annual earnings provide a clearer picture of financial success in sports. The dominance of soccer and basketball stars is evident, showcasing shorter contracts paired with hefty financial rewards. Today’s sports economy emphasizes that real wealth lies not in the magnitude of deals but in the frequency of payments.
John is a seasoned journalist at The Bothside News, specializing in balanced reporting across news, sports, business, and lifestyle. He believes in presenting multiple perspectives to help readers form informed opinions. His work embodies the publication’s philosophy that truth emerges from examining all sides of every story.
