This year’s analysis of sports contracts reveals staggering figures, with athletes like Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani making headlines. However, what’s more intriguing is that these massive deals don’t necessarily represent the highest annual earnings. Instead, shorter-term contracts often yield higher salaries. Let’s delve into the details of the biggest contracts based on average annual earnings.
The Landscape of Major Sports Contracts
Our recent ranking of the largest sports contracts showcases eye-popping figures: Juan Soto’s $765 million deal with the New York Mets, Shohei Ohtani’s $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, and Lionel Messi’s $674 million leaked agreement with FC Barcelona. With over 40 contracts exceeding $250 million, Major League Baseball players dominate the list, although global soccer, NBA, and NFL players also feature prominently.
Length is a common theme among these contracts, with Soto’s running for 15 years and Ohtani’s lasting 10 years. Notably, Patrick Mahomes’ landmark 10-year, $503 million agreement emphasizes the trend toward lengthy commitments. However, while total contract values dazzle, they do not lead in terms of average annual salary, where shorter agreements excel.
Highlighting Average Annual Earnings
This analysis focuses on those contracts that yield the highest annual salaries, not merely aggregate values. For instance, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander recently signed a 4-year, $285 million extension that places him at #25 for total contracts but #1 for average annual salary in NBA, MLB, and NFL history. His earnings reflect the trend towards substantial, shorter-term agreements in basketball and soccer.
Top 10 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 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2025) | 4 years, $285 million (Thunder) | Basketball | $71.25 million |
| 7 | Shohei Ohtani (2023) | 10 years, $700 million (Dodgers)** | Baseball | $70 million |
| 8 | Canelo Álvarez (2018) | 5 years, $365 million (DAZN) | Boxing | $73 million |
| 9 | Jayson Tatum (2024) | 5 years, $314 million (Celtics) | Basketball | $62.8 million |
| 10 | Jaylen Brown (2023) | 5 years, $303.7 million (Celtics) | Basketball | $60.7 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
Soccer Contracts Redefining Earnings
Saudi Arabia’s drive to attract international soccer talent is changing the financial landscape. Cristiano Ronaldo’s two contracts with Al Nassr, particularly his latest agreement worth $310 million annually, have established the highest annual pay in sports history. Karim Benzema and Kylian Mbappé follow closely with significant contracts that have reshaped expectations for athlete earnings.
The NBA’s Growing Wealth
Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s recent deal is a landmark in the NBA, reflecting the league’s increasing financial power. Both Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown have also secured lucrative extensions, highlighting the NBA’s ability to offer hefty salaries substantiated by rising salary caps.
Understanding the Bigger Picture
Total contract values may capture headlines, but average annual salaries reveal the athletes who are actually reaping the most rewards each year. Soccer and basketball players lead this metric, where shorter contracts often result in higher earnings, underscoring the shifting dynamics in the world of sports finance.
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