UFC Athlete Tops 2021 Forbes List Of Highest-Paid Athletes
While 2020 brought the coronavirus pandemic and several lockdowns, all of which affected sports schedules, the best of the best still managed to pull their weight financially. Through an initiative that saw fans excluded from match venues and game bubbles, sporting activities could resume across the world, providing entertainment to a world battling a virus-induced house arrest. Although organizers and sports clubs felt the financial impact of fans’ exclusion, the upper echelon of sports athletes still bagged huge numbers thanks to their large following and pay-per-view subscriptions.
The pay-per-view subscriptions were excellent for UFC, as the MMA sport garnered increased popularity worldwide during the pandemic restrictions. In Bangladesh, sport betting sites and news outlets have also seen an increase in UFC searches and interests from citizens. This is further fueled by the rise in UFC fighters of Bangladesh origin like Abu Sayed and Apon. BD betting site now feature a host of new sports in response to the clamor by Bangladeshi punters. This increase in popularity now reflects on the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes for 2020, as Conor McGregor took home the most significant income of all sportsmen in the past financial year.
The Irishman had previously been in the news for his heroics within the Octagon, but the increased following of the UFC brought him more popularity, endorsement deals, and income. Read on below as we consider the Forbes list of highest-paid athletes of 2021 and their take-home incomes.
Highest-Paid Athletes Of 2021
- Conor McGregor
UFC fighter McGregor topped the Forbes list of highest-paid players for the first time in history. It is also the first time in over ten years that a sportsman other than a footballer or basketballer topped the list. The 32-year-old is a former lightweight and featherweight double-champion. He also ranks sixth in the UFC lightweight rankings. McGregor made an income of $180million in the past year, with $158million of that amount coming outside the Octagon. His endorsements with Monster Energy, Reebok, and sale of his equity stake in Proper No. Twelve helped secure his position at the top of this list. This is the MMA poster boy’s second appearance in the top ten, ranking ninth in 2018.
- Lionel Messi
Argentine soccer maestro Lionel Messi ranks second on the list with an income of $130m over the past year. Despite taking wage cuts at Barcelona, the six-time Balon D’or winner raked in this figure thanks to his lifetime deal with Adidas and a clothing line with Tommy Hilfiger’s sister. His on-field earnings still amounted to $97m, while the other $33million was earned through sponsorships and endorsements. At 33, the Argentine’s soccer career is far from over though there was a contract dispute with Barcelona last summer. However, his current deal ends this June.
- Cristiano Ronaldo
Since 2008, it has been hard to separate Ronaldo and Messi both on and off-field. This rivalry also reflects on the earnings list, with Ronaldo earning $120million last year. The Juventus forward made $70million of this through his on-field exploits and the remaining $50million off it. His income from a lifetime Nike deal, Herbalife endorsement, and his CR7 clothing line is responsible for this colossal fee. Ronaldo has the highest number of social media followers and earns huge numbers for every sponsored Instagram post he makes. According to official records, he’s also the highest goalscorer in football history, with over 770 career goals, eclipsing Pele’s record last March.
- Dak Prescott
NFL’s Dak Prescott made his top ten debut after an injury-filled season thanks to his $160million bumper contract extension. The 27-year-old secured a $66million sign-on bonus, pushing his annual earnings into the exclusive $100million club. Prescott plays as a quarterback for Dallas Cowboys – the most valuable team in the world – which reflects in his $97million on-field earnings, with his off-field earnings totaling $10million. Having a lot of m’s gives you options, and Dak Prescott has invested some of this paycheck in four Walk-On chains across Texas.
- LeBron James
LeBron James has been a constant feature on the list of highest-paid athletes globally in recent years. The 36-year-old is one of the most notable basketball figures in the game and is often compared with greats like Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson. 2020 brought James his fourth NBA championship and an income of $96.5million. The majority of that figure came off the court, with only $31.5million of his earnings coming in on the court. He’s also the only player in NBA history to win the Championship thrice as Finals MVP with three different teams. Though he’s the only one in the top five shy of the $100million income mark, James made $65million from a PepsiCo endorsement and investments in Liverpool FC and the Boston Red Sox. The basketball great makes his Hollywood debut in July with the release of Space Jam: A New Legacy.
The remainder of the top ten list features Paris Saint Germain player Neymar with a $95million income, tennis legend Roger Federer in seventh with a $90 million income despite missing much of the season. Lewis Hamilton finished eighth with $82 million, most of which came from his eleven race wins in the past year. NFL’s Tom Brady is ninth with $76million edging past Kevin Durant, who rounds off the list with $75 million.
This diversity in the highest-paid list also reflects in the markets of bookmakers operating in Bangladesh. These sportsbooks feature a variety of sports betting markets, spoiling punters with several options to choose from. However, each of these bookmakers has peculiar terms and conditions as well as sports specialties. It’s therefore advisable to read reviews of bd betting sites before opening an account or entrusting your funds to any sportsbook.
