Why They Rank
Over $280M in NBA career earnings. 2020 NBA champion. Nike, Ruffles, Red Bull endorsements. One of the highest-paid active NBA players.
The Fortune
Anthony Davis signed a five-year, $190 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020, and his subsequent max deal brought his total NBA earnings to over $280 million. He is one of the most physically gifted players in NBA history -- a 6'10" forward who can guard every position, block shots, and score from anywhere on the court. His partnership with LeBron James delivered the Lakers a championship in 2020.
Davis's endorsement portfolio includes Nike, Ruffles, Red Bull, and ExxonMobil. His Nike deal, while not a signature shoe line, pays a reported $5 million per year. The Ruffles partnership made him the face of one of the most visible snack brands in basketball advertising. His relatively low profile off the court compared to players like LeBron or Curry has limited his commercial ceiling but also kept him out of controversy.
Davis's net worth of $100 million is driven primarily by his NBA salary rather than off-court ventures. He represents the modern NBA archetype: a player whose on-court value commands near-maximum contracts, generating nine-figure career earnings even without a business empire.
Wealth Source
NBA salary, endorsements, investments
Top Endorsements
Fun Facts
Davis's famous unibrow has become a trademark -- he once turned down $1 million from a razor company to shave it off, recognizing its value as a brand identifier.
He scored 34 points and 10 rebounds in the 2020 NBA Finals clincher, cementing his legacy as a championship-caliber star.
He was the number one overall pick in 2012, chosen by the New Orleans Hornets, continuing a tradition of franchise-altering big men going first.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is the richest athlete of all time?
Michael Jordan is the richest athlete of all time with an estimated net worth of $3.5 billion. His wealth comes primarily from the Jordan Brand, the sale of the Charlotte Hornets, and decades of endorsement deals. His NBA playing salary was just $94 million -- a fraction of his total fortune.
How do athletes build wealth beyond their playing salary?
The wealthiest athletes build wealth through endorsement deals, equity stakes in companies, brand ownership, franchise ownership, venture capital, and real estate. The key insight is taking equity over flat endorsement fees whenever possible -- turning short-term fame into long-term compounding assets.
Which athletes are billionaires?
As of 2026, four athletes have confirmed billionaire status: Michael Jordan ($3.5B), Tiger Woods ($1.3B), LeBron James ($1.2B), and Magic Johnson ($1.2B). Several others are approaching the threshold, including Arnold Palmer's estate ($875M), Lionel Messi ($650M), and Michael Schumacher ($600M).
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