Why They Rank
Over 400 golf courses designed in 42 countries. Career Grand Slam winner. Black Knight International generates ongoing design revenue. 60+ years of active commercial career.
The Fortune
Gary Player is one of only five golfers to win all four major championships (the Career Grand Slam), and at 89 years old, he remains one of the most active athlete-businessmen in the world. His company, Black Knight International, operates a golf course design firm that has built over 400 courses in 42 countries -- more than any other designer in history. The sheer volume of his design portfolio makes it one of the most valuable golf businesses ever created.
Player's endorsement career has spanned over 60 years. His commitment to fitness (he famously does 1,000 sit-ups per day) made him a natural ambassador for health and lifestyle brands. He has been associated with Callaway, SAP, MasterCard, and dozens of South African brands. His appearance fees at corporate events and charity golf outings have generated tens of millions over the decades.
Player holds the record for the most international travel by any professional golfer, having logged over 15 million miles -- enough to circumnavigate the earth 600 times. His design business, media appearances, and speaking engagements ensure that revenue continues to flow into a portfolio built over more than six decades of professional life.
Wealth Source
Tournament winnings, course design, endorsements, Black Knight International
Top Endorsements
Fun Facts
Player has traveled over 15 million miles -- more than any golfer in history and more than most airline pilots accumulate in a career.
He still does 1,000 sit-ups a day at age 89, a fitness routine he has maintained for decades.
He is one of only five golfers to win all four major championships, joining Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods, Ben Hogan, and Gene Sarazen in the Career Grand Slam club.
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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