Why They Rank
Most decorated gymnast ever (37 World/Olympic medals). Four skills named after her. Nike, Visa, United Airlines endorsements. Paris 2024 comeback. $5-7M annual endorsement income.
The Fortune
Simone Biles is the most decorated gymnast in history with 37 World and Olympic medals combined, including 11 Olympic medals (7 gold). She has four gymnastics elements named after her -- skills so difficult that no other gymnast has performed them in competition. Her dominance in the sport is considered the most extreme in any Olympic discipline, and her return to competition at the 2024 Paris Olympics after a two-year hiatus was one of the biggest stories in sports.
Biles's endorsement portfolio includes Nike (formerly Athleta/Gap), Visa, United Airlines, SK-II, Uber Eats, and Wheaties. Her annual endorsement income is estimated at $5-7 million, making her the highest-earning gymnast in history. The Gold Over America Tour, a post-Olympic gymnastics exhibition she headlines, generates additional millions in appearance fees and ticket revenue.
Biles's decision to withdraw from multiple events at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics citing mental health concerns (the 'twisties') sparked a global conversation about athlete wellbeing and increased her brand value rather than diminishing it. Sponsors rallied around her, and her comeback in Paris 2024 -- where she won three golds and a silver -- cemented her as the greatest gymnast of all time and a cultural icon.
Wealth Source
Olympic bonuses, endorsements, tours, media appearances
Top Endorsements
Fun Facts
Biles has four gymnastics elements named after her -- skills so difficult that judges initially underscored them because they had never seen anything like them.
She is 4'8" tall and generates more power per pound of body weight than virtually any other athlete in Olympic history.
Her withdrawal from the 2021 Olympics and triumphant return in 2024 is considered one of the greatest comeback narratives in Olympic history.
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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