The 5 Biggest Athletic Endorsement Deals In The Last 10 Years
Athletes not only sign big contracts on the field but off the field as well. Most athletes make more money off of their endorsement deals than their actual contract salary. The best athletes get the biggest endorsement deals but surprisingly no NFL athletes or MLB athletes are in the top five biggest endorsement deals within the last 10 years. With that being said, let's look at which athletes brought home the most money to the bank thanks to big endorsement deals.
5. Tiger Woods
In 2005, before his infamous 2009 downfall, Woods signed a deal with Nike for a reported $140 million over seven-years.
4. Dwyane Wade
Wade signed with a little known Chinese brand called Li-Ning in 2012 and signed a $100 million 10-year contract. Nice timing for a guy who is past his prime.
3. Rory McIllroy
Watch out Tiger, Nike is making moves! The man of the moment reportedly signed a deal with Nike last year in the $100 million range. Not bad for a 23 year old.
3. Maria Sharapova
Proving that she can play with the big dogs, Sharapova signed an eight-year $70 million contract with Nike in 2010.
1. Derrick Rose
Who knows if the reigning MVP will ever be the same post knee surgery and after sitting out a year, the future is looking less and less bright for the 25-year-old. However, Rose is making a killing in the endorsement game. Derrick signed a deal with Nike for a reported $260 million. That's million. Yeah, I wouldn't be eager to step back on the court either, my friend.
Honorable Mention: Kevin Durant
Although he hasn't signed a deal yet, it's been reported Under Armour has offered him between $265-285 million for a shoe and apparel deal. No that's not a typo. And no you read that right.
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