By athlete, do you mean someone who exerts physical energy in a sporting event? What about race drivers? Let's not forget legendary Michael Schumacher of Ferrari Formula 1.

"... In 2005 Eurobusiness magazine identified Schumacher as the world's first billionaire athlete. His 2004 salary was reported to be around US$80 million

That's his 2004 SALARY from Ferrari F1. 80M. Shadows Tiger's winnings in 2004 of 6.3M

 

That's it? Four car garage??

 

Schumacher's net worth hasn't been determined to exceed $1 billion.

 

I've always wondered about Schumacher being the first sports billionaire. I have no "real" information to back it up, but have always heard that it has never been accomplished before. Does anyone have a link or knowledge about this?

Maybe because Schumacher's income was in Euros (pounds at the time?) it would be possible for him to be a billionaire in American $$, thus making him the first sports billionaire? Just an idea.

 

I don't think he's earned it any more than Jordan earned his money. Jordan basically carried the Bulls.........Pipen wasn't squat without Jordan. He had a way of bringing out the best in everyone on his team.....when he retired, they collapsed.

Like Kobe Bryant. As much as I hate the guy, he carries the Lakers. He's the 1 man team.

His endorsements are ridiculous though. He's got a damn good agent....that's who's responsible for all that. His agent got him all those endorsement deals.

 

But can Kobe or Jordan take on five guys at one time? My point is that they need others to aid in their success.

 

you can't in any fairness compare a team sport to a non-team sport. The competition and factors are completely different.

IMO it's far more difficult for a good player in a team sport to really impact the game unless they're well above the level of the average players, i.e. Jordan, Bryant, etc.

Don't mistake, I think Tiger is the greatest golfer ever, but I don't justify him making almost a billion, and i cannot justify any other athlete out there getting paid that much money. Especially when people argue these players shouldn't be held as role models.

 

I agree you cannot compare team and non-team sports. I just think in team sports the money should spread among the entire team not just a few players. Why do people sign one players in a team sport for so much money when they need others for the team to win, that is my point. Everything Tiger has done on the golf course has been on his own shoulders, with the wins came the endorsements.

 

there again, especially in football, the demands and impact certain players have on a team end up dictating their pay level.....along with their public image.

A linebacker, no matter how good he is, will make 60million on a contract. He's important to the team, but he's not in the public image like wide receiver x who just made the fantastic catch under double coverage in the end zone.

 

I did not know a golfer could make so much money!!! Thats crazy! What a good life getting rich doing something you love.......I am trying to think of all the money I have spent playing golf, when these guys get paid for it!