MICHAEL JORDAN—$2.1 BILLION

Retired professional basketball player Michael Jordan, who is widely regarded as the best basketball player in the history of the sport, is reported to have a net worth of $2.1 billion. Of course, while he’s made millions by playing basketball, much of Jordan’s net worth actually comes from the slew of million-dollar endorsement deals he’s had throughout the years. Even though Michael has not played basketball professionally for nearly two decades, now, Michael still earns $100 million a year through endorsements and various other business activities.

Jordan is, without question, the richest athlete of all time, who’s been able to diversify his investment portfolio by forming a business relationship with Nike and purchasing a stake in both the Washington Wizards and the Charlotte Hornets and much more. Today, Michael Jordan’s annual Nike usage fee check is usually between $80 and $100 million. However, over the years, his royalties have exceeded US$100-120 million.