Tiger tops highest-paid athlete list
Golf

Tiger tops highest-paid athlete list

Updated 1546 GMT (2346 HKT) June 6, 2013
Share
tiger woods forbes listtiger woods forbes list
1 of 10
Golf's world No. 1 Tiger Woods has reclaimed his position as the world's highest-earning athlete, according to Forbes. The 14-time major winner picked up $13.1 million in salary/winnings in the 12 months to June 1, as well as $65 million from endorsements with companies such as Nike. Woods is thought to be close to resigning with the American sportswear giant. Richard Heathcote/Getty Images
The previous No. 1 Roger Federer pocketed $6.5 million from on-court success over the past 12 months. The tennis star's endorsements, which include deals with Nike, Rolex, Wilson and Credit Suisse, earned the 17-time grand slam winner $65 million. Cameron Spencer/Getty Images/file
Kobe Bryant of the Los Angeles Lakers is the highest-paid player in the NBA. His salary of $27.85 million is $7 million higher than any other player, and his jersey was the biggest seller overseas during the 2011-12 season. Doug Pensinger/Getty Images/file
Miami Heat's LeBron James is the toast of the NBA when it comes to endorsements, boasting deals with companies such as Nike, McDonald's, Coca Cola and Samsung earning him $42 million of his $59.8 million total. Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images/file
Quarterback Drew Brees cashed in last July by signing a new five-year contract with the NFL's New Orleans Saints worth $100 million. Brees' new deal also came with a $37 million signing bonus. Chris Graythen/Getty Images/file
Aaron Rodgers of the Green Bay Packers is the highest annual earner in the NFL. His five-year deal is worth $110 million. Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images/file
Four-time major winner Phil Mickelson collected $44 million in endorsements over the last year, including deals with Callaway, Barclays and KPMG. Streeter Lecka/Getty Images/file
David Beckham recently called time on his playing career, but he is still the highest-earning footballer on the planet. The $5.2 million salary he received during his spell with Paris Saint-Germain, his final club, was donated to charity. The former England captain recently launched a clothing line with H & M. Neil P. Mockford/Getty Images
Real Madrid's Cristiano Ronaldo earns half of his money from endorsements. This is thought to have prompted talks of a new contract with the Spanish club, with both parties unable to agree over Ronaldo's image rights. The Portuguese star currently splits his image rights 60-40, according to Forbes. FRANCISCO LEONG/AFP/Getty Images
Barcelona star Lionel Messi is used to finishing top of the pile. But the four-time FIFA Ballon d'Or winner is the third-highest-earning footballer, with Adidas launching a signature line for the Argentine earlier this year. David Ramos/Getty Images/file