In recent years, American athletes have gained significant ground in the business world. Thanks to the high salaries they command, the endorsement deals they sign with major brands, and their stakes in other sectors, many now have the opportunity to operate at the highest levels of sports, alongside the team owners who run the show across all major leagues.
A recent LinkedIn post by Andrew Petcash, founder of Profluence Co, gave this topic a compelling twist.
$72m. Soon to be over $100m. It’s wild the salaries athletes are now pulling…but even crazier is what these contracts will look like in another decade. The first $1B athlete contract is on the horizon. They’ll soon be making more than the owners of the teams they play for. Then what?
The post featured an image of a paycheck towering over a stadium, implying that athletes are now taking control of the financial game. And truthfully, that’s not far from reality-many of these stars already wield more influence than their current employers.
Sky-high salaries in sports
In some cases, athletes are earning more than what owners originally paid to acquire their franchises. A not-so-distant future could feature billion-dollar contracts, a clear sign that players are reshaping the global sports power structure.
But to reach this level, athletes have had to prove exceptional ability on the field and a sharp business sense off it. Many have diversified their investments and found ways to dramatically increase their earnings, granting them access to an elite financial circle once reserved for team owners.
What some owners paid to enter the sports world
Not long ago, new owners entered the sports scene with investments that now seem modest compared to today’s values. For example:
- Mark Cuban purchased the Dallas Mavericks in 2000 for $285 million.
- Robert Sarver acquired the Phoenix Suns in 2004 for $401 million.
According to current Forbes valuations:
- The Mavericks are now worth over $4 billion.
- The Suns have surpassed $3.5 billion as of 2024.
At this point, based on the fortune he’s accumulated, LeBron James could easily have become a team owner. The projected horizon for top athletes includes potential earnings of up to $1 billion, clearly surpassing the amounts once required to purchase an entire franchise.
Investments in sports
Today’s athletes are transforming the game through financial diversification:
- LeBron James holds a stake in the Red Sox via Fenway Sports Group.
- Kevin Durant invested in MLS club Philadelphia Union and is active in startups.
- Naomi Osaka is taking advantage of emerging sports like pickleball and women’s soccer.
- Patrick Mahomes is a minority owner of both the KC Royals and Sporting KC.
This illustrates a changing mindset among athletes, who now view income generation through a broader, more strategic lens. They’re not just earning more-they’re multiplying and managing their wealth like never before.
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