The World's Highest Paid Athletes in 1997
Here is the top 10 list of the highest earning sports people from 1997. Michael Jordan regained the crown this year - he has been the top-earner for the fifth time in six years. His income was made up of $31.3 million salary/winnings and $47 million endorsements. Tiger Woods came in 6th, his first appearance in the top 10.
All earnings (US dollars) are Forbes estimates for the 1996 calendar year. Totals include salaries, bonuses, prize money, endorsements and appearance fees. See also the top earning lists from other years.
| Name | Sport | Nationality | earnings ($ million) | previous year | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. | Michael Jordan | Basketball | USA | 78.3 | 2 |
| 2. | Evander Holyfield | Boxing | USA | 54.3 | 6 |
| 3. | Oscar De La Hoya | Boxing | USA | 38.0 | 17 |
| 4. | Michael Schumacher | F1 Motorsports | Germany | 35.0 | 3 |
| 5. | Mike Tyson | Boxing | USA | 27.0 | 1 |
| 6. | Tiger Woods | Golf | USA | 26.1 | 26 |
| 7. | Shaquille O'Neal | Basketball | USA | 25.4 | 4 |
| 8. | Dale Earnhardt | NASCAR | USA | 19.1 | 20 |
| 9. | Joe Sakic | Hockey | Canada | 17.9 | none |
| 10. | Grant Hill | Basketball | USA | 17.0 | 18 |
References
- Forbes Magazine, Dec 15, 1997, Vol 160, No.13. Jordan & Co., p180.
Related Pages
- See the top earning lists from other years.
- Other world sport lists
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