The roar of the crowd fades, the stadium lights dim, and then, the final whistle blows. These actions mark the end of an era for elite athletes as they retire. But retirement doesn’t always mean slowing down or that life and making success is over.
As Vince Lombardi put it, ‘‘The difference between a successful person and others is not a lack of strength, not a lack of knowledge, but rather a lack of will.’’
For a few, it is the beginning of a second act, and some of the wealthiest retired athletes in the United States have proven this narrative to be true. These individuals didn’t just win championships alone; they launched brands, created opportunities, and built empires long after they hung up their jerseys.
This article will explore the financial success stories of the richest and most influential retired athletes in the United States. We’ll also look into their achievements beyond the court, field, or ring, including investments and endorsements.
Michael Jordan
No list of wealthy retired athletes is complete without Michael Jordan. The NBA icon isn’t just considered the greatest basketball player of all time; he’s also one of the richest retired athletes.
With a net worth exceeding $3 billion, most of his wealth comes from the Jordan Brand, a subsidiary of Nike that generates billions annually. Also, he has a majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, and his endorsement deals with brands like Gatorade help build his masterclass story in business and branding.
Many players and fans look up to Michael Jordan, and for some, he’s the reason they fell in love with the sport. So, during his career, you’ll find a huge number of bets placed on Jordan scoring multiple three-pointers. Now, his legacy continues with new talents like Curry and Giannis.
A fun fact? The Jordan Brand makes more money every year than some NBA teams.
This shows how much of a true power player he is in the world of sports, and as Jordan himself would say, “Some people want it to happen, some wish it would happen, others make it happen.’’
He’s in the group of those who made it happen.
Tiger Woods
‘‘No matter how good you get, you can always get better.’’ – Tiger Woods.
Even after injuries and setbacks, Tiger Woods remains one of the wealthiest retired athletes. However, there are rumors that he hasn’t fully retired, with fans expecting him to make a grand return. This speaks volumes about his influence, not just in golf as a sport, but on people.
With a net worth of over $1.1 billion, Woods took golf’s earning potential to another level. His peak career earnings from tournaments and endorsements were unmatched, placing him on several lists of the richest athletes in the world. Interestingly, Woods was the first athlete to earn over $1 billion while still active in his sport.
Notably, Woods’ biggest deals came from Nike, TaylorMade, Rolex, and Monster Energy. He also runs a successful company, managing a golf course design business, and has huge investments in tech startups. Several of his instructional books and videos are also on sale, counting as other sources of income.
However, aside from the financial context, Tiger is passionate about providing educational growth for underprivileged youths. So, despite his controversies, his brand power remains strong due to his philanthropic works.
Tom Brady
Tom Brady is mostly remembered for his record 7 Super Bowl wins and for conquering the NFL for over two decades. However, Tom Brady isn’t just the greatest quarterback of all time; he’s also one of the smartest sports businessmen. Though technically still active, Brady’s post-NFL empire is already worth $300 million+, with projections suggesting he’ll join the billionaire club soon.
“You have to believe in your process. You have to believe in the things you’re doing to help the team win.” – Tom Brady.
Brady’s TB12 brand, co-founded with trainer Alex Guerrero, focuses on health and wellness, including supplements, apparel, and training facilities. He also launched Autograph, an NFT platform, and signed a 10-year, $375 million deal with Fox Sports to become their lead NFL analyst. A fun fact? Brady’s Fox Sports deal is the largest broadcasting contract ever for a sports analyst.
Even his personal life boosts his brand, with deals with the likes of “Under Armour” and “Subway” expanding his global appeal. Tom’s youth and business acumen put him in the spotlight, and we could be seeing him on our lists for a long time.
Floyd Mayweather
When it comes to earning power, few athletes, whether active or retired, can match Floyd “Money” Mayweather. The boxing legend retired with an undefeated 50-0 record and a net worth of $450 million, though some estimates suggest it’s even higher. Unlike most athletes, Mayweather made the bulk of his wealth after retirement, thanks to his genius for self-promotion and blockbuster exhibition fights.
He’s famous for his marketing strategies, leading him to develop Mayweather Promotions, where he was both the fighter and promoter in most of his big fights. A fun fact? Mayweather’s $100+ million paydays from fights like Pacquiao vs. Mayweather make him the highest-paid boxer in history. His 2017 fight against Conor McGregor also earned him a staggering $275 million, proving he’s a big name in the industry.
However, Mayweather’s brand extends beyond boxing. He owns strip clubs and has made millions from appearances and endorsements. Some of his investments are in ventures like the Las Vegas skate park, real estate, and lifestyle.
Playing the Money Game as a Fan: How Online Betting Can Help
Fans are no longer just fans, they also want to be celebrities and live the big life. Whether in the United States or the Philippines, the story is the same. One of the ways to land that big money like your favorite active and retired athletes is to start betting online, if you know your way around it.
However, you want to know the way around betting and do it smartly. As Evelyn Balyton, expert tipster and betting expert mentioned, betting online has evolved massively and only the smart punters will make the best of the opportunities. One of the changes we have seen in betting is payment methods. Many options are available now away from the traditional cash transfers, credit or debit cards, and e-wallets.
We now have cryptocurrencies, mobile money, and mobile wallets. In countries like the Philippines, banking options like GCash lead the way. When you use some of these banking channels, betting sites may even give you bonuses. But the major draw to them is the security and swiftness they offer.
For punters looking to use GCash to carry out their transactions in the Philippines, you should go through review sites to find out the best NBA betting site with GCash Philippines for you right now. After making a deposit, remember to follow top tipsters and read detailed resources on how to bet if you want to be successful. Remember to also bet responsibly.
Final Thoughts
These former athletes have proven that fame from sports can be channeled into other profitable ventures. They are role models who have shown that retirement doesn’t have to be a fading process.
Instead, through businesses, endorsements, product sales, or media appearances, rich and influential athletes in the United States can continue dominating long after leaving the active scene. So, in more ways than one, athletes can touch the lives of people and inspire them to break limits.
The article was provided by Evelyn Balyton
