One of the most-renowned brands on the planet—if not the most—Nike has always been synonymous with both style, substance and, of course, lots of money. Thanks to Michael Jordan, among others, the company turned into a multibillion dollar entity that is able to snatch up the premier talent in sports and entertainment. And because the Swoosh is often associated with being cool, the company isn’t shy in pumping out products that are vasty overpriced, yet are still found flying off of shelves at an insane rate. While some of the prices on their products—specifically their shoes—are ridiculous, what’s even crazier is how much Nike actually pays some of their spokespeople. From Tiger Woods to LeBron James, there have been millions thrown around in the hopes of better brand recognition and additional sales, and these are the most expensive endorsement deals that the company has ever completed.
10. Cristiano Ronaldo – $8 million per year
One of the most marketable celebs on the planet, soccer stud Cristiano Ronaldo was targeted by Nike early on in his career, and the company focused on making sure they locked him up as quickly as possible. That’s why they gave him a reported $8 million per year to rep their brand, with the company designing a personalized line for CR7, including boots and other apparel. He may not be as big in the States as some of these other athletes, but he’s a monster internationally.
9. Kobe Bryant – $8 million per year
Although L.A. Lakers superstar Kobe Bryant might not be what he once was just a few seasons ago—and is stuck on a really bad team this year—that doesn’t mean he isn’t a marketing guru. That’s why Nike not only stole him from Adidas back in 2003, but then rewarded him with a couple of massive deals that pay him handsomely. In the midst of a five-year, $40 million deal, The Black Mamba has helped gross millions back to the company both in the States and around the globe.
8. Maria Sharapova – $8.75 million per year
With a few Grand Slam titles on her resume, Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has proven that she’s one of the tops players on the planet with a racquet in her hands. For that reason, Nike extended her a deal for eight years and $70 million back in 2010, including a personalized line of clothing that Maria will receive a share of profits from.
One of the most talented—and beautiful—athletes in the world has been a solid combo for Sharapova.
7. Roger Federer – $10 million per year
Inking a 10-year deal that pays him $10 million per year, tennis star Roger Federer put himself in position to make a lot of money in addition to his tennis earnings. And seeing how he makes plenty of money from his play thanks to the success he has while on the court, the Swiss star is continuously adding bills to his bank account. With his own “RF” line of Nike and multiple Grand Slam titles, Federer is the class of the tennis division for the company.
6. LeBron James – $10 million per year
He’s the greatest baller on the planet, so it’s not surprising to see Cleveland Cavaliers superstar LeBron James as the highest-paid basketball player on Nike’s lineup. Reaching four-straight NBA Finals’ with the Miami Heat didn’t hurt his popularity, nor did his return to his hometown Cleveland Cavs, with Nike unveiling a new, massive billboard for James outside of the arena. James is a cash cow, and one of his biggest paydays continuously comes from Nike each year.
5. Derek Jeter – $10 million per year
He may have just recently retired, but, because of everything that he accomplished during his playing days, former Mew York Yankees shortstop Derek Jeter was rewarded very well from Nike and their Jordan Brand to represent the baseball division. In addition to his five World Series titles and stigma of being one of the biggest winners in sports, “The Captain” is one of the most popular players to ever don a baseball uniform, making his merchandise sought out by fans.
4. Tiger Woods – $20 million per year
A 14-time Major champion, golfer Tiger Woods did to golf what Michael Jordan once did for basketball—elevate the sport to something that kids wanted to play. Single-handedly putting Nike Golf on his back and turning it into what it is today, Woods’ first Nike deal was back in 1996, when he signed an unprecedented five-year, $40 million agreement. Since then, he has been a lifer, eventually working his way up to his current payday—$20 million per year.
3. Rory McIlroy – $25 million per year
After leaving competing golf company Titleist for Nike back in 2012, no one had imagined Irish golfer Rory McIlroy would receive such a massive payday—but that’s what he got. Inking a 10-year, $250 million deal, the young golfer has emerged as the go-to player to don the Swoosh while on a tee box. And while things were initially shaky for him as he adjusted to new equipment, he has pulled it together quite nicely, as he’s the current No. 1 player in the world and finished 2014 with two Major titles.
2. Kevin Durant – Potentially $30 million per year
Last year’s league MVP, Oklahoma City Thunder forward Kevin Durant proved that he is, quite arguably, the second-best player in the entire NBA, able to score at will and put a team on his back. Along with his skills, KD has shown to be quite the fan-favorite, too, as kids and parents often like his humility and passion for the sport. For those reasons, Nike renewed with him a few months ago at an insane price—10 years, with the potential to reach $300 million—opting to stick with Nike rather than leave for Under Armour.
1. Michael Jordan – $60 million
Want to know why former six-time NBA champion Michael Jordan can own a professional sports team—as he does with the Charlotte Hornets? Because he is worth a boatload of money. And while he has made a lot from his former playing contracts and other endorsements, the one that pays him the most is his Nike deal, which, believe it or not, still has him earning $60 million per year. Thanks to his personalized Jordan Brand, which has a presence in numerous sports, MJ helped take Nike from another athletic company to what it is today—which is why they pay him so much money.
Image via Nike.com
