From Winter Games to Summer Games, and brand deals to family fortunes, these legendary Olympians have gone for the gold and scored some major cash along the way. We're taking a look at some millionaire athletes ranked by net worth.
Katie Ledecky - $5 Million
Getting us started is the Olympic veteran, Katie Ledecjy. The 24-year-old Olympian has been representing Team USA in the pool since the 2012 Summer Games in London. And she's earned some solid checks along the way.
Currently, Celebrity Net Worth estimates that the decorated Olympian has $5 million to her name. And as if that wasn't enough, in just two rounds of Olympic competing, the legendary swimmer has managed to snag five gold medals! Safe to say that eyes will be on her at the Tokyo games to see how she'll perform.
Peggy Fleming - $8 Million
Back in 1968, Peggy Fleming carried the United States figure skating team to a gold medal finish following her legendary performance in Grenoble, France. And though her retirement wrapped up shortly after, she had already cemented herself as a public figure that the nation adored.
She went on to work in sports broadcasting and gave commentary at a number of following Winter Olympics. She even made an appearance in the 2007 comedy Blades of Glory. Today, Celebrity Net Worth states that her net worth stands at $8 million due to her post-skating endeavors.
Alina Kabaeva - $10 Million
Alina Kabaeva hit the gym by the time she could walk. She began training in gymnastics at the age of three and carried on until she achieved her Olympic dreams. In 2004, she went on to win gold for Russia following a bronze win back in 2000. And off the mat, the wins just kept coming.
Kabaeva built an empire out of her international successes. She went on to have a political career and served as one of the board of directors for Russia's National Media Group. Together, Celebrity Net Worth estimates that her value sits at approximately $10 million.
Shang Chunsong - $10 Million
What Shang Chunsong may lack in height, she's certainly made up for in her bank account. The Chinese artistic gymnast went on to make international headlines as she rose to fame in a number of global gymnastics competitions in the 2010s. It's hard to believe that she stands at less than five feet tall!
But size doesn't matter when you've got skills like Shang. She clinched a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics and dominated at events like the World Championships and Asian Games. As calculated by Celebrity Net Worth, Shang Chunsong has a net worth of approximately $10 million.
Simone Biles - $10 Million
When Simone Biles hit the gym floor at the Rio de Janeiro Summer Games in 2016, it felt like the world froze. She took the Olympics by storm and dominated five podium appearances, four of which were gold medals. And since then, the 24-year-old Olympian has gone on to write a book and snag multiple endorsements.
Simone headed to Tokyo 2020 with a reported $10 million to her name, according to Celebrity Net Worth. But unfortunately, scandal rocked her second Olympic appearance and the 24-year-old athlete ended up withdrawing from the Summer Games. However, whatever's in store, we're wishing the G.O.A.T. nothing but the best.
John John Florence - $12 Million
Many believe John John Florence to be one of the best surfers of our current time. The 28-year-old Hawaii native has made quite the name for himself without having to hit the waves at an Olympic event, but all that changed when surfing was added to the docket for the Tokyo 2020 Summer Games.
And according to Celebrity Net Worth, the surfer has been doing just fine without the Olympic fame. He has roughly $12 mil to his name from various brand deals. But even with the success and prizes, Florence believes that surfing is something for the soul, not the bank. "The best version of surfing is not competing," he told GQ.
Nyjah Huston - $12 Million
Nyjah Huston made his Olympic debut on July 25th in Tokyo, but it, unfortunately, didn't go exactly how the skateboarder had hoped. And though he finished his first Summer Games without placing on the podium, Celebrity Net Worth estimates he has $12 million in the bank to help soften the blow.
But according to Nyjah, the cash and celebrity life don't top his one true love: the sport. "I don't skate to be the best, or to be famous, or make money, or be an Olympian. I skate because I f**kin love it and it's the funnest thing on earth," the U.S. athlete wrote on Instagram following his seventh-place finish.
Oksana Baiul - $20 Million
Oksana Baiul made history with her incredible figure skating performance at the 1994 Winter Games in Lillehammer, Norway. Not only did she place first in the Ladies' Singles, but she also was the first athlete to bring home the gold to her newly independent home country of Ukraine.
And her moment in history led to a very profitable career. Over the years, she continued to make television appearances around the world and toured extensively in America. The checks came rolling in, and today, Celebrity Net Worth estimates her current value to be at $20 million.
Eddy Merckz - $20 Million
With Tokyo 2020 well underway, what better time than the present to talk about a millionaire Olympian from the 1964 Tokyo Games? Eddy Merckx came to the '64 Games as a fairly novice cycler. He managed to place 12th at the games but went on to have one of the best cycling careers of all time.
By the time the Belgian cycler retired, he had gained the nickname 'The Cannibal' for his ferocious skills on the bike. And the reputation came with the checks. Celebrity Net Worth estimates that this legendary athlete is enjoying retirement with $20 million to his name.
Jan Ullrich - $20 Million
Next up we have another Olympian who made history in the road cycling event. Jan Ullrich competed in the 2000 Olympics in Sydney, Australia, and returned to his home country of Germany with both a gold and silver medal. No doubt a nice addition to his 1997 Tour de France win.
But the international fame didn't end with medals. In the years that followed, Jan racked in sponsorship money, which Celebrity Net Worth estimated totals at roughly $20 million. Unfortunately, like some other TdF cyclists, his reputation came under question following multiple doping investigations.
Jrue Holiday - $23 Million
After over a decade in the NBA, Jrue made his Olympic debut with the USA basketball team in Tokyo. And this new chapter couldn't be coming at a better time. The NBA veteran recently won big in the Championships, which saw the Milwaukee Bucks take home the trophy.
The 31-year-old has quite a bit of dough behind his name, too. According to Forbes, the Olympian has a total earning of $23 million. From deals with brands like Nike and Microsoft, to a four-year contract extension with the Bucks, this basketball star is winning big on and off the court.
Tara Lipinski - $25 Million
For loyal figure skating fans, chances are that this next name won't come as much of a surprise. After all, Tara dominated every single one of her competitions throughout her career, including the 1998 Olympics in Nagano, Japan. So it certainly shocked the world when she took her career on a different path...
But Lipinski clearly knew best. In going pro, she signed loads of lucrative deals with networks including CBS, Fox Family Network, and Nickelodeon. And in the end, she's climbed to millionaire status. According to Celebrity Net Worth, this skater-turned TV personality is worth $25 mil.
Khris Middleton - $27 Million
Joining the USA Olympic basketball team is Jrue Holiday's Bucks teammate Khris Middleton. That's right, Middleton is also riding his NBA championship high all the way to Tokyo, trying his luck and bringing gold home for his fans back in America. But what about winnings off the court?
Well, Khris's time in the NBA has been nothing but profitable. The two-time NBA All-Star has a reported $27 million to his name, according to Celebrity Net Worth. And in recent news, the legendary player became a co-owner of the Brisbane Bullets in Australia.
Alan Pascoe - $30 Million
For British sports historians, Alan Pascoe is a name to know. The former professional track star took the United Kingdom to new heights in the 1972 Munich Olympics and the following Commonwealth Games. But even after retiring, Pascoe's love of sports and of his country carried on.
And they fueled some profitable ventures, to say the least. The runner-turned-entrepreneur went on to open a firm called Alan Pascoe Associates Ltd. and was involved in the London committee to host the 2012 Olympics. According to Celebrity Net Worth, Alan has $30 mil to his name.
Peter Sagan - $30 Million
Born in Zilina, Slovakia in 1990, Peter Sagan broke onto the international cycling scene back in the late 2000s and went on to reach legendary heights including multiple Tour de France qualifications and two Olympic appearances. And his worldwide career managed to pay the bills as well.
As of 2021, Peter racked up a net worth of $30 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. However, you won't catch Sagan in Tokyo. For now, his attention is on a reoccurring injury that's been impacting his races. "My knee is getting better and I'll keep fighting," he shared with fans on Instagram.
Scott Hamilton - $30 Million
The Ohio-born olympian Scott Hamilton started training for figure skating at the age of 13, all thanks to a philanthropist that funded his training. In the 80s and 90s, he certainly earned the money back with countless wins, including a gold medal at the 1984 Sarajevo Olympics. And he wanted to pay the generosity back.
After co-creating Stars on Ice, Hamilton certainly has some cash to spare. Celebrity Net Worth estimates his worth at $30 million, a lot of which Scott gives back to charity. He's known to be one of the most active donors of the Make-A-Wish Foundation and has served on the Special Olympics Board of Directors, too.
Kei Nishikori - $30.5 Million
Kei Nishikori brought major national pride from his appearance at the Rio Olympics in 2016. After placing third overall, Kei ended Japan's 96-year drought of tennis medals. And he's certainly looking to do his country just as proud in this year's Summer Games in Tokyo. Guess we'll see if home-turf advantage is a real thing...
But one thing's for sure, the love for Kei in Japan is real. He scored sponsorship with Japan Airlines, which involved his face being plastered on a Boeing 777 nicknamed JET KEI. Throw in some deals with EA Games and Cup Noodles, and this player is rolling in cash. $30.5 Million to be precise, according to Forbes.
Devin Booker - $30.5 Million
What many don't know, is that Devin's involvement with USA Basketball dates back way before the Tokyo Games. In fact, back in 2016, the NBA newbie played for the USA Select Team, which trained alongside that year's Olympic Team. Two years later, his journey to Tokyo began. But his successes go way beyond the Summer Games.
Devin's been living the good life in the NBA since getting drafted in 2015. He got a $158 mil deal in 2018 and earns $7 mil from brand deals with Nike and Call of Duty. Throw it all together, and Forbes estimates that this NBA legend is sitting on $30.5 million in the bank. Keep scrolling for more...
Rory McIlroy - $32
Rory McIlroy, the 32-year-old golfer from Northern Ireland has managed to match his age to his bank. According to Forbes, this Tokyo 2020 contender has $32 million in the bank, which he has earned throughout his impressive career on the green. And he's going to Japan with a simple mindset.
When speaking to the BBC, Rory was asked if heading to Japan amidst the pandemic spoke to his patriotism. "I'm not a very patriotic guy," he admitted. "I am doing it because I think it is the right thing to do... I feel like I want to represent the game of golf more than anything else."
Novak Djokovic - $34.5 Million
From Australia to Wimbledon and beyond, Novak Djokovic has been dominating the international tennis stage since coming onto the scene back in 2003. But according to the famous athlete's Instagram page, the magic of representing your roots never gets old. "Honored to play for my people and my country," he wrote.
And his big competition wins have added up nicely. From $2.4 in Wimbledon earnings to $30 million in brand deals including Lacoste and Peugeot, this tennis star has climbed to new levels of fortune over the years. According to Forbes, the legendary player sits on $34.5 million.
Greg LeMond - $40 Million
Back in the 1970s and 1980s, Greg LeMond was one of the biggest faces in American road cycling. And he had his Olympic start at a very young age. At the age of 18, he was the youngest athlete to be chosen for a US Olympic team at the time. Unfortunately, he never got to compete because of the 1980 US boycott.
But that didn't slow down Greg on his path to fame and success. He went on to dominate at the Tour de France and take his thirst for winning to business ventures as well. From the LeMond brand to restaurants and real estate, Greg has been keeping busy. Celebrity Net Worth pins his worth at $40 mil.
Damian Lillard - $40.5 Million
At this point, basketball is just a side project for this business-savvy entrepreneur. The legendary Portland Trailblazers player has utilized his talents from the court and hustled to reach new heights of wealth and fame. From $100 mil deals with Adidas to partnerships with Hulu and Gatorade, this man is swimming in cash.
Damian's headed to this year's Summer Games with a net worth of 40.5 million, according to Forbes. But even with a gold medal on his mind, the accomplished athlete has still made time for a movie appearance in Space Jam: A New Legacy and a rap career under the name Dame D.O.L.L.A.
Lance Armstrong - $50 Million
Now, to be fair, $50 million is no joke. But there's a chance that Lance might be looking back on his glory days and missing all the cash he once had. According to Celebrity Net Worth, while his bank balance currently sits at $50 mil, at one point he had $125 million following his 2000 Olympic bronze medal and TdF reign.
By the late 2000s and early 2010s, it was reported that Lance was earning $15 million a year just from public appearances, brand deals, and prize earnings. But as many know, that all ended following the doping scandal that resulted in him returning his many titles. Keep scrolling for more...
Shaun White - $60 Million
Without even hitting the slopes, Olympic snowboarder Shaun White manages to bring in an estimated $10 million per year just from brand deals. From Burton Snowboards to Oakley and Target, the 34-year-old athlete has managed to climb to a net worth of $60 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
But the real fame and fortune have come from his impressive career as an Olympic snowboarder and pro skateboarder. The San Diego-born daredevil has gained the nickname "The Flying Tomato" for his insane speed and bright red hair and has clinched three gold medals at the Winter Games.
Naomi Osaka - $60 Million
At just 23 years of age, Naomi Osaka has broken world records for women in sports. For two years now, she's been the highest-earning female athlete, beating out vets like Serena Williams and Maria Sharapova. With over 20 brand deals bringing in the cash, it's not much of a surprise that Forbes pins her earnings at $60 million.
And with her home country of Japan hosting this year's Games, the Olympian was awarded the special honor of lighting the torch at the opening ceremonies for the world to see. From gold medals to million-dollar deals, it seems like the sky's the limit for this powerful athlete.
Kevin Durant - $75 Million
From the Olympics to the regular NBA season, Brooklyn Nets forward Kevin Durant has proved that he's the man to beat when it comes to basketball. And with two gold medals and two NBA championship titles already under his belt, you could bet that his stellar reputation has landed him so pretty big checks.
Kevin is headed to Tokyo with a reported $75 million in the bank, according to Forbes. This will be his third Olympic appearance, and all eyes are on him to carry the team to the podium. And without legends like Lebron or the late Kobe Bryant by his side, the pressure is definitely on.
Michael Phelps - $80 Million
Over five Summer Olympics, Michael Phelps went on to break sports history by clinching 28 medals, 23 of which were gold. Throughout his years in the pool, it seemed like everything he touched turned to gold. And America couldn't get enough of him. Safe to say the public affection came with some cash...
Michael scored brand deal after brand deal due to his celebrity athlete status. And even after his retirement in 2016, his legacy lives on and keeps him living a comfortable life. Celebrity Net Worth estimates that he's worth $80 million. Though he may not be in the pool, he's still in Tokyo cheering on his former team.
Usain Bolt - $90 Million
While Usain Bolt actually made the 2004 Olympic squad, an injury forced him to wait until 2008 to really shine. And did he ever. The Jamaican runner went on to win three gold medals and was catapulted to new levels of fame. But that was nothing compared to the aftermath of London 2012...
Usain dominated on the podium and became widely known as the fastest runner on the entire planet. And with a title like that, the endorsement deals started flooding in. Throw in a music career and public appearances, and the track star is believed to be sitting on $90 mil, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Caitlyn Jenner - $100 Million
Caitlyn Jenner made international headlines back in 1976 after bringing home the gold at the Montreal Summer Games. Jenner gave a show-stopping performance and immediately became the face of American track and field in the coming years. She also started the major trend of celebrating a race wrapped in a flag.
In recent years, Caitlyn has become more well-known as a TV personality, political candidate, and activist for the transgender community. And with the Kardashian empire and personal deals under her belt, the former gold medalist is believed to be worth $100 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Anna Kasprzak - $1 Billion
Anna Kasprzak took her passion for horseback riding and represented Denmark not once, but twice during the 2012 London Games and the Rio Olympics in 2016. But unlike most of our athletes on the list, this Olympian doesn't attribute her fame to her career, rather her family dynasty.
The athletic heiress is related to the founder of the ECOO shoe company. Her late grandfather, Karl Toosbuy started the brand back in 1963 and made a fortune for him and his family. And Anna's bank account has even landed her on various lists of the world's youngest billionaires!