Milwaukee Bucks’ star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, has secured the eighth position in the list of the highest-paid athletes of 2023, according to Sportico. The estimated earnings for Giannis in 2023, combining salary and endorsements, reached an impressive $88.4 million.
This ranking is based on athletes’ incomes during the 2023 calendar year, with Sportico’s previous assessment covering a 12-month period from June 2021 to May 2022. The figures encompass various sources of income, including salaries, prizes, bonuses, endorsements, and other incentives.
In the realm of NBA salaries for the 2022-23 season, a 2.65 percent reduction was implemented after the final accounting, aligning with the league’s collective bargaining agreement.
Giannis Antetokounmpo found himself sandwiched between two other NBA players in the rankings. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors earned slightly more than Giannis, amassing a total of $98.9 million in 2023. Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns secured the ninth spot, earning $86.9 million.
At the pinnacle of the list is soccer icon Cristiano Ronaldo, claiming the top spot with an estimated $275 million in earnings for 2023. Golfer Jon Rahm follows with $203 million, surpassing Lionel Messi in the third position with a notable $77 million gap. LeBron James secured the fourth spot, accumulating $125.7 million, while football sensations Kylian Mbappe and Neymar earned around $120 million each.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s financial success aligns with his on-court achievements. In October of the previous year, he inked a lucrative three-year, $186 million contract extension, putting an end to uncertainties about his future. The extension, effective from the 2025-26 season, ensures Giannis is committed to the Milwaukee Bucks for at least three more years, with an additional player option for the 2027-28 season.
Expressing his commitment, Giannis celebrated the extension on X (formerly Twitter) with a post featuring himself holding the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy and Finals MVP trophy, captioned “Milwaukeeeeee! Let’s get it!!! #BucksInSix #Extended.”
The financial breakdown of the contract reveals earnings of approximately $94.4 million for the current and next seasons, followed by an additional $120 million for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons. The last year of the contract provides Giannis the flexibility of a player option, potentially adding around $66 million to his earnings in the 2027-28 season.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s remarkable career, including an NBA championship, two MVP awards, and consistent success on the court, solidifies his position not only as a basketball legend but also as one of the highest-earning athletes globally.
