Sports Illustrated has come out with its annual list of the top 50 highest-earning athletes in American sports. And who is missing? It’s obvious, but it may surprise you.
You can probably guess who is in the Top 10, but the top jock is not who you may think. It is someone who has been in the news recently, but not for his sports achievements. And the one you think—not number one any longer, but right above his biggest rival.
The earnings estimates combine salary, endorsements, and “winnings” as they may apply. The Top 50 list is comprised of athletes from various sports, predominantly baseball players, basketball players, and football players.
To be on the list, the athlete must be a United States citizen and compete in a recognized league or sports organization. The top slot goes to someone not from the major pro sports. And he doesn’t drive a car.
So, who do you think is at the top?
And who is not on the list? That one is easy; the gender wage gap applies even here. Not one woman is on the list, nor has there been one for 5 years.
To view the list, see SI’s “The Fortunate 50.”