In sports, star athletes often become legends, inspiring millions with their skill and dedication. Their talent doesn’t just earn them fame but it also brings them massive financial rewards. Over time, sports contracts have reached incredible heights, with teams spending hundreds of millions to secure the best players.
Let us take a look at the top 10 most expensive sports contracts in history.
10. Aaron Judge, MLB (New York Yankees) — $360,000,000
In December 2022, Aaron Judge made headlines by signing a historic nine-year, $360 million contract with the New York Yankees, solidifying his position as one of the highest-paid players in Major League Baseball (MLB) history. The deal, which runs from 2023 to 2031, represents a watershed moment not only for Judge but also for the Yankees.
These figures highlight the immense value placed on Judge, both as a player and as a marketable figurehead for one of baseball’s most storied teams. His annual salary of $40 million sets a record for position players in MLB, further cementing his elite status within the league.
9. Mookie Betts, MLB (Los Angeles Dodgers) — $365,000,000
In July 2020, Mookie Betts signed a 12-year, $365 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This deal is one of the biggest in MLB history and highlights Betts’s value to the team. The deal also includes a $65 million signing bonus, securing Betts’s place among baseball’s top earners.
Betts joined the Dodgers in 2020 from the Boston Red Sox and immediately helped them win their first World Series in 32 years. Known for his all-around skills, he’s a top hitter, fielder, and leader.
8. Canelo Alvarez, Boxing (DAZN) — $365,000,000
Saul “Canelo” Álvarez, one of the biggest names in modern boxing, has not only cemented his legacy in the ring but has also proven himself a powerhouse outside of it. His contract with DAZN is valued at $365,000,000 making him one of the top-earning boxers in the world. He earns about $73,000,000 yearly.
The deal gave DAZN exclusive rights to broadcast Canelo’s fights, ensuring a steady revenue stream for both parties. Additionally, his high-profile matchups with rivals like Gennady Golovkin and Caleb Plant further solidified his standing as one of the most financially successful boxers in history.
7. Mike Trout, MLB (Los Angeles Angels) — $426,500,000
Mike Trout’s $426.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels is one of the largest deals in sports history. Signed in 2019, this 12-year agreement highlights Trout’s exceptional value to Major League Baseball (MLB) and his team. His yearly income stands at $35,541,667.
Since debuting in 2011, Trout has been a consistent standout. He’s a three-time American League MVP and a regular All-Star, known for his hitting, fielding, and speed. With a career batting average above .300, over 350 home runs, and more than 200 stolen bases, Trout’s stats rank him among baseball’s elite players.
6. Karim Benzema, Saudi Pro League (Al-Ittihad) — $447,302,60
The former Real Madrid star signed a lucrative deal with Saudi side Al-Ittihad worth $447,302,60 ($223,651,304 per year). Benzema is known as one of the most lethal finishers of his generation and is contracted with Al Ittihad until 2025. Beyond the base salary, the contract includes significant performance-based bonuses tied to his on-field contributions, such as goals and assists, and Al-Ittihad’s team success in domestic and continental competitions.
For Al-Ittihad, securing Benzema’s signature was a massive coup. The club, based in Jeddah, boasts a rich history and an enthusiastic fan base. Benzema’s arrival enhances their firepower on the pitch and elevates their global profile off it. His experience and goal-scoring prowess have made Al-Ittihad formidable contenders in the Saudi Pro League and the AFC Champions League.
5. Patrick Mahomes II, NFL (Kansas City Chiefs) — $450,000,000
Patrick Mahomes II, quarterback for the Kansas City Chiefs, is not just a star on the field, he is also a transformative figure in modern sports. When Mahomes signed his 10-year contract extension in 2020 worth a jaw-dropping $450 million, it marked the largest deal in sports history at the time. He earns about $45,000,000 annually.
Mahomes’ deal, spanning from 2021 to 2031. The contract includes $141 million in guarantees, ensuring financial security regardless of potential injuries. Additionally, it is heavily performance-based, with bonuses tied to milestones such as MVP awards, playoff appearances, and Super Bowl victories.
4. Cristiano Ronaldo, Saudi Super League (Al-Nassr) — $536,336,818
Cristiano Ronaldo, one of football’s most iconic figures, made history yet again by signing a monumental contract with Saudi Super League club Al-Nassr, running until the end of 2025. The deal, valued at a staggering $536,336,818 ($214,534,727 per year), marks a new era for the five-time Ballon d’Or winner and for the Saudi league’s global ambitions.
Ronaldo’s move is part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to diversify the nation’s economy and bolster its global presence through sports and entertainment. By bringing in a player of Ronaldo’s stature, the league signals its intent to compete with Europe’s top football competitions.
3. Lionel Messi, La Liga (FC Barcelona) — $674,000,000
Lionel Messi’s career has been synonymous with excellence, loyalty, and an unparalleled legacy. However, one of the most jaw-dropping aspects of his time at FC Barcelona was the revelation of his $674 million contract (Per year: $168,500,000), making it the most lucrative deal in the history of sports.
Messi’s monumental contract, signed in 2017 and running through 2021, amounted to $674 million over four years. This record-shattering agreement highlighted his value to FC Barcelona both on and off the pitch. Messi’s contract wasn’t just an investment in a player; it was a commitment to one of the most transformative figures in the club’s history.
2. Shohei Ohtani, MLB (Los Angeles Dodgers) — $700,000,000
Shohei Ohtani, the generational talent who has redefined Major League Baseball (MLB), made history by signing a monumental $700 million contract ($432,099 annually) with the Los Angeles Dodgers. The agreement spans over 10 years (2024-2033), was the largest contract in MLB and professional sports history at that time.
By investing in Ohtani, the Dodgers signal their intent to dominate the next decade of baseball. Ohtani’s two-way dominance has drawn comparisons to Babe Ruth, but Ohtani has surpassed even Ruth by excelling in a modern, highly competitive era. No player in MLB history has achieved the same level of success simultaneously as a pitcher and hitter than Ohtani.
1. Juan Soto, MLB (New York Mets) — $765,000,000
Juan Soto, one of Major League Baseball’s most electrifying talents, has set a new standard for player contracts with his record-shattering $765 million deal with the New York Mets. The deal is set to last for an incredible 15 years (2025-2040), earning him roughly $314,815 per game.
This unprecedented agreement not only makes Soto the highest-paid player in world history but also underscores the Mets’ ambition to solidify their position as World Series contenders. The 15-year, $765 million contract is a milestone in professional sports, breaking previous records across all leagues.
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Mohd Faisal Hakak is a sports author from Kashmir. He likes to keep tabs on the sporting world with a keen interest in football, motorsports, NBA, and other marquee sports. He is a science graduate from Islamia College Srinagar.
