Giannis Antetokounmpo Among Top 10 Highest Paid Athletes

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks came eighth on the list, published by Sportico, having been paid an estimated 88.4 million dollars in 2023 through a combination of salary and endorsements.

The estimates concern the athletes’ income during the 2023 calendar year, with Sportico’s previous ranking being based on 12-month earnings between June 2021 and May 2022. The salaries and prize money listed for each sports star include all the bonuses they received during the time period, including signings, incentives, playoffs, and All-Star game pay.

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Other Highest-Paid Athletes

In football and basketball, the salaries included reflect weighted averages of base salaries during the 2022-23 and 2023-24 seasons, as well as bonuses paid during 2023.
NBA salaries in 2022-23 were reduced by 2.65 percent after final accounting on the season was completed based on the league’s collective bargaining agreement, according to Sportico.

Greek Freak Giannis Antetokounmpo was top-and-tailed by two other NBA players. Stephen Curry of the Golden State Warriors earned slightly more than Giannis Antetokounmpo in 2023 and raked in a total of 98.9 million dollars. Kevin Durant of the Phoenix Suns placed just under Giannis Antetokounmpo and earned 86.9 million dollars.

Taking the top spot is Christiano Ronaldo, who earned an estimated 275 million dollars in 2023, followed by golfer John Rahm whose income hit 203 million dollars, a full 77 million dollars more than third placed Lionel Messi.

Lebron James bagged 125.7 million, while footballers Kylian Mbappe and Neymar both earned in the area of 120 million dollars.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Career—Past and Future

In October last year, Giannis Antetokounmpo agreed on a three-year, 186 million dollar contract extension which put an end to the uncertainty which had arisen with regards to his future.

The two-time NBA MVP added two fully guaranteed years to his deal, as well as a player option for the 2027-28 season.

On the evening of October 23rd the Milwaukee Bucks star posted on X (formerly Twitter) a picture of himself holding the Larry O’Brien Championship trophy and Finals MVP trophy with the words “Milwaukeeeeee! Let’s get it!!! #BucksInSix #Extended.”

The extension begins with the 2025-26 season, meaning Giannis Antetokounmpo is under contract for at least three more years—and a fourth if he decides to stay. He will earn around 94.4 million dollars in this current year as well as the next season and about 120 million dollars more for the 2025-26 and 2026-27 seasons.

The final year of the contract is at his discretion, meaning he could make roughly 66 million dollars more in 2027-28. Giannis Antetokounmpo is establishing himself as one of the greatest players in league history with a résumé that includes a 2021 NBA championship and Finals MVP award. He was also the league’s MVP twice.