In the realm of professional sports, financial figures often capture as much attention as the athletes themselves. Recent contracts and player earnings highlight the staggering sums involved in this industry, raising eyebrows and setting records. Notable players like Juan Soto, Shohei Ohtani, and Lionel Messi have all commanded contracts that reflect their prowess on the field, but the granular breakdown of these earnings reveals some truly astonishing numbers.
Juan Soto’s recent contract with the New York Mets is a historic benchmark in United States major sports history, valued at a monumental $765 million over 15 years. In the 2024 season, Soto achieved 41 home runs and 109 RBIs with a .288 batting average. If Soto maintains this performance, he will earn approximately $1.2 million per home run and $467,890 per RBI, illustrating the enormous financial stakes tied to his athletic achievements. “Thank you Uncle Steve,” remarked Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo in a nod to team owner Steve Cohen’s financial commitment.
Blake Snell, another prominent figure in Major League Baseball, is set to earn about $65 million in 2025, primarily through a signing bonus. If Snell maintains his previous record of 32 starts, his earnings would translate to approximately $2,031,250 per game, a stark contrast to another Cy Young awardee, Detroit’s Tarik Skubal, who earned $2.65 million over the entire 2024 season.
Shohei Ohtani’s previous record-setting contract now pales in comparison to Soto’s deal. Yet, Ohtani remains notable with an average yearly income of $70 million. Based on his past season’s performance, which included 54 home runs and 59 stolen bases, Ohtani’s contract equates to $619,469 for each home run or stolen base, maintaining his status as a standout player in MLB.
The financial landscape in the NFL is equally remarkable. Dak Prescott’s contract with the Dallas Cowboys averages $60 million annually. Despite his current injury, his career averages result in earnings of $13,680 per passing yard. Meanwhile, Patrick Mahomes, under a $450 million contract, earns less per game than Prescott, further highlighting the lucrative nature of quarterback contracts in the NFL.
In the NBA, Stephen Curry leads with a $56 million salary this season. Each game, Curry earns about $680,000, translating to $161,908 per three-pointer scored. This places him at the pinnacle of the NBA salary hierarchy, reflecting his legendary status as the league’s top three-point shooter.
Celtics players Jaylen Brown and Jayson Tatum are entering significant five-year contracts valued at $285 million and $314 million, respectively. Averaging their point earnings, each receives around $27,406 per point scored, a substantial increase compared to the legendary Larry Bird, who earned approximately $1,100 per point in his career.
In the NHL, Leon Draisaitl’s eight-year contract averages $14 million annually. Given his scoring rate, he stands to earn $119,393 per goal or assist. Similarly, Igor Shesterkin’s lucrative goalie contract with the Rangers pays $92 million over eight years, with each save earning him $5,084 under current performance metrics.
Lionel Messi’s tenure with Inter Miami in Major League Soccer showcases another side of sports economics. Messi earned over $1 million per goal this season, translating to $229 for every second played, based solely on his MLS salary of $20.4 million for 20 goals.
Golf also presents interesting earnings metrics. Scottie Scheffler, the top-ranked player, amassed nearly $29.2 million in official earnings for 2024, with additional bonuses elevating his total to over $57 million. These figures translate to roughly $11,243 per shot, underscoring the financial rewards present in professional golf.
The figures associated with professional athletes’ earnings are not only reflective of their skills but also of the extraordinary financial ecosystem within sports. As contracts grow and player achievements soar, these numbers will likely continue to astound and captivate fans and analysts alike.
Source: Local10
