When we think of wealthy and famous people, our minds turn to the world of sport. For only playing games on fields and courts, some individuals can earn truly astronomical sums of money. Their unique talents and skills, honed through years of practice and perseverance, have most definitely paid off in the end, with many of the biggest stars of professional leagues like the NFL, NBA, and MLB being among the wealthiest celebrities on the planet. Let’s take a look at five of the most significant sports contracts ever.
Manny Machado
Manuel Arturo Machado, known to his fans and followers as Manny Machado, is a Dominican-American third baseman and shortstop with the San Diego Padres in the MLB. An exceptionally talented baseball player from an early age, Machado signed an astonishing $300 million contract with his current team in 2019.
He made his MLB debut back in August of 2012 and was on the All-Star team by 2013. He has also been awarded multiple Gold Glove awards and has been favorably compared to baseball Hall of Famer Brooks Robinson for his ability and technique.
Giancarlo Stanton
Once known as Mike Stanton but now famous under his birth name of Giancarlo, this baseball star signed an eye-watering $325 million contract with the Miami Marlins in 2014. It was the richest contract in sports history at the time, but Stanton ended up moving to the Yankees in 2017.
He debuted with the Marlins in 2012 and led the National League twice for home runs, hitting 59 of them in 2017. His strength is unmatched, and his hitting ability is extraordinary, leading the Marlins to award him that big-money contract.
Bryce Harper
Yet another baseball star, Bryce Harper is a right fielder with the Philadelphia Phillies in the MLB. He played for the Washington Nationals from 2012 until 2018. Then, during the off-season, he signed an amazing $330 million contract with the Phillies.
The big bearded hitter won the National League Rookie of the Year Award back in 2012 and has seen his career go from strength to strength ever since. He led the NL for home runs in 2015 and was named as the MVP that year too, becoming the youngest player to ever win the award.
Canelo Alvarez
Finally heading out of the world of baseball, we come to Canelo Alvarez, who currently holds the record for signing the second biggest sports contract of all time. This Mexican boxer signed a $365 million deal across five years with streaming platform DAZN back in 2018.
Ranked as one of the world’s best pound for pound boxers, Alvarez has held multiple world championships across three separate weight classes during his career so far. With 52 wins from 55 bouts, Alvarez has beaten some of the best in the business including Amir Khan and Gennady Golovkin.
Mike Trout
It can come as no surprise that MLB reigns supreme on this list, with Mike Trout of the Los Angeles Angels claiming the top spot on the list as the signee of sport’s most significant contract. The Millville Meteor, a six-time Silver Slugger Award winner, signed a $426 million contract with the Angels in 2019.
He’s an eight-time MLB All-Star and multiple recipients of the American League MVP award. He also won the Rookie of the Year Award for the AL back in 2012. His strength, stamina, and ability set him apart as one of baseball’s finest players and his stats are simply unmatched.