10 Largest Sports Contracts in the World

When it comes to sports, talent and impact often come with jaw-dropping contracts. In recent years, we’ve seen some of the biggest names in sports sign deals worth hundreds of millions, showing just how valuable these athletes are to their teams and leagues. From baseball to basketball, these contracts represent major investments in skill, loyalty, and marketability. Here’s a look at some of the largest sports contracts worldwide, showcasing the impressive numbers behind the athletes who continue to shape the future of their sports.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Supermax Contract with the Milwaukee Bucks

Giannis Antetokounmpo signed a five-year, $228 million supermax extension with the Milwaukee Bucks in 2020, one of the most lucrative contracts in NBA history. This contract averages $45.6 million per year, showing the Bucks’ commitment to keeping their franchise player. Known for his all-around skills and dedication to the game, his presence has made the Bucks a formidable contender in the NBA. The supermax extension included incentives tied to team performance, showing his commitment to helping the Bucks win championships. By signing this deal, he opted to stay with the team rather than test free agency, signaling his loyalty. The Bucks’ decision to invest heavily in him reflects the impact of superstar players in securing a franchise’s competitiveness. This contract has solidified Milwaukee’s position in the NBA, enhancing the city’s appeal to fans and sponsors alike. 

Bryce Harper’s Major Deal with the Philadelphia Phillies

Bryce Harper’s 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies, signed in 2019, remains one of the most notable in MLB history. This agreement averages around $25.4 million per year, showcasing the Phillies’ commitment to building a competitive team with him at its core. The contract, which includes a full no-trade clause, ensures his presence on the team for the long term without any opt-outs. The Phillies were eager to invest in a player known for his charisma, power-hitting, and fan appeal, anticipating his influence on ticket sales and merchandise. His arrival has provided the Phillies with a much-needed boost in both performance and marketability. This contract also shows the value MLB teams place on securing marquee players for extended periods. The deal has had positive ripple effects on the Phillies’ brand, making him a key figure in their marketing campaigns. His presence has been instrumental in rejuvenating the team’s fan engagement across the league.

Francisco Lindor’s Investment by the New York Mets

Francisco Lindor secured a $341 million, 10-year contract with the New York Mets in 2021, making it one of the most substantial in Major League Baseball history. Averaging around $34.1 million per year, this deal shows the Mets’ confidence in his potential to shape their future. Known for his impressive skills as a shortstop and strong leadership, he has added significant value to the Mets’ lineup. His contract includes no opt-outs, ensuring his commitment to the Mets for the full term. This investment also highlights the Mets’ willingness to compete with larger franchises in attracting top talent. Since joining, he has become a key player in the Mets’ strategic rebuild, enhancing the team’s competitive prospects. His contract exemplifies the recent trend of MLB teams securing younger talent for the long haul. The deal also signifies a significant step for the Mets in solidifying their roster for future playoff runs.

Mookie Betts’ Long-Term Deal with the Los Angeles Dodgers

Mookie Betts secured a 12-year, $365 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2020, solidifying his place as one of MLB’s highest-paid players. This deal averages about $30.4 million annually, underscoring the Dodgers’ faith in his abilities as a premier outfielder and a leader on the field. Known for his strong defensive skills, hitting consistency, and speed, he has been a critical factor in the Dodgers’ recent success, including their World Series title. His contract reflects the Dodgers’ strategy of securing elite players to maintain long-term competitiveness in the league. This massive investment also enhances his marketability and the Dodgers’ brand appeal, attracting more fans and sponsorships. The contract includes no opt-outs and a full no-trade clause, ensuring Betts’ commitment to the Dodgers for over a decade. His deal reflects the Dodgers’ confidence in building a championship roster around him. His presence is anticipated to keep the team competitive in the National League for years to come.

Canelo Álvarez’s Multi-Fight Deal with DAZN

Canelo Álvarez’s five-year, 11-fight deal with DAZN, signed in 2018, was valued at an impressive $365 million, making it one of the largest contracts in sports. This contract paid Álvarez an average of over $33 million per fight, setting a new standard for boxing contracts. His deal helped DAZN establish itself in the boxing industry by securing one of the sport’s biggest names. His marketability and popularity among boxing fans worldwide have brought significant attention to the platform. Despite parting ways with DAZN in 2020, this deal showed the rising influence of streaming services in securing top athletes. His contract reflects the high financial stakes in modern boxing, where pay-per-view figures drive enormous revenue. The deal underscored DAZN’s strategy of investing in marquee fighters to gain a foothold in sports streaming. This move also illustrated the changing landscape of broadcasting rights in boxing.

Mike Trout’s Long-Term Investment with the Los Angeles Angels

In 2019, Mike Trout signed a 12-year, $426.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels, one of the most substantial contracts in MLB history. With an average annual salary of $35.5 million, this agreement demonstrated the Angels’ commitment to retaining his talents. Widely regarded as one of baseball’s greatest players, his consistent performance and leadership have made him invaluable to the Angels’ roster. This contract is heavily guaranteed, showing the organization’s willingness to support their star player for over a decade. The deal has incentivized him to remain with the team, helping the Angels build a consistent lineup around him. His contract also underscores the trend of MLB teams investing heavily in their franchise players to build long-term success. Beyond the field, he has been a significant figure in marketing and fan engagement for the Angels. This deal highlights the importance of player loyalty and stability in MLB contracts.

Patrick Mahomes’ Unprecedented Deal with the Kansas City Chiefs

Patrick Mahomes’ 10-year, $503 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2020 was a historic agreement in the NFL. This half-billion-dollar contract set a record for the most lucrative deal in the history of professional American sports. With an average annual value of over $50 million, the Chiefs showcased their confidence in his future potential. The structure of the contract includes various performance-based incentives, allowing him to earn additional income if he meets specific achievements. The Chiefs secured him for an extended period, aiming to build their franchise around his elite abilities. This deal also includes a unique mechanism to ensure the Chiefs can continue investing in other key players, maintaining competitiveness. His contract has become a benchmark for future negotiations, influencing other quarterbacks seeking long-term deals. 

Neymar’s Groundbreaking Transfer Deal with Paris Saint-Germain

Neymar’s transfer from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) in 2017 included a contract valued at over $528 million, setting a global record in soccer. This contract was a combination of a $263 million transfer fee and an annual salary of over $36 million, marking one of the largest investments in soccer history. PSG’s acquisition of him aimed to strengthen their position in European competitions, showcasing their ambitions to dominate the Champions League. The high salary has allowed him to elevate his brand further, contributing to PSG’s global appeal and sponsorship deals. Despite injuries impacting his playing time, he has continued to perform at a high level for PSG. His transfer also highlighted the increasing financial power of teams backed by wealthy ownership, especially in European soccer. This move brought significant attention to Ligue 1, with him becoming one of the most recognized athletes in the world. His contract continues to shape PSG’s global branding efforts, raising the club’s profile in international markets.

Lionel Messi’s Record-Breaking Deal with FC Barcelona

Lionel Messi’s four-year contract with FC Barcelona, signed in 2017, was valued at approximately $674 million, making it one of the most lucrative in sports history. This agreement averaged around $168.5 million annually, highlighting his immense contribution to the club’s success. During this period, he continued to deliver exceptional performances, solidifying his status as one of soccer’s all-time greats. The contract included various bonuses and incentives tied to individual and team achievements, further enhancing its total value. Despite the club’s financial struggles, Barcelona prioritized retaining him due to his unmatched impact on the field and in revenue generation. This massive investment underscored the club’s reliance on his brand, which contributed significantly to global fan engagement and sponsorships. Even though he later transferred to Paris Saint-Germain, his legacy at Barcelona remains unmatched. His contract reflects the monetary heights a generational talent can achieve in soccer. It also set new standards for player valuation in the sport.

Shohei Ohtani’s Historic Contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers

In December 2023, Shohei Ohtani signed a groundbreaking 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, setting a new benchmark in professional sports. This deal not only made him the highest-paid player in Major League Baseball (MLB) history but also in North American sports overall. The contract averages $70 million per year, reflecting his exceptional dual-role capabilities as both a pitcher and hitter. His unique skill set has drawn comparisons to legends like Babe Ruth, underscoring his unparalleled value to the team. The Dodgers structured the contract with deferred payments, allowing financial flexibility for future roster enhancements. His presence has significantly boosted the Dodgers’ marketability, attracting a global fanbase and increasing merchandise sales. His commitment to the Dodgers signals the franchise’s ambition to build a lasting dynasty in MLB. Beyond baseball, his influence is expected to draw more international fans to the sport.

This article originally appeared on Rarest.org.

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