The 28 Richest Black Athletes in the World in 2024

The highest-paid Black athletes in the world are back in the swing of their regular seasons.

We’re in the middle of the NFL season, the NBA season is back, and the MLB season is coming to an end. All of the most popular sports in the country are being played at once. With that in mind, let’s take a look at all of the richest Black athletes in the world. Of the 50 athletes listed by Forbes, 28 of them were Black.

Video will return here when scrolled back into view
Fashion Icon Andre Leon Talley’s Best Style Statements

Unfortunately, none of them were women — something we’ll be hoping for next year’s list.

LeBron James

Photo: Getty Images Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

The more things change, the more they stay the same. James is still among the highest-paid athletes in the world, making $128.2 million in the last year.

Giannis Antetokoumpo

Photo: Getty Images Mitchell Leff

Giannis Antetekounmpo is right behind the king at $111 million. He hopes to lead the Milwaukee Bucks back to the NBA Finals this year.

Kylian Mbappé

Photo: Getty Images Christian Liewig – Corbis

Mbappé is the best footballer in the world. So it makes sense why he’s near the top of the list, making $110 million.

Stephen Curry

Photo: Getty Images Alika Jenner

In the last year, the best shooter in NBA History made $102 million.

Lamar Jackson

Photo: Getty Images Perry Knotts

Lamar Jackson had one hell of a 2023 season and has gotten even better in 2024. Last year he made $100.5 million.

Kevin Durant

Photo: Getty Images Christian Petersen

Like LeBron, Kevin Durant is still among the NBA elite, even at his older age, which is why he made $93.3 million in the last year.

Patrick Mahomes

Photo: Getty Images Tammy Ljungblad/The Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service

The king of the NFL was once again named the best athlete at the 2024 ESPYS, so it makes sense why he’s on this list. Mahomes is still near the top of athlete money makers at $84.4 million.

Anthony Joshua

Photo: Getty Images Jordan Pettitt/PA Images

The heavyweight English boxer is still making a lot of money despite losing a couple of fights in the past few years. This past year, he made $83 million.

Lewis Hamilton

Photo: Getty Images Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto

One of the most famous Formula One race car drivers is still at the top of his game, making $69 million.

Tiger Woods

Photo: Getty Images Keyur Khamar/PGA TOUR

Despite walking away from Nike and not nearly the same golfer he once was, Tiger Woods still brings in a lot of money, making $67.2 million in the last year.

Klay Thompson

Photo: Getty Images Sam Hodde

The Golden State Warriors legend is now a Dallas Maverick. At least Klay Thompson was well paid his last year in the Bay, making $62.3 million.

Damian Lillard

Photo: Getty Images Dylan Buell

Damian Lillard is looking to play better this upcoming NBA season. Still, it didn’t hurt his pocketbooks, as he made $61.9 million.

Joel Embiid

Photo: Getty Images Mitchell Leff

This past year, the often-injured star big man for the Philadelphia 76ers made $57.7 million.

Jimmy Butler

Photo: Getty Images Tim Nwachukwu

The star guard for the Miami Heat was in and out of the lineup during this past season. But he still made $57.5 million.

James Harden

Photo: Getty Images Tim Warner

Although he’s not quite the volume scorer he once was, Harden still knows how to keep his pockets full, making $55.8 million in the last year.

Bradley Beal

Photo: Getty Images Christian Petersen

As the third wheel on the Phoenix Suns, Bradley Beal is making more than most third options in the NBA, earning $54.3 million in the last year.

Chris Jones

Photo: Getty Images ammy Ljungblad/The Kansas City Star/Tribune News Service

The disruptive defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs makes his first appearance on this list, making $54.1 million.

Kawhi Leonard

Photo: Getty Images Jacob Kupferman

Although it’ll be a while until he steps on an NBA court, the paper is still the same. Last year as he pulled in $53.7 million.

Paul George

Photo: Getty Images Harry How

The new Philadelphia Sixer made a bag this past year at $52.7 million.

Sadio Mané

Photo: Getty Images Yasser Bakhsh

Senegalese footballer Sadio Mané made $52 million this year in the Saudi Pro League.

Brian Burns

Photo: Getty Images Ryan Kang

As the newest member of the New York Giants, Brian Burns got a big contract for the most popular team in the Big Apple. This past year, he made $51.7 million.

Trae Young

Photo: Getty Images Jamie Sabau

The star guard for the middling Atlanta Hawks took home $47.3 million this past season.

Deshaun Watson

Photo: Getty Images Nick Cammett

Deshaun Watson’s record-breaking contract is still paying him well, as he made $47 million this past season despite having below-average numbers.

Rashan Gary

Photo: Getty Images Perry Knotts

Another new member to the list. Rashan Gary is a star defender for the young Green Bay Packers and made nearly $46.8 million this past season.

Anthony Davis

Photo: Getty Images Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times

The Los Angeles Lakers are still one of the best in the league. In the past year, he made $46.2 million.

Zion Williamson

Photo: Getty Images Cooper Neill

As one of the most explosive athletes in the NBA, Zion Williams makes plenty of money on and off the court, which combined to $46.1 million this past NBA season.

Jayson Tatum

Photo: Getty Images Scott Taetsch

The 2024 NBA champion is coming back with vengeance this upcoming season. Along with making $45.9 million last season he also signed a record-breaking contract.

Devin Booker

Photo: Getty Images Harry How

Devin Booker is looking to help improve the Phoenix Suns this upcoming season. No matter, because his bank accounts will be looking the same, as he made $45.2 million.

Straight From The Root

Sign up for our free daily newsletter.

Latest from The Root

More Telltale Signs that Trump Is Quickly Running Out of Time

More Telltale Signs that Trump Is Quickly Running Out of Time

With Trump facing continuous protests, lawsuits and dissent within his own party, growing pressure could mean a disastrous ending for him …
A Peek Inside Aretha Franklin's 1990s Detroit Mansion, In Honor of Her 84th Birthday

A Peek Inside Aretha Franklin’s 1990s Detroit Mansion, In Honor of Her 84th Birthday

In honor of what would have been her 84th birthday, check out the beautiful palace that the Queen of Soul called home! …
Why Serena Williams' Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Why Serena Williams’ Look in Her Latest Social Media Post Has Her Black Fans Going Off

Serena Williams has unfortunately reignited more talks of potential skin bleaching thank to new posts on social media. And folks online are not happy! …
Lamar Odom's Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

Lamar Odom’s Ex Liza Morales Reveals the Tragedy That Ended Their Relationship

While many know NBA star Lamar Odom for his famous relationship with Khloe Kardashian, his teenage sweetheart is finally opening up about their dynamic …
Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the 'Verzuz' Battle

Tank vs. Tyrese: The Ultimate R&B Playlist for the ‘Verzuz’ Battle

“Verzuz” is back, y’all! From “Sweet Lady” to “When We,” Tank and Tyrese are bringing all their hits to the stage. We curated the best playlist to get you ready to sing and slow dance for the show …
Black People Are Asking Why Didn't Anyone Know About  Mamdani’s Wife’s  N-Word Tweets

Black People Are Asking Why Didn’t Anyone Know About Mamdani’s Wife’s N-Word Tweets

Black folks are pissed after Zohran Mamdani’s wife’s old tweets resurfaced, painting her in a problematic light within the Black community …
The Numbers Don't Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

The Numbers Don’t Lie—Black Women Are Leading and It Has Nothing to Do With Magic

From the C-suite to entrepreneurship, Black women have had a record-breaking rise in recent years, even as they battle an uneven playing field …
Why a Comedian's Translation of 'The Lion King's' Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

Why a Comedian’s Translation of ‘The Lion King’s’ Iconic Opening Song Just Backfired in a BIG Way

The “Circle of Life” chant is one of the most recognizable sounds in Disney movie history! But right now, it’s the center of a $27 million legal war …
Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Black America Reacts To The Rise Of Black ICE Agents

Reviews are mixed on whether maskless Black ICE agents are causing more harm than good in U.S. airports …
Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Woman Will Become a Doctor at the Hospital Where She Once Cleaned Floors

Shay Taylor-Allen shared a now-viral clip of the moment she learned that she would do her medical residency at Yale Hospital –where she once worked as a janitor …
We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

We Finally Know More About The Usher and Justin Bieber Confrontation

Usher and Justin Bieber allegedly got into a ‘heated exchange’ during an Oscars after-party. And now we’ve got insight into what really went down! …
Boston's 'Best Social Justice Advocate' Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Boston’s ‘Best Social Justice Advocate’ Learns Fate After Stealing $224K From the BLM Movement for Vacations, Dinners

Monica Cannon-Grant, named “Bostonian of the Year,” stole donations and rental aid while illegally collecting unemployment as she organized BLM …
Black Woman Charged With Murder For Taking Abortion Pills

Black Woman Charged With Murder For Taking Abortion Pills

In a shocking turn of events, a Republican judge and DA both agreed a woman’s arrest after taking abortion pills in Georgia was “problematic.” …
'How Long Not Long' – The Promise and Warning of Dr. King's Montgomery Speech Six Decades Later

‘How Long Not Long’ – The Promise and Warning of Dr. King’s Montgomery Speech Six Decades Later

Today, 61 years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered his famous Alabama speech, “How Long, Not Long,” reminding us that the arc of the moral universe bends only when we bend it …
Yung Miami Reveals Why She Stood Up for Diddy's Character During Trial

Yung Miami Reveals Why She Stood Up for Diddy’s Character During Trial

Rapper Yung Miami, one half of the rap duo The City Girls, was romantically linked to Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs from 2021 to 2023 …
Why Michael B. Jordan's Oscar Win Isn't Feeling the Love From Judge Joe Brown

Why Michael B. Jordan’s Oscar Win Isn’t Feeling the Love From Judge Joe Brown

While many are ecstatic over Michael B. Jordan’s long-awaited Oscar win, Judge Joe Brown says it’s not all it’s cracked up to be …
A Year After Eaton Wildfires Devastated this Historic Black Neighborhood, a Full Investigation Begins

A Year After Eaton Wildfires Devastated this Historic Black Neighborhood, a Full Investigation Begins

Calif. AG Rob Bonta is investigating whether systemic racism impacted how emergency responders reacted to devastating Eaton wildfires …
Don Lemon Shares His Frightening Connection to Rihanna Shooting Incident

Don Lemon Shares His Frightening Connection to Rihanna Shooting Incident

Don Lemon, who recently celebrated his 60th birthday with Rihanna, is opening up about the eerie connection he had to her home shooting …
New Twist in Nia Long's Allege Stalker Drama

New Twist in Nia Long’s Allege Stalker Drama

‘The Best Man’ actress seeks court protection for her family following a two-year pattern of alleged harassment and a terrifying weekend encounter …
What J. Cole Says About Drake and Kendrick Will Surprise You

What J. Cole Says About Drake and Kendrick Will Surprise You

J. Cole said he was “disgusted” that the world turned on Drake during his beef against Kendrick Lamar …