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
MAGA Loses It Over Powerful Statue of a Black Woman in Times Square

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

All About ‘Sinners’ Star and Rising Hollywood It-Girl Jayme Lawson

All About ‘Sinners’ Star and Rising Hollywood It-Girl Jayme Lawson

If you still have a hard time getting the gorgeous ‘Pearline’ a.k.a. Jayme Lawson from ‘Sinners’ out your mind—you’re not alone! So let’s learn more about this rising star …
How the Hanifa Brand Upheaval Started a Viral Conversation About Black Brands and Customer Service

How the Hanifa Brand Upheaval Started a Viral Conversation About Black Brands and Customer Service

After widespread complaints over delayed shipments and influencer favoritism, founder Anifa Mvuemba steps back — but consumers say inspiration isn’t the issue …
10 Songs Engineered By Bob Power, The Invisible Architect of Some of Your Favorite Hip-Hop Hits

10 Songs Engineered By Bob Power, The Invisible Architect of Some of Your Favorite Hip-Hop Hits

The renowned music engineer and producer who passed away on March 1 was a force behind numerous hip-hop and R&B cuts …
Black U.S. Tourists Trapped in Dubai After Iran Attacks Share Their Terrifying Experiences on TikTok 

Black U.S. Tourists Trapped in Dubai After Iran Attacks Share Their Terrifying Experiences on TikTok 

American tourists are taking to TikTok to share the terrifying reality of being stranded in the Middle East following the attacks on Iran …
Ex-NBA Star Iman Shumpert Reveals Love of ‘Spirituality’ Behind Kountry Wayne’s Comedy After Viral Skit

Ex-NBA Star Iman Shumpert Reveals Love of ‘Spirituality’ Behind Kountry Wayne’s Comedy After Viral Skit

Former NBA star Iman Shumpert explains why collaborating with Kountry Wayne goes beyond skits, from big paydays to the comedian incorporating faith, family, consistency, and generosity into his work …
Rapper Monaleo Reveals The Heartbreaking Health Emergency That Interrupted Her Tour

Rapper Monaleo Reveals The Heartbreaking Health Emergency That Interrupted Her Tour

Rapper Monaleo recently had to abruptly cancel shows on her tour stop. But the reason why is something no one expected …
Take a Look Inside Barack Obama's Former White House Man Cave

Take a Look Inside Barack Obama’s Former White House Man Cave

The impecabbly-decorated Treaty Room was where former President Barack Obama did most of his late night work, and watched a lot of basketball games! …
The Incredible Story of Fawn Weaver, From Homeless to CEO of Best-Selling Uncle Nearest Whiskey

The Incredible Story of Fawn Weaver, From Homeless to CEO of Best-Selling Uncle Nearest Whiskey

This women’s history month, we’re looking at the life and career of Uncle Nearest founder and CEO Fawn Weaver …
How a Single Drop of Blood Led Virginia Beach Police to the Most Gruesome Discovery in a Toolbox

How a Single Drop of Blood Led Virginia Beach Police to the Most Gruesome Discovery in a Toolbox

A single drop of blood led police to the remains of a Virginia woman who was stabbed more than 90 times, and the location of her murderer …
Ray J’s Mom Shuts Down Hoax Claims Over Singer’s Devastating Heart Diagnosis

Ray J’s Mom Shuts Down Hoax Claims Over Singer’s Devastating Heart Diagnosis

While some people may be skeptical about Ray J’s heart health, his mom is silencing critics once and for all …
The Truth About Why Jasmine Crockett Lost the Texas Senate Race

The Truth About Why Jasmine Crockett Lost the Texas Senate Race

Was Rep. Jasmine Crockett’s Senate campaign doomed from the start? …
Did You Know JFK Jr.'s Iconic '90s Style Secretly Came from Black Icons Like Denzel?

Did You Know JFK Jr.’s Iconic ’90s Style Secretly Came from Black Icons Like Denzel?

Online Gen Z is going crazy over John F. Kennedy Jr’s fashion sense, but not everybody realizes his fashion was inspired by Black men in the ’90s …
After New SNAP Work Requirements Take Effect, Americans Nation-Wide Are Panicking

After New SNAP Work Requirements Take Effect, Americans Nation-Wide Are Panicking

You can now thank the 2025 “Bill, Beautiful Bill” for the new work requirements in order for millions to receive SNAP benefits …
Why Mathew Knowles Walked Out Of An Interview Over Ex Tina Knowles

Why Mathew Knowles Walked Out Of An Interview Over Ex Tina Knowles

Mathew Knowles and his ex-wife Tina Knowles may have hashed out their issues years ago, but his behavior in a new interview may suggest otherwise …
The Hilarious Truth Behind Famous 'Lion King' Song Will Shock You

The Hilarious Truth Behind Famous ‘Lion King’ Song Will Shock You

Over 30 years later, fans are finally getting a clue about the famous ‘Circle of Life’ song from The Lion King. But it may not be what you think! …
All About the Alleged Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

All About the Alleged Black Shooter at an Austin Bar

Austin police are piecing together the motive behind Ndiaga Diagne, the Black man who killed three and injured 14 in a March 1 mass shooting …
Jess Hilarious Says 'The Breakfast Club' Move to Netflix Leaves Their Loyal Fans Behind

Jess Hilarious Says ‘The Breakfast Club’ Move to Netflix Leaves Their Loyal Fans Behind

‘The Breakfast Club’ co-host says that since the show moved from YouTube to Netflix, a lot of their long-time followers feel “neglected.” …
Why Bill Cosby's Latest Legal Troubles Has Him Pulling This Move Against Janice Dickinson

Why Bill Cosby’s Latest Legal Troubles Has Him Pulling This Move Against Janice Dickinson

Jury selection is currently taking place in relation to Bill Cosby’s latest sexual assault lawsuit. But he’s not going down without a fight! …
What's at Stake for Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Other Black Politicians This Midterm Primary Season

What’s at Stake for Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Other Black Politicians This Midterm Primary Season

With the stakes high for Jasmine Crockett, Al Green and other Black politicians, here’s everything you need to know about the March 6 midterm primary races …
Are We Actually Headed Toward World War 3? Why It Feels Closer Than Ever...

Are We Actually Headed Toward World War 3? Why It Feels Closer Than Ever…

One in three people from the U.S. to France to Canada believe WWIII is likely within the next five years. Here’s why …