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
Lupita Nyong’o Celebrates 10 Years After Oscar Win and Her New Film: The Wild Robot

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

The Most Outrageous 'America's Next Top Model' Moments

The Most Outrageous ‘America’s Next Top Model’ Moments

A new documentary exploring “America’s Next Top Model” and its sad underbelly is dropping soon. Let’s take a look back on some of the show’s most controversial moments! …
The Most Shocking Scenes From the Minneapolis ICE Protests

The Most Shocking Scenes From the Minneapolis ICE Protests

Take a look at Minneapolis through the eyes of photographers and demonstrators on the ground …
Why Even Trump Likely Realizes Alex Pretti's Death Was Too Far

Why Even Trump Likely Realizes Alex Pretti’s Death Was Too Far

After the killing of Alex Pretti, Trump is reevaluating every aspect of his highly criticized ICE operation in Minneapolis …
Florida Politician’s Career Is Cooked After Being Caught Spewing Racist Slurs in Viral Video

Florida Politician’s Career Is Cooked After Being Caught Spewing Racist Slurs in Viral Video

A disability rights advocate is facing scrutiny after viral video shows him spewing racist language at a Black employee …
No Room for ICE: How Faith Leaders are Fighting Fascism

No Room for ICE: How Faith Leaders are Fighting Fascism

OPINION: Trump’s ICE-led mass incarceration efforts are just the latest face of fascism that stains America’s history books. Here’s how we fight back …
Black Women Have a New Favorite Blush Color -- and It's Not Pink or Red

Black Women Have a New Favorite Blush Color — and It’s Not Pink or Red

Forget pinks and reds…Black women on TikTok are loving yellow blush! Here’s what you need to know! …
The Real Alleged Reason Why ‘Wicked’ Besties Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Received No 2026 Oscar Nominations

The Real Alleged Reason Why ‘Wicked’ Besties Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande Received No 2026 Oscar Nominations

Oscars voters are sharing the real reasoning behind why “Wicked: For Good” didn’t get any nominations this year. And they didn’t mince words! …
Black Detroit Police Commissioner Already in Trouble After Less Than a Month in Office—But He Refuses to Resign!

Black Detroit Police Commissioner Already in Trouble After Less Than a Month in Office—But He Refuses to Resign!

Weeks after he assumed office as a Detroit police commissioner, Darius Morris is being called to resign after his past came back to haunt him …
Ray J Breaks His Silence on Some Scary Health News

Ray J Breaks His Silence on Some Scary Health News

Ray J’s candid Instagram update draws prayer, questions and a wave of advice as he faces a serious health challenge …
Why Cardi B Is Getting Dragged Online Over...a 4 Year Old?!

Why Cardi B Is Getting Dragged Online Over…a 4 Year Old?!

Cardi B is excited, like most fans, about the upcoming Super Bowl and the Patriots being a contender. But her video celebrating is getting met with backlash! …
Black New York Woman Makes a Home at Late Husband’s Gravesite After Losing Everything

Black New York Woman Makes a Home at Late Husband’s Gravesite After Losing Everything

After being evicted from her home, Rhea Holmes slept at her husband’s gravesite for months until a police officer stepped in to help …
Left Alone With His Infant for the First Time, a Maine Father Now Faces Unthinkable Accusations

Left Alone With His Infant for the First Time, a Maine Father Now Faces Unthinkable Accusations

A Maine’s father first solo playdate with his 12-week-old infant Lyla Samuels ended in tragedy two weeks ago. Now, he’s facing murder charges …
TikTok Star Khaby Lame Sells His Company For an Amount That'll Make Your Eyes Water

TikTok Star Khaby Lame Sells His Company For an Amount That’ll Make Your Eyes Water

TikToker Khaby Lame just secured a $900m E-Commerce deal. Here’s how he did it …
Exclusive: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Talks 'Fun' New Marvel Show, 'Wonder Man'

Exclusive: Yahya Abdul-Mateen II Talks ‘Fun’ New Marvel Show, ‘Wonder Man’

Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, as well as Sir Ben Kingsley and show co-creator Destin Daniel Cretton spoke to The Root about Marvel’s new show, ‘Wonder Man.’ …
Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan Reveal Backstory Behind Popular ‘Sinners’ Characters

Ryan Coogler, Michael B. Jordan Reveal Backstory Behind Popular ‘Sinners’ Characters

‘Sinners’ director Ryan Coogler and star Michael B. Jordan are sharing some little-known facts about the fictitious Smokestack Twins. You’ll want to hear this! …
Who Is Ronn Easton, the Viral Fur Coat-Wearing, Black Vietnam Vet Protesting ICE in Minnesota?

Who Is Ronn Easton, the Viral Fur Coat-Wearing, Black Vietnam Vet Protesting ICE in Minnesota?

Ronn Easton is going viral for showing up to anti-ICE protests in Minnesota dressed in a fur coat… But his personal story is far more compelling …
Shocking Health News for 'The Blind Side' Actor Quinton Aaron

Shocking Health News for ‘The Blind Side’ Actor Quinton Aaron

The actor who portrayed NFL played Michael Oher in the 2009 film, ‘The Blind Side’ is fighting for his life. And now, we’ve got details …
Don't Let iShowSpeed's 'Attack' in Africa Distract From the Important Lesson He's Teaching

Don’t Let iShowSpeed’s ‘Attack’ in Africa Distract From the Important Lesson He’s Teaching

Streamer iShowSpeed recently concluded his Africa tour. And while one moment is going viral, it shouldn’t overshadow the bigger picture of what he’s trying to do. Let’s talk about it! …
The Chilling Racist Words Hurled at a Black Florida Democrat Before He Was Assaulted at Sundance

The Chilling Racist Words Hurled at a Black Florida Democrat Before He Was Assaulted at Sundance

A night of celebrating at Sundance for history-making Democrat Maxwell Frost turned into a nightmare when he was reportedly punched in a racist attack …
How Charlie Brown’s Black Friend ‘Franklin’ Changed the Popular Comic for Generations

How Charlie Brown’s Black Friend ‘Franklin’ Changed the Popular Comic for Generations

In July 1968, the world met Franklin, the first Black character in a mainstream comic strip. We’re looking at the letter that inspired the creation of the Peanuts character …