Top 100 Highest-Paid Athlete Endorsers of 2015

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*** In 2015, these athletes brought in a total of over $917 million in athlete endorsement earnings — up 24% from the Highest-Paid Athlete Endorsers of 2014. As the athlete endorsement industry continues to expand, brands and sponsors are finding new, innovative ways to embrace and leverage the influence of professional athletes. The opendorse team has analyzed this year’s highest-paid athletes, their current endorsement deals, earning power, and estimated cost per Twitter endorsement.

Note: Projected 2015 endorsement earnings per Forbes World’s Highest Paid Athletes. Earnings projections are subject to change and will updated as new endorsement details are discovered.

1. Roger Federer | ATP

While his years of continued dominance are waning, Federer is still producing at the highest level in 2015. At 33 years old, Federer is the oldest player in the ATP World Tour Ranking’s top 5, sitting at No. 2 behind Novak Djokovic. Much of Federer’s ongoing success as the world’s highest-paid athlete endorser can be linked to several long-term deals he holds with premiere brands including Nike, Mercedes, and Rolex.

2. Tiger Woods | PGA Tour

How the mighty have fallen — on the course, that is. While Tiger can’t seem to string two made cuts together in 2015, his endorsement earnings are still on par with the dominance he formerly displayed. His game isn’t what it once was, but Woods’ endorsement profile still includes Nike, Rolex, and 2014 deals with MusclePharm and Hero motorcycles. While Tiger’s current struggles must be a source of frustration for brand partners, he did provide Nike with perhaps the greatest unplanned advertisement in sports history. 

3. Phil Mickelson | PGA Tour

Lefty’s endearing nature and aggressive game make him one of golf’s most popular players. At age 45, he has won 42 times on tour with five major championships. Mickelson was inducted into the World Golf Hall of Fame in 2012. In 2010, he picked up a deal to endorse psoriatic arthritis drug, Enbrel, after he was diagnosed with the disease and began using the drug for his treatment. While his best days on the course may be behind him, Mickelson is making the most of his earning power with endorsement partners including Callaway, Rolex, and Exxon Mobile.

4. LeBron James | NBA | Cleveland Cavaliers

LeBron marks our list’s first athlete who is truly on top of his game. The four-time MVP, two-time NBA champion, and seemingly eternal King of the Eastern Conference is the most powerful man in sports in 2015. With ambitions to become the first billionaire athlete, LeBron’s endorsement earnings dwarf that of his $23.5 million per year salary (this will balloon when he re-negotiates next summer in conjunction with the salary cap jump). His endorsement portfolio is a who’s who of major brands, including Nike, McDonald’s, Coca-Cola, Beats by Dre, and more. James has acted as the face of campaigns for many of these brands, but isn’t limiting his time on camera to commercials — he recently helped Trainwreck make a splash as the box office.

5. Kevin Durant | NBA | Oklahoma City Thunder

On the court, Kevin Durant had a hard year. He suffered an early-season injury, came back, and got injured again. Meanwhile, Durant’s earning power is thriving. Durant is entering the final year of his contract with the Oklahoma City Thunder, allowing him to explore free agency during the expected salary cap explosion next summer. His endorsement portfolio is doing just fine, too. In 2014, Durant agreed to a 10-year deal with Nike, estimated to be worth up to $300 million. After Nike, Durant doesn’t boast as many blue chip brands as LeBron, but enjoys lucrative deals with Sprint, Sonic, 2K Sports, and more.

6. Rory McIlroy | PGA Tour

In 2013, Nike bet big on Rory McIlroy with a 10-year deal worth $250 million. Nike made the educated bet that Rory would be the predecessor to Tiger Woods as golf’s next transcendent star. While Jordan Spieth may have something to say about that, Rory has done everything to meet expectations. Since his infamous final round collapse at the 2011 Masters, Rory has been arguably the best player in golf, winning the 2011 U.S. Open, the 2012 PGA Championship, the 2014 Open Championship, and the 2014 PGA Championship. He is one of just three players to win three majors by the age of 25. The other two? Jack Nicklaus and Tiger Woods. Pretty good company for golf’s next big thing.

This April, Nike appeared to have passed the torch as the face of Nike Golf to McIlroy in their pre-Masters ad. 

7. Novak Djokovic | ATP

If Rory is the next big name in golf, Djokovic is the next man up in tennis. As the careers of Federer and Rafael Nadal wind down, Djokovic appears poised to continue his run of recent dominance. Since 2011, he has appeared in the finals of 14 of the last 19 Grand Slams, winning eight. His endorsement earnings, while not yet on par with Federer’s, reflect that success. Among Djokovic’s endorsements is a deal with Jacob’s Creek winery that includes documentaries on his life.

8. Rafael Nadal | ATP

The “King of Clay” has won 14 Grand Slam titles and is just the second male player to complete the singles Career Golden Slam — winning all four Grand Slam tournaments and the Olympic gold medal during his career. In recent years, Rafa has been beset with recurring injuries and has struggled to return to championship form. However, his endorsement earnings remained strong through 2014 with new deals from Tommy Hilfiger and Telefonica, a Spanish communications business.

9. Cristiano Ronaldo | La Liga | Real Madrid

The world’s most popular athlete has over 104 million Facebook fans, 37 million Twitter followers, and almost 25 million Instagram followers. Cristiano Ronaldo has the good fortune to pair once-in-a-generation talent with male model-esque looks. Ronaldo has won three consecutive awards as the best player in the world, plays for one of the most valuable franchises in sports, and enjoys massive endorsement deals from Nike and Tag Heuer, among others. He even has his own underwear and shirt line, CR7. Of course he does.

10. Mahendra Singh Dhoni | ODI | India

Surprised to see a cricket star rounding out our top ten? Don’t be. Cricket is the most popular sport in the country in India. The county’s population (approximately 1.3 billion) trails only that of China, and will soon catch up. In India, where he is captain of the national team, Dhoni is a superstar. He has secured endorsements from Reebok, Pepsi, and will be the star of an upcoming personal biopic.

11. Kobe Bryant | NBA | Los Angeles Lakers

Much ado has been made of Kobe’s massive contract with the Lakers. For the 2014-15 season, Kobe’s $23.5 million salary marked the fifth straight year that Bryant would be the NBA’s highest-paid player. While Bryant has been injury-riddled for the past two seasons, few players have equaled Bryant’s on-court accomplishments, much less for one franchise. As he heads into the final year of his contract and potentially retirement, Bryant is setting himself up for future success with Kobe Inc., his own investment company. The firm’s first investment was in 2014, purchasing over 10% of up-and-coming sports drink company, BodyArmour, which Bryant has not been shy in promoting. Throughout Bryant’s career, he has agreed to signature shoe deals with both Nike and Adidas, with Nike as his current deal.

Kobe and his persona have appeared in several of Nike’s most popular ads over the years, including the LeBron vs. Kobe puppets, the Kobe System featuring Bryant and other celebrities, and the iconic “You Showed Us” spot following Bryant’s achilles injury.

12. Maria Sharapova | WTA

While Sharapova doesn’t hold the title as the dominant force in women’s tennis — that belongs to Serena Williams — she is as marketable a star as women’s sports has ever seen. She heads the list of Forbes Highest-Paid Female Athletes in 2015, and her deal with Nike is the biggest in women’s tennis. Sharapova’s fifth Grand Slam title at the 2014 French Open earned the tennis star bonuses from sponsors Nike and Head. In addition to on-court and endorsement success, Sharapova owns her own candy brand, Sugarpova.

13. Lionel Messi | La Liga | Futbol Club Barcelona

The four-time FIFA player of the year may be the only player on the planet who can compete with Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of talent and skill. Messi’s quickness and creativity has spawned an array of endorsement opportunities throughout the years, including Turkish Airline’s Kobe vs. Messi: The Selfie Shootout; YouTube’s Ad of the Decade. While the Argentine star is known as a humble, private, almost anti-pitchman, his lack of self-promotion hasn’t deterred brands including Samsung and Adidas to shape campaigns around his on-field ability.

14. Usain Bolt | Racers Track Club

The World’s Fastest Man struggled to overcome injuries in 2014 and appears to be nearing the end of his professional sprinting career. However, Bolt’s earning power has no end in sight. The six-time Olympic gold medalist’s deal with Puma currently pays $10 million per year through 2017, and is set to pay up to $4 million per year though 2025. Bolt’s earning power has the chance to take another jump at the 2017 World Championships, which many consider to potentially be Bolt’s final event as a professional sprinter.

15. Neymar | La Liga | Futbol Club Barcelona

Neymar is the heir apparent to Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo as the world’s greatest footballer At just 23 years old, Neymar’s endorsement earnings already outweigh that of his contract from Barcelona. In 2012 and 2013, SportsPro named Neymar the World’s Most Marketable Athlete due to his age, promise, charisma, and home country of Brazil. In Brazil, Neymar is expected to fill the shoes of Pele, the Brazilian legend. The Brazilian national team suffered a disastrous loss in their at-home World Cup in 2014 while Neymar was sidelined with injury. Expect expectations to rise along with Neymar’s marketability as the 2018 FIFA World Cup nears.

16. Andy Murray | ATP

The fourth male tennis player to make the list, Murray appears to share the brightest prospects for the future with Novak Djokovic. Murray launched his career to the next level when he became the first Brit to win Wimbledon since 1936. While Murray has only won two Grand Slam titles, his opportunity is nearing as Federer and Nadal appear to be approaching the twilight of their careers. If Murray can capture more Grand Slam titles, we expect his endorsement earning power to rise.

17. Floyd Mayweather Jr. | Boxing

Mayweather will attempt to finish his career at 49-0 on September 12 in a bout against Andre Berto. While the vast majority of Mayweather’s earnings come from in-the-ring winnings — he brought home $180 million from his fight versus Manny Pacquiao in May — he also has inked endorsement deals worth approximately $15 million in 2015.

18. Derrick Rose | NBA | Chicago Bulls

Derrick Rose’s career has been a series of ups and downs, including an MVP award, devastating injuries, and disappointing playoff eliminations. After becoming the youngest MVP in NBA history in 2011, Rose signed a 13-year, $185 million shoe deal with Adidas in 2012, making him one of the NBA’s highest off-court earners. Rose finally found extended health throughout the 2014-2015 season, and will look to regain his position among the NBA’s top stars in 2015-2016.

19. Kei Nishikori | ATP

As the most popular tennis player in Japan, Nishikori has built an impressive endorsement resumé. Reaching No. 4 in the ATP rankings, Nishikori is the only Japanese player to ever hold a spot in the top 10. At only 25, Nishikori has the opportunity to continue to rise in the rankings and in the eyes of potential brand sponsors.

20. Serena Williams | WTA

Serena holds the most major singles, doubles and mixed doubles titles combined amongst active players, male or female. Perhaps the most dominant tennis player ever, it’s surprising that Serena comes in as just the sixth tennis player on our list. While Williams hasn’t been as big a draw for brands as Sharapova, her endorsement portfolio is growing up as she continues to win in record-breaking fashion. This July, Williams won her third Grand Slam event of 2015 at Wimbledon while wearing an Audenmars Piguet luxury wristwatch, a direct competitor to Rolex, a Wimbledon sponsor.

21. Manny Pacquiao | Boxing

Pacquiao lost convincingly on the biggest stage in this May’s fight versus Floyd Mayweather, but that hasn’t stopped brands from partnering with the Filipino Congressman. A national hero in the Philippines, Pacquiao holds endorsement deals with multiple Philippine-based businesses as well as multi-national brands like Nike and Nestle’s Butterfinger. After suffering a shoulder injury while training for the Mayweather fight, Pacquiao will look to return to full health before returning to the ring.

22. Dwyane Wade | NBA | Miami Heat

With LeBron back in Cleveland, D-Wade is “the man” once again in South Beach. In 2012, Wade left Nike to sign a deal including an equity stake with Chinese shoe brand Li-Ning. Wade, considered a front-runner of NBA fashion, also claims his own tie, pocket square, and sock collection sold on thetiebar.com.

23. Peyton Manning | NFL | Denver Broncos

Manning currently holds the title as the NFL’s most marketable player, earning an expected $12 million in endorsements in 2015. While Manning’s football career is nearing its completion, his earning power as a pitchman is thriving. He currently serves as the face of campaigns for Buick, Nationwide insurance, and Papa John’s, of which he owns 25 stores. Manning’s laundry list of football accomplishments, a clean public image, and his dry, everyman sense of humor make him the NFL’s most sought after athlete endorser.

24. Justin Rose | PGA

As the current No. 8 player in the world, Justin Rose is the fourth golfer to make our list. After winning the 2013 U.S. Open, Rose’s marketability and endorsement success skyrocketed. While he hasn’t captured another major championship since 2013, Rose will look to change that at this month’s PGA Championship at Whistling Straights.

25. Drew Brees | NFL | New Orleans Saints

Brees is the second NFL player to make our list of the highest-paid athletes with projected endorsements earnings of $11 million in 2015. Since coming into the NFL, Brees has climbed to fourth on the all-time passing yards list, made eight Pro Bowls, and won one Super Bowl in New Orleans. Currently signed to more than ten endorsement deals, Brees holds his own among the NFL’s most marketable athletes.

26. Jordan Spieth | PGA

After winning the Masters and the Players Championship, and contending in the Open Championship, Spieth has staked his claim alongside McIlroy as one of golf’s next superstars. Currently, Spieth might be the hottest athlete in America, earning more exposure and interest from brands with each successful tournament. Following his Masters victory, Golf Digest’s Ron Sirak estimated that Spieth’s $6 million off-course income would skyrocket to near $20 million. Repucom also reported that Spieth tops its charts for attributes including aspiration, breakthrough, endorsement, trendsetter, and trust, with his influence score trailing only Michael Jordan. If his trophy collection continues to grow, expect Spieth’s endorsement earnings to maintain their rapid ascension.

Happy Bday @JordanSpieth. Enjoy these tweets from your fans, 1 per golf ball. You’re just getting started. #HBDJordan pic.twitter.com/dFV1m2U0pT

— Under Armour (@UnderArmour) July 27, 2015

27. Caroline Wozniacki | WTA

The 25-year-old from Denmark has made her mark in the sport of tennis. Currently ranked No. 5 in the world, Caroline has won 23 titles and is victorious in 72 percent of her matches. During her highly publicized engagement to Rory McIlroy, the couple became the first ever to simultaneously hold the title of No. 1 in the world in golf and tennis. While their engagement did not last, Wozniacki gained significant publicity during their time together, helping her become a household name. Repping endorsements from the likes of Adidas and Rolex, Caroline is quickly moving up the charts and has many years left in her career to further increase her endorsement earnings.

28. Gareth Bale | La Liga | Real Madrid

At just 26 years old, the Real Madrid winger is one of Adidas’ prized athlete endorsers. While rumors abound that Bale may be heading back to his home country of England to play for Manchester United, his future and as a successful athlete pitchman appears to be cemented. In early 2015, Bale and fellow footballers teamed up for Adidas to acknowledge their haters.

29. Dale Earnhardt Jr. | NASCAR | Hendrick Motorsports

NASCAR’S first racer is on the board with Dale Earnhardt, Jr. After winning four times and being named NASCAR’s most popular driver for the twelfth consecutive year in 2014, Earnhardt, Jr. appears to be on a role. With a combination of new and long-term endorsement partners, Earnhardt, Jr. will look to continue his on and off-track success throughout 2015.

30. Carmelo Anthony | NBA | New York Knicks

Melo took the nation by storm as he led Syracuse to the 2003 National Championship. Since entering the NBA, he has earned eight All-Star selections and recently became a member of the exclusive 20 thousand point club. At the 2012 Summer Olympics, Anthony set the Team USA single-game scoring record with 37 points against Nigeria. Anthony’s on-court dominance paired with an off-court prowess in pop culture, fashion, and recently, venture capitalism, has kept him top of mind with NBA fans and consumers.

31. Eli Manning | NFL | New York Giants

The two-time Super Bowl champ is following in his older brother’s footsteps of athlete endorsement success. While he may lack the gaudy statistics of Peyton, Eli has pieced a successful career together in the country’s largest market.

32. Aaron Rodgers | NFL | Green Bay Packers

Considered by many to be the NFL’s best current quarterback, Rodgers hasn’t struggled to find endorsement deals. His Discount Double Check commercials for State Farm have been some of the most recognizable athlete campaigns in recent years, highlighting Rodger’s sense of humor and ability to relate.

33. JJ Watt | NFL | Houston Texans

The most destructive force in football has become a force in the athlete endorsement industry, too. At approximately $7 million in endorsement earnings, Watt stands out as the highest paid defensive player off of the field. His reputation as a fanatically hard worker and a tough, yet funny persona lend Watt to connect with consumers for brands in multiple industries.

34. Wayne Rooney | Premier League | Manchester United

According to Forbes, Rooney’s current deal with Manchester United allows the club to negotiate endorsement deals on his behalf. That certainly isn’t stopping the captain from endorsement success. Rooney enjoys endorsement deals from two blue chip brands: Nike and Samsung.

35. Sergio Aguero | Premier League | Manchester City

Aguero boasts endorsement deals from several blue chip brand, and recently released his autobiography. At 27, the Manchester City striker appears poised to climb the list of the highest paid footballers.

36. Tom Brady | NFL | New England Patriots

After coming away relatively unscathed from the “Deflategate” scandal, Brady appears poised to continue his success as an endorsement star. What makes Brady’s endorsement prowess even more impressive is his perceived selectiveness when choosing brands that he is willing to represent. Unlike other endorsement stars of his caliber, Brady has kept a fairly small portfolio. Of course, being married to the world’s highest-paid supermodel can’t hurt, either.

37. Blake Griffin | NBA | Los Angeles Clippers

Griffin’s freakish athletic ability and quick wit make him one of the NBA’s most pursued endorsement stars. He has been the face of memorable campaigns for Kia, Red Bull, and the recently released Air Jordan campaign for its Jordan Super.Fly 4. A perennial All Star, the next step in Griffin’s career most likely falls on post season success. If the Clippers can win big, expect Griffin’s endorsement earnings to follow.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=xmPJlMajVi4

38. Jimmie Johnson | NASCAR | Hendrick Motorsports

The second NASCAR driver to make the list, Johnson boasts endorsement deals from major brands including Gatorade, the Gap, and Chevrolet. According to Nielsen and E-Poll, Johnson was America’s most influential athlete in 2011 and 2012.

39. Mesut Ozil | Premier League | Arsenal

The 26-year-old Arsenal star and German Footballer Ambassador is a recognized humanitarian and German national team star. With almost 10 million Twitter followers and over 28 million Facebook fans, Ozil certainly has the influence to expand his endorsement footprint.

40. Ana Ivanovic | WTA

Currently ranked No. 6 in the world, the 12-year veteran has won 15 career titles including a French Open victory in 2008. Ivanovic has experienced some struggles since winning the French Open and earning the world No. 1 ranking. In 2014, she made a resurgence after winning four titles and qualifying for the WTA Tour Championships. This year, Ivanovic continued her rise with a French Open semifinal and capturing the No. 6 six ranking. Holding endorsements from Samsung, Adidas and Rolex, Ana has built an endorsement resume that is five times greater than her yearly winnings.

41. Russell Wilson | NFL | Seattle Seahawks

Much has been made about Russell Wilson’s off-field earning potential. The 2014 Super Bowl champ has maintained a squeaky-clean image that, when paired with an unprecedented winning percentage and a high level of on-field production, produces one of the NFL’s most marketable products. Well spoken and no stranger to the big stage, Wilson may as well be a product of a marketer’s dreams. After coming into the league as a presumed backup, Wilson quickly emerged as the starter for the Seattle Seahawks and has since led the franchise to two consecutive Super Bowls. At this point, the Russell Wilson endorsement train looks to be an unstoppable force for years to come.

42. Zlatan Ibrahimovic | Ligue 1 | Paris Saint-Germain

Standing six and a half feet tall, this Swede is typically the tallest player on the pitch during each game. In 2013, Zlatan won the FIFA Puskas Award for “Goal of the Year” after completing an insane bicycle kick during a game against England. Ibrahimovic recently chose to switch from Nike to Adidas, signing an endorsement deal with Adidas after multiple years with the endorsement juggernaut.

43. Chris Paul | NBA | Los Angeles Clippers

CP3 has been the front man for State Farm’s Born To Assist campaign in recent years. Chris and “Cliff” Paul have shown the country how reliable and helpful State Farm is when it comes to insurance claims. The eight-time All Star began his career in New Orleans before being traded to play in the large LA market. When DeAndre Jordan decided to sign with the Dallas Mavericks, CP3 was instrumental in persuading Jordan back to LA. Paul boasts endorsement deals with Nike and State Farm among others, including Foot Locker, who he teamed up with to show what happens when the endorser machine is hooked up to his teammate, Blake Griffin.

44. Danica Patrick| NASCAR | Stewart-Haas Racing

Fresh into her deal with Nature’s Bakery, Danica Patrick has positioned herself as a marketers dream. While she has yet to make her way to the winner’s circle, Patrick has made herself known in a sport that is dominated by men. After getting her start in the Indy Car Series, Patrick transitioned to NASCAR, where she has raced since 2012. Following the move, Danica teamed with Go Daddy which took her stardom to the next level with its highly popular (and provocative) commercials. Acting as the only female in a male-dominated sport has presented Patrick with numerous opportunities that have helped to shape her as the marketing star we know today.

45. Steph Curry | NBA | Golden State Warriors

Is there anyone hotter right now than Mr. Curry? In 2014, Steph Curry took the NBA world by storm. After being overlooked by college scouts due to his size, Curry attended Davidson where he became the talk of March Madness, two seasons in a row. Known for his sharp shooting ability, Curry turned it up another notch last season when he lead his Golden State Warriors to an NBA championship. Fitting Under Armour’s “under dog” persona, Curry signed a shoe deal with UA and has single-handedly brought UA into the middle of the basketball shoe discussion. Curry also teamed with State Farm and became one of their signature assist…ers along with his “twin brother” Sebastian Curry.

46. Tony Romo | NFL | Dallas Cowboys

As the signal caller for “America’s Team,” Romo is one of the most popular quarterbacks in the NFL.  The 11-year pro boasts 14 franchise and five NFL passing records. Although he has never lead the Cowboys to the Super Bowl, he does have four Pro Bowl appearances and was a second-team All-Pro in 2014. Recently, Romo teamed up with DirectTV to add onto their long running campaign that shows viewers why no one should have cable. Romo makes his appearance as the creepy, cable watching, arts & crafts loving, version of himself.

47. Cesc Fabregas | Premier League | Chelsea

The 28 year old Spaniard plays in the Premier League for Chelsea as well as the Spain national team. Fabregas teamed up with Beats to demonstrate how their headphones allow you to Hear What You Want and can block out all of the distractions surrounding the soccer superstar. He has also partnered with Puma to showcase the power and accuracy of their new evoPOWER cleats.

48. James Rodriguez | La Liga | Real Madrid

Last year Rodriguez joined Real Madrid and teamed up with worldwide icon Cristiano Ronaldo. At only 24 years old, Rodriguez is considered one of the best young players in the world. Following his move to Real Madrid, Rodriguez signed an endorsement deal with Gatorade and an extension with Adidas.

49. Luis Suarez | La Liga | Futbol Club Barcelona

Although Suarez may have come to mainstream American fame for biting other players, he is considered one of the best footballers in the world. In 2014, Suarez signed with Barcelona and plays alongside another phenom, Lionel Messi.  Suarez showed off his inner rock star when he teamed up with Pepsi last year. He also boasts endorsement deals from Beats by Dre and Adidas.

50. Russell Westbrook | NBA | Oklahoma City Thunder

The NBA star, or maybe fashion mogul, has made an impact on and off the court. After being drafted out of UCLA, Westbrook has been with the Oklahoma City Thunder his entire career. Alongside Kevin Durant, the two have lead OKC to the playoffs five times which included a NBA Championship appearance in 2012. Outside of basketball, Westbrook is probably best known for his fashion sense. In 2014, the OKC guard teamed up with Barneys to launch his first clothing line called Westbrook XO Barneys. Westbrook also endorses three other fashion brands along with Nike and Jordan.

51. Sidney Crosby | NHL | Pittsburgh Penguins

The Canadian-born superstar came into the NHL as one of the highest regarded draft picks in history with the nickname, “The Next One”. Following his No. 1 overall selection in the 2005 Draft, Crosby has arguably been the face of the NHL . In 2009, Crosby became the youngest captain to win a Stanley Cup when he led his Pittsburgh Penguins over the Detroit Red Wings in seven games. Sporting endorsements from Bell Canada, Gatorade, Reebok and Tim Hortons, Crosby holds the most impressive endorsement portfolio in the NHL. https://www.youtube.com/embed/yXE_p_1Squg

52. Jeff Gordon | NASCAR | Hendrick Motorsports

After 23 years behind the wheel, the four-time NASCAR Sprint Cup Champion has announced that 2015 will be his last. Gordon is one of the most decorated drivers in NASCAR history, with 92 career victories, placing him third all-time. Aside from his success on the track, Gordon has also secured his spot as one of the top endorsers in NASCAR today. Gordon has a long list of companies that he supports, including Chevrolet, Valvoline as well as AARP and their mission to end elderly hunger. In 2013, Gordon teamed with long time partner, Pepsi, to go undercover and take an unsuspecting car salesman on a test drive. This prank went viral and currently has 45 million views on YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/embed/Q5mHPo2yDG8

53. Radamel Falcao | Premier League | Chelsea

Simply known as Falcao, he is currently on loan to Chelsea for the next three years. The Columbian striker scored five goals in a game against Deportivo de La Coruna in 2012 and is widely considered one of the best strikers in the game. Falcao endorses Gatorade and Puma among others.

54. Dwight Howard | NBA | Houston Rockets

Known as a defensive force down low, Howard is a four-time NBA All-Defensive First Team selection and an eight-time All Star. After leaving the Magic in 2012, Howard had a short stint in L.A. before finding his way to Houston where he has played the past two seasons. After his shoe deal with Adidas ended this offseason, Howard decided to join Tony Parker and JaVale McGee as endorsers of the Asian footwear company, Peak Sports.

55. Frank Lampard | MLS | New York City FC

Lampard is considered to be one of the best midfielders of all time. He was a Vice-Captain for Chelsea and was the club’s all time leading goalscorer during his 13-year career. Lampard was also second in assists in Premier League history and led Chelsea to three Premier League titles. After being released by Chelsea in 2013, Lampard signed on with New York FC of the MLS.  He has endorsements with Adidas and Pepsi.

56. Kevin Love | NBA | Cleveland Cavaliers

Love was traded from Minnesota to Cleveland after LeBron announced his return home. Even though Love was injured throughout most of the playoff’s, the injury riddled Cavs still made it to the NBA Championship before being upended by Steph Curry and the Golden State Warriors. Before the playoffs, Love and Eric Decker teamed up for Buffalo David Britton’s Love Decker Challenge where they played a friendly game of H-O-R-S-E in Buffalo’s Fleece Jeans.

57. David Ortiz | MLB | Boston Red Sox

Big Papi has had a long and illustrious 18 year career. After joining the Red Sox in 2003, Ortiz has help Boston win three World Series titles and has been selected to the All Star game nine times. Recently Big Papi teamed up with Gronk in an epic, viral commercial for Dunkin’ Donuts’ Dunkin’ Ice Coffee.

58. Jeremy Lin | NBA | Charlotte Hornets

LINSANITY. Jeremy Lin’s viral career blew up when he had a few good games in Madison Square Garden as a Knick. The hype fizzled as he bounced across the country from New York to Houston to Los Angeles and eventually to Charlotte. Although his basketball stardom has diminished, his endorsement deals remain strong as he reps Adidas, Tag Heuer, and Volvo.

59. Stacy Lewis | LPGA

The two-time major champion is the only women’s golfer to crack this list of athlete endorsers. Lewis followed up her 2012 LPGA Player of the Year award by being named Player of the Year again in 2014. Holding the No. 1 ranking in the world twice throughout her career, Stacy has positioned herself as one of the top golfers in the world. With endorsements from the likes of KPMG, Omega and Titleist, Lewis’ endorsement success reflects her accomplishments on the course.

60. James Harden | NBA | Houston Rockets

James Harden and James Harden’s beard have taken the NBA by storm. Harden powered the Rocket’s to the Western Conference’s No. 2 seed last year and took them to the Conference Finals for the first time since 1997. Harden’s infamous beard makes him extremely marketable, as proven by his deals with Taco Bell, Foot Locker, and Body Armour. Harden’s endorsement earning may not be done in 2015. Adidas has reportedly offered “The Beard” a sneaker deal worth $200 million.

61. Agnieszka Radwanska | WTA

The 26-year-old has won 14 career titles and has been as high as No. 2 in the world rankings. She is strongly respected by her peers, being voted Most Popular Player for four consecutive years from 2011 to 2014. Due to her popularity, endorsements have come easy to Radwanska. After stating her love for the Cheesecake Factory, Radwanska became the company’s first sports endorser in 2014. She is also the global ambassador for the luxury watch brand, Rado, and has a partnership with Lexus.

62. Alexander Ovechkin | NHL | Washington Capitals

Ovechkin skated onto the scene after being drafted No. 1 overall in the 2004 draft. Due to the NHL lockout in 2004-05, Ovechkin stayed overseas until the next season, in which he won the Rookie of the Year award. In 2007-08, Ovechkin took home four major NHL awards including league MVP and Player of the Year, becoming the only player to ever do so. Holding nine NHL records, Ovechkin has proven himself as one of the best scorers in NHL history. In early 2015, Ovechkin became the first NHL player to receive an exclusive memorabilia deal from Fanatics. Ovechkin also holds endorsements from Gatorade and Bauer, and adds to the long list of Nike endorsers appearing on this list.

63. Tony Stewart | NASCAR | Stewart-Haas Racing

Where there is “Smoke,” there is fire. Although the name was given to him for repeatedly blowing his engine during his late 90’s championship run, the saying also fits his personality exceptionally well. Known for his hot temper, Tony Stewart has been in the middle of many altercations during his racing career. Numerous drivers have had incidents with Stewart over the years, including Matt Kenseth who had a helmet thrown at him by Stewart while Kenseth was driving on the track. Although he has faced numerous fines and suspensions, Stewart’s erratic behavior has made him a fan favorite in the NASCAR community. His reputation has also made him one of the most marketable drivers today. Holding a plethora of endorsements including Bass Pro Shop, Coca-Cola and Chevrolet, Tony Stewart may be the villain that marketers and NASCAR needs.

64. Robinson Cano | MLB | Seattle Mariners

Robinson Cano, former Yankee, has settled into his new home in the much smaller Seattle market. Cano’s on field performance is equally as impressive as off the field. He boasts ten unique endorsement deals including New Balance and DirecTV. The six time All Star, five time silver slugger, and two time gold glove award winner is playing under a 10 year $240 million contract.

65. Ronda Rousey | UFC

“Rowdy” Ronda Rousey has quickly become one of the most popular female athletes in the world. Known originally for her arm bar, Rousey has gained popularity for the decisive, quick domination she inflicts on her opponents. Over her last three fights, her opponents have lasted 1 minute, 4 seconds…combined. Her success has even led to a fan club, “Arm Bar Nation.” Rousey is a proud supporter of Reebok, Monster and Budweiser. Don’t be surprised if she adds the likes of Buffalo Wild Wings or Wing Stop to her portfolio since she has made it known that she is serious about her wings and eats them after every victory.

66. Wladimir Klitschko | Boxing

The Ukrainian is the second longest reigning heavyweight champion of all-time and has the second most successful heavyweight title defenses. In 2002 and 2007, Wladimir and his brother, Vitali, were recognized for their efforts with “Sport for Good”, promoting social change through the power of sport. Wladimir has earned a Ph.D. in Sports Science from Kiev University and is the only boxing champion ever to hold a Ph.D. degree. He is a popular endorser in Europe, with his largest deal coming from the German television station, RTL. Wladimir recently welcomed the birth of his first child with his fiancé and famous actress, Hayden Panetierre.

67. Eden Hazard | Premier League | Chelsea

Chelsea’s Eden Hazard has the potential to be one of the best footballers the world has to offer according to his former coach. The 24 year old star will only get better over the next few years.

68. Lewis Hamilton | Formula 1 | Mercedes AMG

Hamilton is a 2x-time Formula 1 champion and is on his way to adding a third later this year. He endorses Bombadier and owns one of their $30 million dollar private jets.

69. Miguel Cabrera | MLB | Detroit Tigers

“Miggy” is one of the best hitters in the history of baseball. During his career he has won the AL Triple Crown, been a 10 time All-Star and five time Silver Slugger award winner along with a World Championship ring. Cabrera has been a very popular endorser over the years including multiple commercials with Chrysler and being on cover athlete for Sony’s MLB 14: The Show.

70. Amar’e Stoudemire | NBA | Miami Heat

Stoudemire is a six-time NBA All Star and used to play in one of the most high profile cities in the world. After moving from New York to Dallas to Miami, we’ll have to wait and see how departing from the Big Apple will affect his marketability. Off the court, he signed a contract with Scholastic Press to write a series of children’s books. His largest endorsement is with Nike. Amar’e also has endorsements with Sheets Brand Energy and ZICO coconut water.

71. Chris Bosh | NBA | Miami Heat

“The Big Three” may have broken up after two NBA titles, but Chris Bosh is still rolling in the dough after signing a max contract to stay in Miami last summer. Bosh, the 6’11” center, keeps his bones and muscles strong thanks to an endorsement with Got Milk? The father of three can also be seen with his son in Foot Locker endorsements.

72. Yaya Toure | Premier League | Manchester City

The Ivory Coast midfielder won consecutive African Footballer of the Year awards in 2011 and 2012. In the 2011-12 season, his dominant midfield play helped Manchester City win their first Premier League title since 1967-68. His Puma endorsement includes an agreement to distribute gear to underprivileged children in Africa. Yaya Toure also helps make the Ivory Coast one of the most fun teams to dominate with on FIFA.

73. Billy Horschel | PGA Tour

Billy Horschel has won three times on the PGA Tour and the former Florida Gator has earned over $10 million on the course alone. Horschel may also be one of the most charitable golfers on tour. In 2014, following his FedEx Cup victory, he dished out $10,000 for the locker room attendants, and gave his caddie a $1 million bonus.

74. Marshawn Lynch | NFL | Seattle Seahawks

Beast Mode loves Skittles. The love goes all the way back to Pop Warner when his mom would give him “power pellets” before every game. The tradition carried on through college when Skittles began to catch on and made Lynch their brand spokesman. Also known for remaining tight lipped around the media, Lynch has been able to turn his quiet nature into a giant marketing success. Pepsi created this ad which played on the fact that Lynch does not like speaking in public…so they dubbed over his voice.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=jzTCPx_fsPs

75. Ben Roethlisberger | NFL | Pittsburgh Steelers

The long time Nike endorser has been the Steelers’ QB for the past 11 seasons. Over that time period he has won the Rookie of the Year Award, played in three Pro Bowls and won two Super Bowls. In 2009, Big Ben teamed up with Nike and Dick’s Sporting Goods to show how his new cleats help him avoid pressure on the field…and in the store.

76. Albert Pujols | MLB | Anaheim Angels

“The Machine” has been mashing baseballs for the last fifteen years and is arguably the greatest player in the league. His payday when he left St. Louis for the Angels was massive. His ten year contract is worth about $240 million and will have him LA until the year 2021. Due to his success on the field and charity work off of it, Pujols has become one of the most likeable players in the league.

77. Kevin Harvick | NASCAR | Stewart-Haas Racing

Scheduled to begin his NASCAR career in 2002, Harvick’s journey was fast tracked following the tragic death of NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt at Daytona. Although he missed the first race of the season, Harvick went on to finish in the Top 10 in the points standings. Throughout his career, Harvick has collected 30 race wins and is the reigning NASCAR Spring Cup Champion. Although Anheuser-Busch is Harvick’s only major endorsement, look for more opportunities to sprout up if Harvick can double-up and win another championship this year.

78. Kimi Raikkonen | Formula 1 | Ferrari

The Finnish driver is one of the most decorated racers of all time. With a net worth over $200 million and a sponsorship from Ferrari, it’s safe to say Raikkonen is pretty financially secure.

79. Denny Hamlin | NASCAR | Joe Gibbs Racing

Beginning his Sprint Cup career in 2005, Hamlin has drove his way into the winner’s circle 25 times and has finished as high as second in the overall points standings. In 2013, Hamlin used his relationship with Michael Jordan to create a unique partnership. The partnership between Jordan Brand and himself led to Hamlin driving the #51 Air Jordan Craftsman Truck during the season. FedEx is the main sponsor behind his #11 Toyota Camry, but he also endorses Sports Clips, Coca-Cola and fittingly, Denny’s.

80. Petra Kvitova | WTA

Petra boasts 16 singles titles including two Grand Slam titles at Wimbledon. Currently, she is the only player, male or female, to win a Grand Slam event and be born in the 1990’s. Kvitova endorses Nike apparel and shoes on the court and has recently signed to become the first female to represent Ritmo Mundo, a premium watch brand out of Beverly Hills.

81. Fernando Alonso | Formula 1 | McLaren-Honda

In 2005 Alonso became the youngest person at the time to win the Formula 1 Championship. He went on to win the championship again in 2006 making him the youngest two time champion at the time. Alonso has an endorsement with Oakley saying “Oakley has vision – continually striving for excellence through technology and innovation… traits which are of paramount importance to world class athletes including drivers within F1 circles.”

82. Deron Williams | NBA | Dallas Mavericks

In 2012 D-Will signed a five year contract to stay in Brooklyn on an iPad, making him the first athlete to do so. Williams holds endorsements for Nike, Red Bull, American Express and MetroPCS Communications. If you were lucky, while Williams was in New York, you may have seen him flying around the city in his sponsored Red Bull chopper. This offseason, his contract was bought out by the Nets, and he signed a new contract in Dallas for two years and $11 million.

83. Simona Halep | WTA

The 23-year-old is currently ranked number two in the world. Hailing from Romania, Simona has 17 title victories and has won 68 percent of her matches. Halep endorsers Adidas on the court and has a partnership with Vodafone, a telecommunications company in Romania.

84. Kasey Kahne | NASCAR | Hendrick Motorsports

As a member of the star-studded Hendrick Motorsports team, Kasey Kahne has seen much success since he began in 2004. Kahne has captured 17 victories in his career but has finished in the Top 10 in points only once. Although he has not had the success of other drivers, he has been able to create an endorsement portfolio worthy of the likes of a champion. Kahne promotes Chevrolet, Bank of America, Farmers Insurance and even Under Armour. Remember this gem from 2007, in which AllState Insurance leveraged Kahne’s good looks in a series of commercials? https://www.youtube.com/embed/PnHSfz2Wmik

85. Kyle Busch | NASCAR | Joe Gibbs Racing

Kyle Busch drives everything he can get his hands on, which is why he competes in each of NASCAR’s three racing series. He has actually been so successful that he holds the career record for most wins in the three series combined with 150 victories. Also known for his aggressive behavior, Busch put his sponsorship with M&M’s in jeopardy in 2011 after an on track incident in Texas. Following the incident, Busch was fined and M&M’s declined to sponsor Busch for the remainder of the season. M&M’s eventually renewed their sponsorship and has been with Busch ever since. Along with M&M’s, Busch endorses Interstate Batteries, Monster Energy and Toyota.

86. Brad Keselowski | NASCAR | Team Penske

During a delayed race in 2012, Keselowski took out his cell phone and began to tweet in his car while stopped on the backstretch of Daytona. Following the race, Keselowski was fined $25,000 by NASCAR for his attempt to further connect with fans. His connection with fans has caught the attention of major brands and has led to numerous partnerships including Ford, Miller Lite, Discount Tires and many more. Also helping his marketability is his success on the track, which has led to 17 victories and a 2012 Sprint Cup Championship.

87. Clayton Kershaw | MLB | Los Angeles Dodgers

The combination of his young age and unhittable fastball make Kershaw one of the best starting pitchers in the game right now. Playing in Los Angeles definitely aids his marketability, not that it’s lacking in any way due to his three Cy Young Awards and multiple pitching titles. Kershaw’s favorite meal includes a hearty Subway sandwich, and a heavy diet of fastballs.

88. Matt Kemp | MLB | San Diego Padres

Every centerfielder needs a nice pair of Oakley shades when you’re playing in San Diego which is why Kemp signed with the sunglass retailer.

89. Matt Kenseth | NASCAR | Joe Gibbs Racing

Known as Mr. Consistency, Matt Kenseth can typically be found near the top of every leaderboard. Sticking to the name, Kenseth has only finished outside the Top 10 in two of the last fifteen seasons. His success on the track has bled over into the marketing world as well. Kenseth holds endorsements from DeWalt, Gatorade, Dollar General, and his car manufacturer, Toyota.

90. Carl Edwards | NASCAR | Joe Gibbs Racing

Known for his iconic celebratory backflips, Carl Edwards has brought athleticism to NASCAR. Edwards has appeared on the cover of Men’s Health and was featured in an Under Armour ad during Super Bowl XLII where he showcased his fitness. Edwards has been successful on the track as well, racking up 25 victories and twice being the runner-up for the Sprint Cup Championship. Carl has held long standing partnerships with Subway, Ford, and Aflac.

91. Sebastian Vettel | Formula 1 | Scuderia Ferrari

Four straight World Championships from 2010-13 have put Sebastian Vettel in the driver’s seat for big time endorsements. Vettel drove for team Red Bull Racing for six years before switching to Ferrari last this year. With the switch to Ferrari, Vettel has now teamed up with fellow Formula 1 racer and member of the top 100, Kimi Raikkonen.

92. Joe Johnson | NBA | Brooklyn Nets

The six-time NBA All Star has averaged 18 points per game throughout his career, which led to an endorsement deal with Nike and contributed to him becoming a Jordan Brand athlete. Due to his deal with Jordan, he has received so many shoes that he had to build an extra room in his house to store them all.

93. Joe Mauer | MLB | Minnesota Twins

Mauer may be one of Minnesota’s most beloved athletes of all time. He made his MLB debut with the Twins in 2004 and hasn’t left since. The Twins have Mauer signed through 2018, so expect him to retire as a Twin when the time comes. His endorsement deals with Nike, Rawlings, and Steiner Sports are the perfect complement to his contract worth $184 million.

94. Andy Dalton | NFL | Cincinnati Bengals

Andy Dalton, also known as the Red Rifle, is a good regular season quarterback. So good, in fact, that the Bengals have looked past his postseason shortcomings, and signed him to a long term deal worth close to $100 million. Pair that with his endorsement deal with Nike, and trading places with the Red Rifle doesn’t seem half bad.

95. Masahiro Tanaka | MLB | New York Yankees

It turns out that a $155 million contract is all it took for the Yankees to convince Tanaka to ditch Japan for New York City. In just his second year in the league, Tanaka is making his presence as the Yankee’s ace known throughout the league. His only current endorsement deal is with Mizuno but expect that to change in the very near future.

96. CC Sabathia | MLB | New York Yankees

The Yankees’ starting pitcher has a Cy Young Award, World Series Championship, six All Star selections and has never had more losses in a season than he has won. Due to those impressive feats, CC has endorsements with FanDuel and Nike as well as with ESPN which proved that vertical stripes are better than horizontal.

97. LeSean McCoy | NFL | Buffalo Bills

The Pennsylvania native spent the first six years of his career playing for his hometown Eagles but was traded to the Bills this offseason. He is another Nike endorser but also reps ESPN and FanDuel. He’s been called Shady since he was a little kid and his instagram handle @cutondime25 originates from his insanely quick cutting ability.

98. Justin Verlander | MLB | Detroit Tigers

Verlander’s fastball has clocked out at 102 mph! Add to that a deadly curve, circle change and slider and you’ve got the makings of one of the most dominant and decorated pitchers in the game. He has endorsement deals with Under Armour and Phiten and he’s engaged to Kate Upton!

99. David Wright | MLB | New York Mets

Adding to the list of Nike endorsers, the 7 time All Star has been very productive in one of the largest market in the country, New York. New Yorkers are known for being tough on their athletes, but Wright has always been a golden boy in their eyes. Off the field, the 11-year veteran works with his foundation to promote awareness for multiple sclerosis. Wright cashed in on his Vitaminwater partnership when the company was sold to Coca-Cola, his stock netted him $20 million.

100. Ryan Howard | MLB | Philadelphia Phillies

It is hard to believe that Howard is already 35. Although he was the fastest player to reach 250 home runs in MLB history, his numbers have dropped off over the past four seasons. Maybe he just needs to chow down some more Big Philly Cheesesteaks from Subway so he can gain more power to hit the long ball.

Did we miss anything?

Know something we don’t? Please share your knowledge and questions in the comments below. We’ll be including athlete endorsement and sports marketing updates throughout 2015. Last Updated: December 3, 2015.  Looking for current info? Check out our most followed athletes on social media in 2019 breakdown or check out our highest paid athletes of 2019 roundup. 

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