Top 10 World's Most Powerful Athletes 2014
LeBron James ’ power across the sporting landscape is unquestioned. No individual athlete in major team sports has wielded such influence since Michael Jordan roamed the courts more than a decade ago, so he tops world's most powerful athletes this year. And here is the list.
10. Novak Djokovic
Djokovic has been on an incredible roll since he elevated his game starting in 2011. He appeared in the finals of nine of the 12 Grand Slams and pocketed $38 million in prize money between 2011 and 2013.
9. Peyton Manning
Peyton Manning added a record fifth MVP trophy and third Super Bowl appearance in 2014, further cementing his legacy as one of the greatest quarterbacks of all-time.
8. Kevin Durant
The four-time NBA scoring champ won his first MVP trophy after leading the Oklahoma Thunder to the second best record in the NBA. His 7-year deal with Nike generates the bulk of his $14 million annual off-court income.
7. Rafael Nadal
Nadal had a monster 2013 season where he went 75-7 and finished ranked No. 1 in the world. Nadal's biggest endorsement partner is Nike where his earnings are heavily tied to his year-end rank.
6. Cristiano Ronaldo
The Portugal and Real Madrid star was voted the sport's most valuable player in the world in 2013 for the second time in his career after scoring 69 goals in 59 club and country competitions. Real Madrid rewarded him with a record 5-year contract worth more than $200 million.
5. Roger Federer
Federer continues to be among the world's best players 16 years after he turned pro. He holds the records for most singles Grand Slam wins (17) and career prize money ($81 million).
4. Kobe Bryant
Bryant had the highest salary in the NBA for the fourth straight year during the 2013-14 season. His deals with Turkish Air, Lenovo, Hublot, Nike and Panini for merchandise are worth more than $30 million annually.
3. Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods underwent back surgery at the end of March that sidelined him for the Masters for the first time. But he's continues to be one of the highest-paid athletes thanks to his Nike deal and a series of lucrative appearance fees before he got hurt.
2. Floyd Mayweather Jr.
Mayweather is the first athlete besides Tiger Woods to earn $100 million in Forbes' annual tally of the highest-paid athletes. His September 2013 fight against Canelo Alvarez set records for highest PPV gross ($150 million), live gate ($20 million) and total revenue (roughly $200 million).
1. LeBron James
Back-to-back championships and four MVP awards have made LeBron James the king of the NBA despite missing out on a three-peat in June. James is the NBA's biggest endorsement star, thanks to deals with Nike, McDonald's, Coca-Cola, Upper Deck and others.
