While final comprehensive rankings for 2025 are still being compiled, Black athletes continue to feature prominently on global earnings lists, with many earning well over $50 million per year.

Based on reports from Forbes , here are of the highest-paid Black athletes in 2025:

1. Stephen Curry

Total earnings: $156 million

Source of wealth: Significant NBA contract, a major brand partnership with Under Armour for his own Curry Brand, and various investments.

The Golden State Warriors guard is a top NBA earner, particularly from off-court ventures.

2. LeBron James

Total earnings: $133.8 million

Source of wealth: NBA salary, investments through his SpringHill Co., a lifetime deal with Nike, and stakes in companies like Fenway Sports Group.

A perennial top earner, the Los Angeles Lakers star and the NBA’s first active billionaire continues to command one of the sport’s highest total incomes through both his basketball salary and vast off-court business empire.

3. Kevin Durant

Total earnings: $101.4 million

Source of wealth: NBA salary, endorsement deals, and investment ventures.

The Phoenix Suns forward is another elite NBA player with annual earnings consistently topping $100 million.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo

Total earnings: $94.4 million

Source of wealth: NBA salary, endorsements, and investments.

The Milwaukee Bucks star, who has Nigerian heritage, is consistently ranked as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

5. Kylian Mbappé

Total earnings: $90 million

Source of wealth: Lucrative playing contract, endorsement deals, and his production company, Zebra Valley.

The French soccer superstar of Cameroonian heritage is among the highest-paid footballers globally and signed a record-setting contract with Real Madrid in 2024.

6. Patrick Mahomes

Total earnings: $86.8 million

Source of wealth: NFL salary, endorsement deals.

The Kansas City Chiefs quarterback earned $86.8 million in 2025 through his massive NFL contract and extensive endorsement portfolio. Mahomes signed a $503 million, 10-year extension with the Chiefs in July 2020.

7. Lewis Hamilton

Total earnings: $80 million

Source of wealth: Auto racing, endorsement deals and investments.

The Formula One racing star is consistently among the highest-paid non-American athletes. He signed a new deal with Ferrari for 2025 and beyond. Hamilton, among F1’s most marketable athletes, has expanded beyond racing, investing in the Denver Broncos NFL team in 2022.

8. Justin Jefferson

Total earnings: $72.2 million

Source of wealth: NFL, endorsement deals.

Jefferson inked a $140M/4-year Vikings extension in June 2024, securing the highest non-QB average salary in the NFL. His endorsement portfolio includes Bose, Oakley, Pepsi, Snickers and Pop-Tarts.

9. Damian Lillard

Total earnings: $67.5 million

Source of wealth: NFL, endorsement deals.

Damian Lillard’s earnings is primarily built through his highly lucrative NBA contracts, endorsement deals, and strategic business investments.

10. CeeDee Lamb

Total earnings: $67.5 million

Source of wealth: NFL, endorsement deals.

In August 2024, Lamb secured a $136 million, four-year Cowboys contract with a record $38 million receiver signing bonus. Off-field, Lamb partners with Nike, Samsung and UPS.