Shaquille O’Neal
Newsflash: sports isn’t just fun and games- it’s a business. A staggering $500 billion business, at that. Even with that said, according to CNBC, a sobering 78% of former NFL players actually get into financial trouble after retiring. NBA players don’t fare much better, as an estimated 60% go broke within five years of leaving the league.
Still, there are some who do hang onto their money, and even continue to grow their wealth long after their playing careers have ended. These are the wealthiest retired athletes in the world today…
Retired: 2011
Career Earnings: $700 million
Est. Net Worth: $400 million
Easily one of the most famous basketball players of all time, Shaq has had a busy career during retirement. He went back to school and got his bachelor’s degree—majoring in general studies with a political science minor—keeping a promise he made to his mother. He even became a sheriff’s deputy.
Shaq attended the Sheriff’s Reserve Academy and was sworn in as a reserve officer in Miami Beach. In 2016, Shaq moved to Georgia, where he was sworn in as a deputy in the city of Jonesboro. He holds the record in Clayton County, Georgia, for being the tallest deputy ever—Shaq stands at an impressive 7’1”.
Arnold Palmer
Retired: 2006
Career Earnings: $875 million
Est. Net Worth: $875 million
In the 1960’s, golfers Arnold Palmer, Gary Player, and Jack Nicklaus were nicknamed “The Big Three”. The trio helped popularize the sport in the United States. Palmer’s humble beginnings and plain-spoken demeanor changed the public perception of golf as a “rich-man’s game” to something that was accessible to the working classes.
After his retirement, Palmer continued to make money from endorsements. But, he didn’t stop there. He’s also purchased several Cadillac car dealerships in multiple states. In fact, he even bought a dealership in his hometown, Latrobe—though, sadly, that location closed in 2017. Perhaps his biggest claim to fame in modern times, Palmer inked a deal for a drink to be named after him: the refreshingly delicious half iced-tea, half-lemonade.
Wayne Gretzky
Retired: 1999
Career Earnings: $46.1 million
Est. Net Worth: $250 million
Known as “The Great One,” Wayne Gretzky is one of the greatest hockey players of all time. He was so impressive that he’s had three awards named after him: the Wayne Gretzky International Award, the Wayne Gretzky Trophy, and the Wayne Gretzky ‘99 Award. After he ended his hockey career, Gretzky continued his endorsements of brands like Coca-Cola, 989 Sports, Domino’s Pizza, Upper Deck, and Sharp Corporation.
He’s used his celebrity to his advantage, appearing on TV shows like Dance Fever and ProStars—even taking a turn as a guest host on Saturday Night Live. Currently, he spends most of his time writing. In addition to his autobiography, he’s also published an in-depth biography of the history of hockey.
Roger Staubach
Retired: 1979
Career Earnings: $500,000
Est. Net Worth: $600 million
Roger Staubach was a famous quarterback in the NFL, and his money from his NFL salary, as well as his endorsements from companies—like Rolaid—made him a very rich man. After he retired, he went on to make hundreds of millions in real estate, a profession that he still participates in.
In fact, in 1977, two years before he retired, Staubach started his own real estate business. Before that, he spent seven years training in real estate during the off-season with the Henry S. Miller Company. He said he got into real estate because he was “37 with three kids” and couldn’t “retire at his age.
Jack Nicklaus
Retired: 2005
Career Earnings: $5.7 million
Est. Net Worth: $320 million
A familiar name if you’ve been reading along, Jack Nicklaus was part of “The Big Three” of golfing in the 1960s. He professionally golfed from 1962 until 1986, winning his sixth Masters at the age of 46. With 117 total wins in his career, Nicklaus is the third all-time victor of the PGA Tour.
Even after retirement, Nicklaus stuck with the sport. He now designs golf courses—Harbour Town Golf Links, co-created with Pete Dye, was his first project and his first solo project was Glen Abbey Golf Course. Nicklaus’ company, Nicklaus Design, has designed 299 courses and counting.
Grant Hill
Retired: 2013
Career Earnings: $134.4 million
Est. Net Worth: $250 million
NBA legend Grant Hill played small forward for the Pistons, Magic, Suns, and Clippers throughout his decades-long career. After he retired from the sport, the Texas native stayed in the industry—albeit in more of an ownership role. Hill is currently a co-owner of the Atlanta Hawks. He’s also made a name for himself in the media, hosting NBA Inside Stuff on NBA TV.
Hill played nineteen seasons in the NBA before announcing his retirement in 2013. In 2015, he was named lead announcer for the coverage of NCAA Men’s Basketball by CBS and Turner Sports. Hill is now a familiar voice in NCAA sports, alongside Bill Raftery and Jim Nantz.
Danica Patrick
Retired: 2018
Career Earnings: $50 million
Est. Net Worth: $60 million
It’s not often that female racecar drivers get the recognition they deserve. During her impressive career behind the wheel, Danica Patrick blew her competitors out of the water as the most successful woman in the history of the sport. She began her professional IndyCar career in 2005 and was named Rookie of the Year.
Although Danica was sponsored by many large companies over the years, and it was web hosting company GoDaddy that had the privilege of sponsoring her for the last two races—you can still see her in their commercials. Patrick retired in 2018, having amassed a fortune of $60 million thanks to prize money and lucrative deals. So far she shows no signs of slowing down.
Greg Norman
Retired: 2012
Career Earnings: $14.5 million
Est. Net Worth: $400 million
Australian native, Greg Norman is a pro golfer who once spent 331 consecutive weeks as the number-one golfer in the world in the 1980s and 90s. Nicknamed “The Great White Shark,” Norman racked up an impressive 89 professional wins during his career. Greg currently lives in Jupiter Island, Florida and his post-career ventures include philanthropy and writing.
He founded the QBE Shootout, a professional competition that donates the proceeds to the CureSearch National Childhood Cancer Foundation. Norman also founded the Greg Norman Golf Foundation with his father, Merv, in 1987 and serves as a trustee of the Environmental Institute for Golf, which is dedicated to making golf courses that are environmentally-friendly.
Nastia Liukin
Retired: 2012
Career Earnings: $1.5 million
Est. Net Worth: $2 million
While you might not have heard of her, Nastia Liukin’s reputation in the gymnastics world is second to none. Now 30, Liukin has spent the majority of her life studying the sport with a goal of becoming the best of the best—a goal many would say she’s achieved. Starting out when she was just three years old, Nastia was always destined to be a professional.
By 2002, she was competing at the Junior Pan American Championships. With an estimated yearly salary of $235,000, Nastia made a considerable amount before she retired in 2012. Liukin was even lucky enough to have some huge sponsors, including Visa, GK Elite Sportswear, and AT&T.
Pele
Retired: 1977
Career Earnings: $14 million/year
Est. Net Worth: $115 million
Known only by one name, Pele is one of the most famous soccer players of all time. He played for Santos in 638 games before easing into retirement and joining the Cosmos in the seventies, where he played in 56 games. He was also a member of the Brazilian national team from 1957 to 1971. All in all, he has scored more than 700 goals in his career.
After retirement, Pele published multiple autobiographies and even ventured into acting. His acting credits include a starring role in Escape to Victory in 1981 alongside Sylvester Stallone and Michael Caine. Pele is also very involved with the UN, currently serving as a UNESCO Goodwill Ambassador.
Lance Armstrong
Retired: 2011
Career Earnings: $218 million
Est. Net Worth: $50 million
Lance Armstrong is possibly the most well known bicyclist in the world, even after his retirement. Armstrong competed for five different professional teams from 1992 until 2011 and represented the U.S. National Team in 2011. On top of his cycling fame, Lance is considered a national inspiration, defeating a cancer diagnosis to make a comeback to cycling.
Post-retirement, Armstrong’s legacy has become something of a dark chapter in the sports world. Following a string of controversies he was ordered to repay much of his winnings. Still, despite it all, Armstrong remains incredibly rich. He owns a coffee shop in Texas along with millions in stock holdings with several cycling companies.
Cal Ripken, Jr.
Retired: 2001
Career Earnings: $30.5 million
Est. Net Worth: $75 million
Nicknamed “Iron Man,” Cal Ripken Jr. is a former MLB player who played twenty-one seasons in the MLB—all for the Boston Orioles—from 1985 until 2001. Ripken was named an All-Star nineteen times and he was the AL MVP twice. Ripken still holds the record for the most games played in a row: an incredible 2,632 games.
Now retired, Cal hasn’t shown any signs of taking it easy. He’s a best-selling author and the founder and CEO of Ripken Baseball, Inc. Ripken Baseball, Inc. owns three minor league baseball teams. Ripken lives in Annapolis, Maryland with his wife, Laura, a circuit court judge.
Mia Hamm
Retired: 2004
Career Earnings: $5 million
Est. Net Worth: $10 million
Mia Hamm may have retired back in 2004, but she’s still an important name in the world of soccer. A two-time Olympic medalist, Hamm is often described as a true legend with a ball. Hamm has paved the way for countless female soccer players—new generations of players look at what she did on the field and aspire to live up to her standard.
Mia managed to land some great partnerships during her career, including iconic sports brand Nike. As well as earning over $5 million in salary, she scored big with endorsements for Power Bar, Bert Plus Shampoo, Pepsi, Sportmart, and more.
Lindsey Vonn
Retired: 2019
Career Earnings: $5 million
Est. Net Worth: $6 million
In a sport where male athletes traditionally dominate, Lindsay came out as one of the most decorated skiers in history. She boasts three Olympic medals and 137 World Cup medals. Vonn has never been short of sponsorships, either, signing with Under Armour when she was just 16.
She even caught the attention of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson who snapped her up for Project Rock, making her a global ambassador for the brand. Though the 35-year-old retired in 2019, she still continues to be an important face in the skiing world.
Larry Bird
Retired: 1992
Career Earnings: $3.25 million/year
Est. Net Worth: $55 million
Credited as one of the best NBA players of all time, almost everyone knows the name Larry Bird. He was the only player in history to be named MVP, Finals MVP, Rookie of the Year, All-Star MVP, Executive of the Year, and Coach of the Year—a record he still holds. The latter two will give you an indication of what Bird has been up to in his retirement.
Bird served as the head coach of the Pacers from 1997 until 2000. During his first season, he was named Coach of the Year. In 2003, he took a position as President of Operations. He stayed in that role until 2017 before officially retiring for good.
Joe Montana
Retired: 1994
Career Earnings: $25.5 million
Est. Net Worth: $80 million
Joe Montana had such an impact on football that the 49ers—the team he was on—retired his jersey number (#16) after he left the game. Montana has consistently made lists of the best quarterbacks of all time. Post-retirement, the Pennsylvania native has still remained very visible in the NFL.
Super Bowl 50 was dedicated to Montana and five other Bay Area former MVPs. In 2018, Montana was spotted at the AFC Championship Game. Though he had a small acting career, he has mostly focused on coaching. He and his family life in California, where they recently sold their mansion for $3.1 million.
David Beckham
Retired: 2013
Career Earnings: $730 million
Est. Net Worth: $450 million
David Beckham is considered to have been one of the highest-paid soccer players in the history of the sport. David is married to businesswoman and former Spice Girl Victoria Beckham, and the couple have four children together. After he retired, Beckham continued in his role as a UNICEF UK ambassador—a role he’s been proud to hold since 2005.
In 2015, Beckham launched his own charity, 7: The David Beckham UNICEF Fund. In addition to philanthropy, Beckham has been involved in investing. Major League Soccer revealed that he and several other investors were founding their own MLS team, Inter Miami CF. Inter Miami which is slated to officially hit the field some time in 2020.
Michael Jordan
Retired: 2003
Career Earnings: $93.2 million
Est. Net Worth: $1.7 billion
After his professional career ended, sports legend Michael Jordan went on to become a billionaire—an extremely rare feat for retired athletes. Jordan turned the Chicago Bulls—and the NBA—into a global name, and his partnership with Nike for his Air Jordan sneakers carved him out a spot as a permanent member of American culture.
Jordan is currently part-owner and COO for the Hornets, a position he’s held since 2006. He officially achieved billionaire status in 2014, making him the world’s fourth richest African-American behind Robert Smith, Dave Steward, and Oprah.
Magic Johnson
Retired: 1996
Career Earnings: $64 million
Est. Net Worth: $600 million
Magic Johnson is another of the NBA’s most famous athletes. Now retired, Magic is a philanthropist, entrepreneur, motivational speaker, and broadcaster. Ebony Magazine named him one of the U.S.’s Most Influential Black Men. In addition to being part-owner of the Lakers for several years, he’s also part-owner of the L.A. Dodgers and Sparks.
Johnson has investments in PepsiCo’s D.C. bottling operation, Starbucks, movie theaters, and more under his company, Magic Johnson Enterprises. Johnson also is an HIV activist and has been open about his diagnosis of HIV. He advocates for better understanding of and research into the autoimmune disease.
John Elway
Retired: 1998
Career Earnings: $45.4 million
Est. Net Worth: $145 million
John Elway played NCAA football at Stanford University and was drafted by the Broncos right out of college. Before retirement, he spent sixteen seasons with the Denver team, breaking and setting records as one of the most prolific passers and rushing quarterbacks in the history of the NFL. Elway has started five Super Bowls, a record that has only been broken by Tom Brady.
After retiring, Elway went into business. He co-owned the AFL team, Colorado Crush, until arena football was cancelled in 2008. Currently, John owns four steakhouses and five Cadillac dealerships. Elway also works as a broadcaster for 87.7 The Ticket, a Denver station, during the NFL season.
Derek Jeter
Retired: 2014
Career Earnings: $269 million
Est. Net Worth: $185 million
Another heavily-marketed athlete who has been able to be successful post-retirement is former MLB player and Baseball Hall of Famer, Derek Jeter. His talent made him a celebrity and he has spent retirement pursuing his various business interests. He partnered with Simon & Schuster for a time, later forming his own publishing company, Jeter Publishing.
Jeter Publishing sells books for adults, children, and schools. Jeter also runs the website called The Players Tribune. Jeter announced in 2015 that he would be opening a restaurant in the Tampa International Airport, to be named after The Players Tribune.
Jerry Rice
Retired: 2006
Career Earnings: $42.4 million
Est. Net Worth: $55 million
Former NFL player Jerry Rice is thought to be one of the best players of all time. Rice started playing football in high school when his principal caught him skipping school one day. Rice ran away to avoid punishment, but the principal was impressed with his speed and recommended Rice to the school’s football coach. And the rest, as they say, was history.
Jerry Rice announced his retirement in 2005. Since then, he has taken up writing and acting. He wrote an autobiography, Rice, as well as Go Long, another autobiography. Rice is the co-host of Sports Sunday alongside Raj Mathai.
Ken Griffey Jr.
Retired: 2010
Career Earnings: $151.7 million
Est. Net Worth: $85 million
Ken “The Kid” Griffey Jr. is one of MLB’s best players ever. Griffey was a well-marketed player during his time, signing deals with Nintendo and Nike in the 1990’s. Griffey is credited with helping to restore the MLB’s image after the labor dispute of 1994—a work stoppage that outraged fans.
After retiring, Ken stayed in the world of baseball. He joined the Mariners in their front office as a consultant. Griffey Jr. was inducted into the Mariners’ Hall of Fame, as well as the Reds’ Hall of Fame. In 2016, he was elected to the Baseball Hall of Fame.
Andre Agassi
Retired: 2006
Career Earnings: $30 million
Est. Net Worth: $175 million
Andre Agassi is one of the tennis greats. Playing from 1986 until 2006, Andre had several famous rivalries and was the all-time highest-earner in the sport. Agassi retired after he experienced nerve sciatica caused by bulging discs in his spine. Despite chronic nerve pain, he is still heavily involved in tennis, often acting as a commentator.
Agassi founded his own charity, the Andre Agassi Charitable Foundation. This charity has raised over $60 million for at-risk children and teens in the State of Nevada. The AACF also opened its own school, the Andre Agassi College Prep Academy, a charter school for at-risk kids. Agassi and his wife, tennis player Steffi Graf, live in Las Vegas, Nevada.