Giannis Antetokounmpo ranks fourth on the list of most marketable athletes.
On the brink of superstardom, the Greek basketball superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo has risen to fourth place on SportsPro’s most marketable athletes list, 34 spots higher than his ranking of 38 last year.
In a recent poll of ESPN’s top 100 NBA players, Antekounmpo was chosen as the player with the highest predicted performance for the upcoming season, setting a buzz in the sporting community.
This time, Antekounmpo’s name appeared in the headlines once more as he debuted in the top five of SportsPro’s most marketable athletes.
The Bucks’ 28-year-old center/forward was fourth in the Sportico rankings, trailing only Lionel Messi in first place, LeBron James in second place, and Alex Morgan in third. Of the 10 players on the list, Giannis had the biggest jump, going up by 34 spots.
This news was subsequently shared on X (formerly Twitter) by Harris Stavrou, a Senior Editor at Sport24. In the post, he wrote, “Giannis Antetokounmpo is the 4th most marketable athlete of 2023, with Leo Messi, LeBron James and Alex Morgan in the top-three. The Greek Freak was 38th in @SportsPro’s list a year ago.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the 4th most marketbable athlete of 2023, with Leo Messi, LeBron James and Alex Morgan in the top-three. The Greek Freak was 38th in @SportsPro's list a year ago. pic.twitter.com/gdOZDXfPnD
Three years after achieving the feat in 2020, the legendary Argentine soccer player Lionel Messi has reclaimed the top spot on the list.
LeBron James, the all-time leading scorer in the NBA who has won four NBA Championships and two Olympic gold medals, took second place.
Alex Morgan of US Women’s National Soccer Team (USWNT) is seated in the third spot. The 34-year-old striker is an Olympic gold medalist and a two-time World Cup winner.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, a Greek basketball sensation currently playing for the Milwaukee Bucks, takes the fourth spot.
And, rounding out the top five, fifth place was awarded to Megan Rapinoe of the USWNT, Morgan’s teammate.
With only a few days left before the NBA season kicks off, social media is abuzz with NBA player rankings. Last time, ESPN ranked the players based on how they’d do this season, but this time Sportico is doing it based on how much they make.
Top 5 NBA earners this season
In today’s NBA, the landscape extends far beyond the simple act of scoring points or securing the coveted Larren O’Brien Trophy; it now encompasses record-breaking contracts, lucrative endorsements, and soaring incomes. As the NBA’s popularity and revenue continue to rise, so do the earnings of its players.
While a significant portion of an NBA player’s income stems from their salary, which is influenced by their team and contract terms, they also have the opportunity to boost their earnings through sponsorships and endorsements with various businesses.
On Thursday, Sportico published a list of the top NBA earners based on their total earnings from endorsements and salaries.
1. LeBron James- Landing on top is none other than the King himself: LeBron James. His being on top of the leaderboard in terms of earnings is no longer a surprise to the world anymore.
James, the NBA’s all-time top scorer, will earn a whopping $127.6 million this year,with $47.6 million coming from his salary and $80 million coming from his endorsements. Sportico estimates that he makes 25% more money overall than any other NBA player in the league.
2. Stephen Curry- Trailing behind James is Stephen Curry, making $101.9 million in the 2023-2024 season. Although his salary is slightly higher than James’s at $51.9 million, he significantly falls behind when it comes to endorsements, earning $30 million less than James.
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo- In third place is the Greek sensation and seven-time NBA All-Star, Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Bucks’ power forward also currently holds the number one ranking in ESPN’s leaderboard and the number four spot in SportPro’s list of most marketable athletes.
Antetokounmpo is expected to make $90.6 million this season, including $45.6 million in salary and $45 million from endorsement deals.
4. Kevin Durant- In fourth place is Phoenix Suns’ Kevin Durant, who will take home $42 million from his endorsements and $46.4 million from his salary, totaling $88.4 million.
5. Klay Thompson- Klay Thompson rounds out the top five, earning a total of $64.2 million, including $21 million from endorsement deals and $43.2 million from his contract.
HIGHEST-PAID NBA PLAYERS 2023-24 (salary+endorsements):
💰 LeBron James- $128M 💰 Stephen Curry- $101.9M 💰 Giannis Antetokounmpo- $90.6M 💰 Kevin Durant- $88.4M 💰 Klay Thompson- $64.2M
Giannis Antetokounmpo is ranked first in the most recent NBA rankings published by ESPN, followed by Nikola Jokic, the current league MVP, at position number two. Fourth-placed Luka Doncic is followed by triple-citizen Joel Embiid. The worldwide hegemony at the top is broken by Stephen Curry, who ranks No. 5, and Jayson Tatum, who ranks No. 6. In the power rankings for this season, the NBA’s diversity is highlighted.
NBA fans are on the edge of their seats as Kevin Durant and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander secure the seventh and eighth slots in the NBA’s gripping drama of skill and rivalry.
LeBron James and Anthony Davis, the legendary Lakers team, finish the job at the ninth and tenth positions by adding an exciting new chapter to the story of basketball supremacy. In this thrilling story of skill and cooperation, the stage has been set, and everyone is waiting to see what happens next.
A Twitter user posted; “Jokic is better than Giannis, what is this,”
the other one posted; “They don’t even have jokic number 1 lmao. Why should I take this list serious,” an article from sportskeeda.com shared.
NBA Fans on ESPN Top 10
The sports world was shocked by ESPN’s highly anticipated top 10 rankings, which featured undisputed megastars. But many outstanding performers were left off the list, and others didn’t even make it into the top 20 or 30.
As a result of the discrepancy in selections, die-hard supporters and experts began to question the standards used by ESPN journalists, which led to spirited discussions on what, exactly, constitutes brilliance on the field or court.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a professional basketball player known for his extraordinary athleticism, versatility, and dominance on the court. Born on Dec 6, 1994, in Athens, Greece, Antetokounmpo is of Nigerian descent. Standing 6 feet 11 inches (2.11 meters) tall and possessing an exceptional wingspan, he plays primarily as a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Giannis, often called the “Greek Freak,” possesses a unique combination of size, speed, and skills, making him a formidable force in the league. His ability to handle the ball, drive to the basket, and finish with powerful dunks has earned him a reputation as one of the most explosive players in the game. Additionally, his defensive prowess and shot-blocking abilities make him a versatile and impactful player on both ends of the court.
Since the Milwaukee Bucks fired Mike Budenholzer after they were defeated by the Miami Heat in the playoffs, Giannis Antetokounmpo is still without a head coach. According to reports, Nick Nurse, Kenny Atkinson, Frank Vogel, and Adrian Griffin are the front-runners for the open position.
Even though the seasoned coaches are allegedly the favorites, according to Marc Stein, Antetokounmpo’s preference may make Griffin the man of the moment:
“The Bucks appear to be the closest of the five teams with current coaching openings to filling the position. Nurse, Warriors assistant Kenny Atkinson and Adrian Griffin, an assistant on Nurse’s staff in Toronto, are the three reported finalists to replace the ousted Mike Budenholzer.
Further continued, “As I reported here Monday, dialogue with Giannis Antetokounmpo is expected to be a feature of this stage … with Giannis said to be intrigued by the Griffin option.” (an article from Sportskeeda reported)
The request for Adrian Griffin by Giannis Antetokounmpo will not surprise supporters if the rumors are accurate. Teams have long surveyed franchise players to determine their preferred coaches. NBA superstars have frequently influenced the coaching carousel in the league.
Any coach would be lucky to land a job managing the Milwaukee Bucks. The “Greek Freak,” who recently completed another MVP-caliber campaign, will continue to perform at his best for at least a few more years. Milwaukee’s roster needs to be revamped, but as long as the nucleus is intact, the team will continue to be a legitimate title contender.
The Milwaukee Bucks, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, had the best record in the NBA heading into the postseason. If they advanced to the Finals, they would have home-court advantage. Sadly, the eighth-seeded Miami Heat, headed by Jimmy Butler, humiliated them in five games. With 56 and 42 points, “Jimmy Buckets” won the game.
The legendary Greek basketball player fiercely responded when a reporter questioned how the Bucks’ collapse contributed to their failure:
“You work towards a goal – it’s not a failure. It’s steps to success. There are always steps to it.
“Michael Jordan played 15 years and won six championships. The other nine years a failure? That’s what you’re telling me?”
Ronaldo tops Forbes list of world’s highest-paid athletes
The world’s top sports stars’ earnings are following the Olympic motto, getting higher and higher. Records have been broken along the way. The business magazine Forbes, which keeps tabs on the income of the uber-rich, reports a new milestone. For the first time in history, the top ten sports stars on Forbes’ annual ranking earned more than $100 million each—a record-breaking $1.38 billion combined.
Saudi Arabia’s oil wealth has propelled starry earnings to stratospheric levels. Saudi money has vastly enriched sports like soccer and golf and turned their top stars into athletic tycoons. Four of the world’s highest-paid sportsmen (they are all men) on the Forbes list are beholden to the Saudis. Three are soccer stars playing for Saudi clubs, and one is a golfer on LIV Golf.
LIV Golf and the Saudi soccer clubs the superstars play for are all funded by the Saudi sovereign wealth fund, the Public Investment Fund (PIF). It has an estimated $925 billion in assets and a majority stake in the English Premier League club, Newcastle United.
But Saudi money is not the only booster thrusting athletic earnings to the stratosphere. Sponsorships and media rights’ fees have also soared.
And America, as always, remains a land of opportunity, with the most enticing financial rewards for those it takes to heart.
Five of the world’s 10 highest-paid athletes make their living in America, including a soccer star. Three are supercagers—basketball stars—and the other is an American football quarterback.
Only one of the world’s 10 highest-paid sportsmen is based in Europe. He is also a soccer star.
Here’s the top 10 list.
1. Cristiano Ronaldo ($260 million)
The 39-year-old Portuguese forward is paid an annual $200 million salary by the Saudi Pro League Club Al Nassr. He is the league’s top goal scorer with 33 goals. He earns an annual $60 million from sponsorships, which include deals with crypto exchange Binance, fitness app Erakulis and Nike,
2. Jon Rahm ($218 million)
The 29-year-old Spanish golfer, who joined LIV Golf in December last year, is estimated to have an annual on-field income of $198 million as a player and an off-field income of $20 million from other sources.
3. Lionel Messi ($135 million)
The 36-year-old Argentinian Lionel Messi has transformed the fortunes of his new club, Inter Miami, now the second most valuable club in Major League Soccer history. His on-field income is estimated to be $65 million and off-field $70 million. The eight-time Ballon d’Or winner scored 10 goals in his first nine matches this season. Off the field, he is now sponsored by Lowe’s as well as Adidas, Apple and Konami.
4. $128.2 LeBron James ($128.2 million)
The 39-year-old American LeBron James has delivered star power to the Los Angeles Lakers, but there is speculation about his future as he wants to play with his eldest son, Bronny. He is likely to make his final Olympic appearance in Paris. His on-field income is estimated to be $48.2 million and off-field $80 million. He invested in the golf world’s new commercial venture, PGA Tour Enterprises.
5. Giannis Antetokounmpo ($111 million)
The 29-year-old Greek basketball star is recovering from a calf injury that ended his season with the Milwaukee Bucks. His on-field income is estimated to be $46 million and off-field $65 million. He has a new production company, a partnership with Pepsi, and his sixth signature sneaker with Nike is due to be launched later this year.
6. Kylian Mbappé ($110 million)
The 25-year-old Frenchman is expected to leave Paris Saint-Germain and fulfil his childhood dream by joining Real Madrid next season. His on-field income is estimated to be $90 million and off-field $20 million He formed a production company in 2022, which partnered with the NBA, and has deals with Nike, Hublot, and Oakley, among others.
7. Neymar ($108 million)
The 32-year-old Brazilian joined the Saudi Arabian soccer Al Hilal last year on a lavish pay package loaded with perks, including access to a private jet, a fleet of luxury cars and a fully staffed mansion. But he was injured in a World Cup qualifying match last October, thus ending his club season after just five matches played in the Saudi Pro League and AFC Champions League. But he has new endorsement deals. He has launched a new soccer boot with Puma and partnered with Fun Brands to develop his own line of cocktails and mocktails. He has estimated to have an $80 million on-field income and $20 million off-fiekd income.
8. Karim Benzema ($106 million)
The 38-year-old Frenchman Benzema, who won the Ballon d’Or in 2022, left Real Madrid as a free agent last year and joined Saudi Pro League team Al Ittihad. His first season with Al Ittihad has been plagued by health issues. He is estimated to have a $100 million on-field income and $6 million off-field.
9. Stephen Curry ($102 million)
The 36-year-old American basketballer Stephen Curry leads the NBA with 357 three-pointers this season and earned a place on Team USA’s Olympic roster this summer. He also signed a new deal with Under Armour last year. He is estimated to have a $52 million on-field income and $50 million off-field.
10. Lamar Jackson ($100.5 million)
27-year-old American football quarterback Lamar Jackson is in the top ten thanks to the $72.5 million signing bonus he received with his new Baltimore Ravens contract last year. He is estimated to have a $98.5 million on-field income and $2 million off-field. He owns several businesses, including a soul food restaurant, a production company, a record label, and a clothing line called Era 8.
Milwaukee Bucks’ superstar and two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo recently underwent an arthroscopic procedure in his left knee, as reported by Antonis Kalkavouras from Gazzetta.gr.
Although not a major concern for the dominant force in the league, his participation in the upcoming FIBA World Cup with the Greek national team hangs in the balance. Currently in the rehabilitation phase, Giannis is expected to fully recover in the following weeks, but the decision to compete ultimately rests with him.
The Bucks, recognizing his vital role as the team’s leader, prioritize his well-being and urge caution. As the basketball world eagerly awaits his verdict, Milwaukee’s hopes for a triumphant return to the top lie in the hands of the indomitable “Greek Freak.”
The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo could spell a major upset for the Greek national team, which had high hopes for a successful run in the tournament. Known for his incredible stats, averaging 31.1 points, 11.8 rebounds, and 5.7 assists per game, Giannis was a key player for the Milwaukee Bucks this season. With Greece aiming to build on their fifth-place finish in the 2022 FIBA EuroBasket, Giannis was set to lead his team again.
However, his participation hangs in the balance due to the FIBA-NBA agreement, prioritizing his health and preventing potential injury aggravation. As the Greeks head to Manila to face formidable opponents like Team USA, Jordan, and New Zealand, the absence of their star player adds an intriguing twist to their journey, leaving fans wondering how they will fare without his extraordinary talents.
The Bucks fret over his fitness for the upcoming season as his tumultuous history with knee injuries raises concerns. Will his involvement in the high-stakes tournament jeopardize his performance on the court?
Year
Games Missed
Bucks’ Record during Absence
2022
19
11-8
2021
–
–
2020
–
–
2019
–
–
Playoffs
2
0-2
The Bucks struggled without Antetokounmpo in the playoffs, losing to the Miami Heat in five games (4-1). The Heat reached the NBA Finals but lost to the eventual champions, the Denver Nuggets, in five games (4-1). Despite his absence in a few games, Antetokounmpo’s brilliance propelled the Bucks to finish with the best record in the NBA at 58-24.
Despite undergoing a knee procedure, Giannis Antetokounmpo’s participation in the upcoming 2023-24 NBA season remains unaffected. However, should he choose to represent Greece in the World Cup, the Milwaukee Bucks will probably adopt a cautious approach by carefully managing his playing time during the initial phase of the season. This strategic decision aims to minimize the risk of him missing multiple games, a scenario the team wishes to avoid following the previous season.
