Top 12 Most Lucrative Sports Contracts Signed in 2025

The world of sports never fails to surprise fans with jaw-dropping contracts and record-breaking deals. In 2025, several elite athletes secured some of the most lucrative athlete deals in history, solidifying their positions as the highest-paid athletes 2025 in their respective sports. Let’s dive into the top 12 biggest sports contracts signed this year.

12. Jayson Tatum – Boston Celtics ($275 Million / 5 Years)

NBA superstar Jayson Tatum inked a five-year, $275 million max extension with the Boston Celtics, making him one of the highest-paid players in basketball history.

11. Erling Haaland – Manchester City ($280 Million / 6 Years)

The Norwegian sensation extended his stay at Manchester City with a six-year deal worth $280 million, keeping him at the top of European football highest salaries.

10. Shohei Ohtani – Los Angeles Dodgers ($300 Million / 7 Years)

MLB's two-way superstar Shohei Ohtani continues his dominance, securing a seven-year, $300 million deal with the Dodgers, making him one of MLB's top-paid players.

9. Victor Wembanyama – San Antonio Spurs ($310 Million / 5 Years)

The young NBA phenom is cashing in early with a $310 million max contract extension with the Spurs, marking one of the biggest NBA contract deals.

8. Kylian Mbappé – Real Madrid ($320 Million / 4 Years)

One of football’s biggest superstars, Mbappé finally made his dream move to Real Madrid, signing a four-year, $320 million contract, further solidifying his spot among football highest salaries.

7. Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs ($350 Million / 6 Years)

The reigning Super Bowl MVP secured another lucrative deal, signing a six-year, $350 million contract extension, ranking among the NFL highest contracts.

6. Luka Dončić – Dallas Mavericks ($360 Million / 5 Years)

NBA MVP candidate Luka Dončić committed to the Mavericks with a five-year, $360 million deal, making him one of the highest-paid athletes 2025.

5. Connor McDavid – Edmonton Oilers ($370 Million / 8 Years)

The best player in the NHL locked in a record-breaking sports deal with the Oilers worth $370 million over eight years.

4. Giannis Antetokounmpo – Milwaukee Bucks ($375 Million / 5 Years)

The Greek Freak secured a massive five-year, $375 million deal to stay with the Bucks, ranking among the biggest NBA contract deals.

3. Lionel Messi – Inter Miami ($400 Million / 2 Years)

Messi’s influence in the MLS continues to grow as he signed a short but lucrative two-year, $400 million deal with Inter Miami, one of the richest sports contracts.

2. LeBron James – Los Angeles Lakers ($420 Million / 3 Years)

The King isn’t slowing down, securing a historic three-year, $420 million contract extension with the Lakers, adding to record-breaking sports deals.

1. Cristiano Ronaldo – Al Nassr ($500 Million / 3 Years)

Topping the list, Cristiano Ronaldo shattered records once again with a jaw-dropping $500 million, three-year contract with Al Nassr in the Saudi Pro League, the highest-paid athlete contract of 2025.

Conclusion

2025 has been a groundbreaking year for sports contracts, with athletes across multiple disciplines securing historic deals. These record-breaking sports deals highlight the continued growth of sports business and the ever-rising market value of top-tier athletes.