Golfer Tiger Woods Is The Top US Sports Earner Tiger Woods

Golfer Tiger Woods is the top earner amongst US athletes. But, the earnings of top athletes in the US, including that of Woods have dropped for the first time in 6 years, as per Sports Illustrated. Among the 50 top-earning athletes, based on remuneration, wins, and endorsements, the average was down to $23.6 million – a $1.5 million dip, per athlete.

Phil Mickelson, another golfer, is at No. 2. Both the golfers did not match their on-course income in 2008 from the previous season, especially World No. 1 Woods who was sidelined for 8 months while recovering from reconstructive knee surgery.

Woods earned $5.775 million on PGA Tour last year compared to $10.867 million in 2007.

Mickelson has a less significant dip, winning three times on the 2007 PGA Tour for earnings of $5.819 million and raking in $5.188 million last year.

The worsening economy is likely to be important in the position going forward. Disorder in the auto industry gave rise to General Motors Corporation and Woods ending their Buick endorsement deal last year.

Third on the list of top earners is NBA player LeBron James of Cleveland Cavaliers with baseball player Alex Rodriguez of New York Yankees at No. 4.

The top 50 earners has 22 basketball players, 14 baseball players, 9 NFL players, 3 golfers, and 2 NASCAR drivers. Sports Illustrated’s results are based on consultation with players' associations, tour records, agents, and news reports, along with estimates from Burns Entertainment & Sports Marketing. Salaries and winnings were based on the current or most recently concluded seasons.