In March 2019, Mike Trout inked a 12-year, $430 million deal to stay with the Los Angeles Angels. At the time, it was widely believed to be the largest guaranteed contract ever awarded to a professional athlete. Trout’s average salary under the deal worked out to roughly $36 million per year.

But as it turned out, Trout wasn’t actually the top earner in global sports. Quietly, over in Spain, Lionel Messi was playing under a contract with FC Barcelona that dwarfed Trout’s in every way. In January 2021, the Spanish newspaper El Mundo leaked the details of Messi’s four-year deal, revealing a staggering $674 million package. The revelation sent shockwaves through the sports world. Messi’s average annual salary during that period was an unprecedented $168.5 million. So in reality, Messi, not Trout, held the crown for the richest sports contract of all time up to that point.

That record stood until December 9, 2023, when Shohei Ohtani signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. It was the largest total contract in professional sports history, at least by headline value. And that record was broken just two years later by Juan Soto!

Interestingly, neither Messi nor Ohtani holds the record for highest average annual salary. That distinction belongs to Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, in a statistical tie. Both soccer superstars signed contracts with Saudi Arabian clubs that average out to $214.5 million per year. Cristiano’s 2.5-year, $536 million deal with Al-Nassr and Karim’s 2-year, $436 million deal with Al-Ittihad include base salaries and massive commercial incentives. When adjusted for term length, each contract averages exactly $214,534,727 per year—the highest in history.

So, who else makes the list of the most lucrative contracts ever handed out in professional sports? The rankings below are based on total contract value at the time the deals were signed, regardless of whether the full amount was ultimately paid or if the player is still with the original team.

In total, this list includes 43 contracts signed by 42 different athletes (with Alex Rodriguez appearing twice). The majority come from Major League Baseball, which accounts for 26 of the 43 entries. The rest are spread across American football (8 contracts), basketball (4 contracts), soccer (5 contracts), boxing (1 contract), and Formula 1 (1 contract).

As of June 2025, 25 of these contracts are still active, while 18 have either expired, been terminated, or the player has retired.

The Largest Sports Contracts Of All Time

The following amounts are ranked in order of overall contract value.

#1: Juan Soto, New York Mets – 15 years, $765 million

In late 2024, Juan Soto signed a 15-year, $765 million deal with the New York Mets. The massive extension locks in the 26-year-old superstar through his age-40 season and resets the ceiling for long-term baseball contracts. Known for his elite plate discipline and postseason performance, Soto’s deal shattered the previous record set by Shohei Ohtani just two years earlier.

#2: Shohei Ohtani, LA Dodgers, 10 years, $700 million

Shohei Ohtani made history on December 9, 2023, by signing a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, becoming the highest-paid athlete in baseball history.

The deal surpasses Mike Trout’s 12-year, $426 million contract with the Angels, which was previously the largest in baseball history. Ohtani’s average annual salary of $70 million will nearly double the roughly $42.3 million he earned with the Angels.

Ohtani’s unique skillset as a dominant pitcher and hitter made him a highly sought-after free agent. He was heavily pursued by several teams, including the Angels, Mets, and Yankees, but ultimately chose the Dodgers.

#3: Kylian Mbappé, Paris Saint-Germain – 3 years, $681 million

In 2022, Kylian Mbappé signed a groundbreaking three-year contract extension with Paris Saint-Germain, valued at approximately $681 million. The deal included a $180 million signing bonus and a substantial annual salary, making it one of the most lucrative contracts in sports history. Mbappé’s decision to stay with PSG, despite interest from other top European clubs, underscored his commitment to the team’s ambitious project.

#4: Lionel Messi, FC Barcelona – 4 years, $674 million

In 2017, Lionel Messi signed a four-year contract with FC Barcelona worth an astounding $674 million, a figure that made it the most lucrative sports contract in history up to that point. The deal, leaked to the Spanish newspaper El Mundo, sent shockwaves through the sports world, sparking debates about financial disparity and the future of professional football.

The contract included a fixed salary, image rights, and a series of performance-based bonuses. On an annual basis, Lionel earned $168.5 million.

#5: Neymar, Paris Saint-Germain – 6 years, $595 million

In August 2017, Neymar made headlines by transferring from FC Barcelona to Paris Saint-Germain for a record-breaking $263 million transfer fee. He then signed a six-year contract with PSG, which, including wages and bonuses, amounted to approximately $595 million. This move not only set a new benchmark for player transfers but also significantly impacted the football economy, leading to increased scrutiny over financial regulations in the sport.

#6: Cristiano Ronaldo, Al-Nassr – 2.5 years, $536 million

In December 2022, Cristiano Ronaldo surprised the football world by signing a 2.5-year contract with Saudi Arabian club Al Nassr, worth a staggering $536 million. This deal cemented his position as the world’s highest-paid athlete and marked a significant turning point in his illustrious career.

The contract details are fascinating. While the reported base salary is $75 million per year, the total value is inflated by lucrative bonuses and commercial deals, potentially reaching $200 million annually. This astronomical sum reflects Ronaldo’s enduring global brand value and the Saudi Arabian league’s ambition to attract top talent.

#7: Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs – 10 years, $503 million

Patrick Mahomes won the NFL MVP award in 2018. The following season, he won both the Super Bowl AND Super Bowl MVP. Perhaps not surprisingly, those accomplishments made the Kansas City Chiefs EXTREMELY eager to lock their 24-year-old star QB up long term. Initial predictions assumed his extension would top $250 million. That prediction ended up being true, but it was also off by an incredible amount. On July 6, 2020, it was announced that Patrick signed a 10-year, $503 million deal with the Chiefs. It is the first professional sports contract to crack the half-billion mark.

The 10-year extension includes $477 million in guarantee mechanisms, plus the ability for Mahomes to get out of the contract if those mechanisms aren’t exercised.

The contract also has a $140 million injury guarantee. So if he had a career-ending injury on day one of his first season, he would still earn $140 million.

Fun Fact: Alex Rodriguez has TWO record contracts on the list below. The first record contract A-Rod set came in 2000 when he signed a 10-year, $252 million deal with the Texas Rangers. One of Alex’s Ranger teammates at the time was Patrick Mahomes Sr, a pitcher. Patrick Jr would have been around six years old at the time. Imagine telling that six-year-old (and his father) that in almost exactly 20 years, you’ll sign a contract TWICE as valuable as A-Rod’s…

#8: Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Toronto Blue Jays – 14 years, $500 million

On April 2, 2025, Vladimir Guerrero Jr. signed a jaw-dropping 14-year, $500 million contract extension with the Toronto Blue Jays, making it the largest contract in baseball history by net present value. The deal locks in the All-Star slugger through his age-39 season and solidifies his place as the long-term face of the franchise. Guerrero had already established himself as one of the game’s premier power hitters and a perennial MVP candidate, and this extension reflects Toronto’s confidence in building their future around him. While the total value of Shohei Ohtani’s Dodgers deal is technically higher, much of that money is deferred, making Vlad’s contract arguably the richest in real dollar terms.

#9: Karim Benzema, Al-Ittihad Club – 2 years, $436 million

As we mentioned previously, Karim’s contract, which he signed in June 2023, was a 2-year, $436 million contract with Saudi soccer club Al-Ittihad. On a per-year average salary basis, he earns $214,534,727, exactly the same amount earned by Cristiano Ronaldo in terms of average annual salary. And that amount is the highest average annual salary earned by any athlete in history.

#10: Mike Trout, Los Angeles Angels – 12 years, $430 million

Since becoming a full-time major leaguer in 2012, Trout has made seven All-Star teams and won two AL MVP awards. However, it hasn’t translated to much team success. The Angels have made the playoffs just once in that span, getting swept during the 2014 postseason. Trout will have to lead the Angels on multiple deep playoff runs to truly make this a worthwhile deal. It’s probably not fair to put so much weight on one player’s shoulders, but then again, no one’s ever made this much money before.

#11 (tie): Canelo Alvarez, DAZN – 5 years, $365 million

Trout may hold the record for most overall money, but Alvarez blows him out of the water when it comes to annual salary. The boxer signed a five-year, 11-fight deal last October with the streaming service DAZN. The contract will pay him a whopping $73 million per year, with each fight being worth about $33.18 million.

#11: Mookie Betts, LA Dodgers – 12 years, $365 million

Betts, a former MVP, signed this extension in 2020, solidifying his role as a cornerstone for the Dodgers’ future.

#12: Aaron Judge, NY Yankees – 9 years, $360 million

Judge’s contract, signed in December 2022, followed his record-breaking 62-home run season, the highest in American League history.”

#13: Manny Machado, San Diego Padres – 11 years, $350 million

Remember when Machado had the biggest deal of the 2019 MLB offseason? Seems like so long ago. The Padres have struggled mightily in relative anonymity for the past decade, so signing a star like Machado is a huge deal. There’s a catch, though: Machado can opt out after five seasons. If he doesn’t like the state of the team at that point, the Padres will lose him for nothing. As of 2025, Machado has not exercised his opt-out clause, remaining with the Padres.

#14: Francisco Lindor, NY Mets – 10 years, $341 million

#15: Fernando Tatis Jr., San Diego Padres – 14 years, $340 million

#16 (tie): Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing – 6 years, $330 million

#16: (tie) Bryce Harper, Philadelphia Phillies – 13 years, $330 million

After Harper signed his deal, it was only a matter of time before his buddy Trout got a major extension, too. Harper’s free agency saga dragged out for nearly the entire offseason; he signed just about a month before Opening Day. Eventually, he left Washington to join an NL East rival. The Phillies made back-to-back World Series appearances in 2008 and 2009, but haven’t had a winning record since 2011. Harper is expected to immediately help turn the team’s fortunes around.

#17: (tie): Yoshinobu Yamamoto, LA Dodgers – 12 years, $325 million

#17 (tie) Corey Seager, Texas Rangers – 10 years, $325 million

#17: (tie) Giancarlo Stanton, Miami Marlins – 13 years, $325 million

This is the largest contract on this list that wasn’t signed within the past year. Stanton re-signed with the Marlins on this massive deal but was dealt to the Yankees just two seasons later. That means the Bronx Bombers are picking up the majority of the tab on Stanton. However, if Stanton doesn’t opt out of his contract after the 2020 season, the Yankees will receive $30 million in salary cap relief from the Marlins.

#18: Gerrit Cole, New York Yankees – 9 years, $324 million

The three-time All-Star pitcher played for four seasons for the Pirates from 2013-2017, then two seasons with the Houston Astros from 2018-2019. Ahead of the 2020 season, Gerrit signed a 9-year, $324 million monster contract with the Yankees.

#19: Rafael Devers, Boston Red Sox – 10 years, $313.5 million

The Red Sox locked up their franchise third baseman in January 2023 with a 10-year, $313.5 million extension. At just 26 years old at the time, Devers was rewarded for his consistent offensive production and became one of the highest-paid infielders in league history.

#20: Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics – 5 years, $314 million

In 2025, Jayson Tatum signed the richest contract in NBA history, a five-year, $314 million supermax extension with the Boston Celtics. The deal came after multiple All-Star appearances and deep playoff runs, cementing Tatum as the face of the franchise well into the next decade.

#21: Jaylen Brown, Boston Celtics – 5 years, $303.7 million

Before Tatum broke the record, it was Brown who briefly held the title for the NBA’s richest contract. In 2023, the Celtics signed him to a five-year, $303.7 million supermax extension, reflecting his rise to elite two-way status and the league’s skyrocketing salary cap.

#22: Trea Turner, Philadelphia Phillies – 11 years, $300 million

The Phillies continued their big-spending approach by inking All-Star shortstop Trea Turner to an 11-year, $300 million contract in December 2022. Known for his elite speed, defense, and contact hitting, Turner’s deal reunites him with Bryce Harper and pushes Philadelphia’s payroll into the stratosphere.

#23: Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals – 11 years, $288.7 million

In February 2024, the Royals stunned the baseball world by signing 23-year-old Bobby Witt Jr. to an 11-year, $288.7 million extension—the largest deal in franchise history by far. Witt, already one of the most exciting young players in the game, signaled Kansas City’s desire to build a long-term contender.

#24: Xander Bogaerts, San Diego Padres – 11 years, $280 million

The Padres made another massive free agency splash in December 2022, signing veteran shortstop Xander Bogaerts to an 11-year, $280 million deal. The former Red Sox star brought championship pedigree and offensive consistency to a star-studded San Diego roster.

#25: Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees – 10 years, $275 million

A-Rod opted out of his existing deal in 2007 to sign a 10-year, $275 million extension with the New York Yankees. The end of Rodriguez’s career was marred by injury and scandal. And throughout his stay, he was a polarizing figure in New York, especially playing next to hometown hero Derek Jeter. But Rodriguez did collect his only World Series ring during this contract, helping the Yankees beat the Phillies in 2009. It’s the franchise’s last World Series victory.

#26: (tie) Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals – 5 years, $275 million

In September 2023, Joe Burrow became the highest-paid player in NFL history (briefly) when he signed a five-year, $275 million extension with the Bengals. The deal included $219 million guaranteed and cemented Burrow as Cincinnati’s long-term franchise quarterback.

#26 (tie): Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars – 5 years, $275 million

Just months after Burrow’s deal, Trevor Lawrence signed a matching five-year, $275 million extension with the Jaguars in 2024. The former No. 1 pick had led Jacksonville to back-to-back playoff appearances, earning the massive commitment from the franchise.

#27: Nikola Jokić, Denver Nuggets – 5 years, $264 million

Fresh off winning back-to-back MVP awards, Jokić signed a five-year, $264 million supermax extension with the Nuggets in 2022. It was the richest deal in NBA history at the time and underscored Denver’s commitment to its Serbian superstar.

#28: Justin Herbert, LA Chargers – 5 years, $262.5 million

In July 2023, the Chargers secured their franchise QB with a five-year, $262.5 million extension. The deal briefly made Herbert the highest-paid player in the NFL until Burrow and Lawrence leapfrogged him shortly after.

#29: Nolan Arenado, Colorado Rockies – 8 years, $260 million

In February 2019, Nolan Arenado signed an eight-year, $260 million extension with the Colorado Rockies, briefly making him the highest-paid position player in MLB history by average annual value. The deal included full no-trade protection and an opt-out clause after the 2021 season. Despite the long-term commitment, the relationship between Arenado and the Rockies quickly soured, largely due to front office turmoil and a lack of postseason ambition.

Just two years into the contract, the Rockies traded Arenado to the St. Louis Cardinals ahead of the 2021 season—along with $50 million in cash—to offload salary. With the Cardinals, Arenado has remained one of the league’s elite third basemen, adding multiple Gold Gloves and All-Star appearances to his résumé. While the contract was originally signed with Colorado, most of its value has ultimately been paid by St. Louis.

#30: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills – 6 years, $258 million

In August 2021, Allen became the first quarterback in the loaded 2018 draft class to cash in, signing a six-year, $258 million extension with the Bills. It marked Buffalo’s biggest contract ever and positioned Allen as the centerpiece of their championship aspirations.

#31: Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles – 5 years, $255 million

In April 2023, the Eagles rewarded Hurts with a five-year, $255 million deal following his breakout 2022 season and Super Bowl appearance. For a brief moment, he held the NFL’s record for highest average annual salary before being surpassed by Herbert and Burrow.

#32: Alex Rodriguez, Texas Rangers – 10 years, $252 million

Rodriguez is the only player to appear twice on this list. This deal in 2000 set the bar for massive MLB contracts. He ultimately only spent three years with the Rangers, winning the AL MVP award in 2003 but failing to make the playoffs during his tenure with the team. The Rangers traded Rodriguez to the Yankees before the 2004 season. Four years later, he signed a new (at the time) record-setting deal to stay in New York.  

#33: Miguel Cabrera, Detroit Tigers – 8 years, $247 million

Cabrera’s contract is a bit different than some of the others on this list in that it kicked in after he was past his prime. In 2014, the Tigers offered their star first baseman an eight-year extension starting in 2016. Cabrera was 33 when the deal began, and he’ll be in his forties when it ends. Injury is also a risk – Cabrera spent most of 2017 playing with two herniated discs in his back, and played just 38 games last season due to hamstring and biceps injuries.

#34: Anthony Rendon, Los Angeles Angels – 7 years, $245 million

#35: Stephen Strasburg, Washington Nationals – 7 years, $245 million

#36: Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos – 5 years, $242.6 million

Acquired in a blockbuster trade from Seattle, Russell Wilson signed a five-year, $242.6 million extension with the Denver Broncos in 2022. The deal was intended to kickstart a new era in Denver, though early results were rocky.

#37: Albert Pujols, Los Angeles Angels – 10 years, $240 million

In 11 seasons with the St. Louis Cardinals, Pujols made nine All-Star teams and won three MVP awards. He also led the league in runs scored five times, slugging and on-base percentage three times each, home runs twice, and batting average once. Since signing this deal with the Angels in 2012, Pujols has made just one All-Star team, in 2015. And the only statistical categories he’s led the league in? Grounding into double plays, which he’s done twice (in 2014 and 2017). Pujols also hasn’t hit higher than .285 since joining the Angels. He’s still a future Hall of Famer, but it’ll be largely based on what he did before signing this contract.

#38: Robinson Cano, Seattle Mariners – 10 years, $240 million

Before the 2014 season, Cano signed this deal with the Mariners. He turned down a seven-year, $175 million contract to stay with the Yankees. Cano did make three All-Star appearances in five seasons with the Mariners, but he was suspended 80 games last year for the use of performance-enhancing drugs. The Mariners traded him to the Mets this offseason. Cano promptly hit a home run in his first at-bat with his new team.