Forbes Details Methodology for 2026 Highest-Paid Athletes List
Forbes tracked athlete earnings from May 1, 2025, to May 1, 2026. The publication used executive interviews, salary databases, and news reports to compile estimates. The 50 athletes on the list earned a combined $4.1 billion.
dohanews.coForbes published its methodology for calculating the world's highest-paid athletes for 2026. The list covers income earned between May 1, 2025, and May 1, 2026. The publication gathered data through conversations with dozens of industry executives, agents, and other insiders.
Most sources requested anonymity. Forbes also consulted salary databases including Capology, Over the Cap, and Spotrac, along with news reports.
On-field earnings estimates include salaries, bonuses, prize money, and certain image-rights agreements. Figures are rounded to the nearest $100,000. Athletes receive credit for full-season pay even when regular seasons end before May 1. Playoff compensation from the 2025 MLB and NFL seasons and the 2024-25 NBA season is included.
Forbes does not credit salary forfeited during league suspensions. Tennis estimates incorporate ATP Tour bonus-pool payments and profit-sharing distributions finalized in 2025. Golf estimates include Ryder Cup stipends, PGA Tour bonuses, and annual payments from LIV Golf contracts.
Off-field earnings cover sponsorship deals, appearance fees, memorabilia sales, and licensing income. The figures also include cash returns from businesses in which athletes hold significant stakes. Investment income such as interest or dividends is excluded, though proceeds from sold equity stakes are counted.
Off-field amounts are rounded to the nearest half-million dollars, except when below $1 million. Forbes does not deduct taxes or agents' fees. The list includes any athlete active during the 12-month period.
Key Facts
Story Timeline
2 events- May 22, 2026
Forbes published its methodology for the 2026 highest-paid athletes list.
1 source@Forbes - May 1, 2026
The 12-month earnings tracking period ended.
1 source@Forbes
Potential Impact
- 01
Athletes and agents may adjust contract or endorsement strategies based on the published methodology.
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