Even though the coronavirus pandemic reduced sports leagues and forced athletes to take a break for much of 2020, the combined earnings of the top ten paid athletes in 2021 fell just short of the previous high. In 2018, it was established as a historical landmark.
McGregor's total earnings of $1.05 billion
Photo: Conor McGregor (via twitter)
Conor McGregor, a mixed martial arts fighter, topped Forbes' top 10 for the first time in his career after earning $180 million in the previous 12 months. This year's top 10 earnings totaled $1.05 billion, a slight decrease from the $1.060 million earned in 2018.
Most of the Irish boxer's earnings come from the sale of his majority stake in the Proper No. Twelve whiskey brands for $150 million.
Forbes about McGregor's earnings
"McGregor earned $180 million this year, $158 million of which was made out of the ring – landing him in the top 10 for the second time."
Forbes also wrote that McGregor earned $158 million off the field in the last 12 months if you include his endorsements, making him only the third athlete after Roger Federer and Tiger Woods to earn more than $70 million off the field in a single year while still competing.
