The Top 3 Largest Contracts in Sports History: Mind-Blowing Deals That Shaped the Game

The Billion-Dollar World of Sports Contracts

Imagine earning hundreds of millions of dollars for just a few years of playing the sport you love. For elite athletes, this is a reality. The contracts we’ll explore today are not just about money; they symbolize the pinnacle of success, talent, and marketability in sports. The sheer size of these deals has reshaped how we view professional athletes and the value they bring to their teams. Let’s dive into the top three largest contracts in sports history.

1. Shohei Ohtani’s $700 Million Contract (2023-2033)

Shohei Ohtani’s contract is the largest in sports history and a testament to his unique talent. As both a dominant pitcher and a powerful hitter, Ohtani’s value transcends traditional baseball roles, earning him the most lucrative deal ever.

Key Details of the Contract:

• Duration: 10 years (2023-2033)
• Total Value: $700 million
• Average Annual Salary: $70 million
• Team: TBD (rumored bidding war among MLB teams)

Why it Stands Out:

• Ohtani is the first player in modern baseball to excel as both a pitcher and hitter, making him invaluable to any team.
• The contract's sheer size shattered previous MLB records, showing how much teams are willing to pay for a two-way superstar.

Incentives and Performance Bonuses:

• The deal includes bonuses based on performance, All-Star appearances, and MVP awards, making it even more rewarding for Ohtani.

Impact on Baseball:

• Ohtani’s deal reflects the growing marketability of international players and the increasing global appeal of Major League Baseball.
• His ability to sell tickets, jerseys, and generate international interest makes him one of the most valuable athletes worldwide.

2. Lionel Messi’s $674 Million Contract (2017-2021)

When it comes to football (soccer), no contract is more monumental than Lionel Messi’s record-breaking deal with FC Barcelona. Messi, often regarded as one of the greatest footballers in history, signed a four-year contract in 2017 that stunned the sports world.

Key Details of the Contract:

• Duration: 4 years (2017-2021)
• Total Value: $674 million
• Average Annual Salary: $168.5 million
• Club: FC Barcelona (La Liga)

Why it Stands Out:

• Messi’s contract was the largest in sports at the time, and its enormity reflected his unparalleled impact on Barcelona.
• The deal covers Messi’s incredible on-field contributions and his influence on ticket sales, merchandise, and global brand exposure.

The Breakdown of the $674 Million Deal:

• Base Salary: Messi earned the majority of the $674 million in base salary, with around $610 million over the four-year term.
• Loyalty and Performance Bonuses: Additional earnings came from loyalty bonuses and performance incentives tied to Messi’s achievements and Barcelona’s success.

3. Patrick Mahomes’ $503 Million Contract (2020-2031)

Patrick Mahomes, one of the NFL’s brightest stars, made history when he signed a 10-year contract with the Kansas City Chiefs worth $503 million. This deal set a new standard for NFL contracts and secured Mahomes’ position as one of the highest-paid athletes in the world.

Key Details of the Contract:

• Duration: 10 years (2020-2031)
• Total Value: $503 million
• Average Annual Salary: $50.3 million
• Team: Kansas City Chiefs (NFL)

Why it Stands Out:

• Mahomes’ contract is the largest in NFL history, both in terms of total value and length.
• Unlike many NFL contracts, a significant portion of Mahomes' deal is guaranteed, giving him security even in a physically demanding sport like football.

Incentives and Bonuses:

• The contract includes performance-based bonuses for reaching Super Bowls and winning MVP awards, potentially adding millions more to Mahomes' earnings.

Impact on the NFL:

• Mahomes' deal set a new benchmark for quarterback contracts, influencing future negotiations for other star players. It also demonstrates the growing financial power of the NFL, driven by massive TV and media deals.

The Changing Landscape of Sports Contracts

As we’ve seen, contracts in sports are becoming larger and more complex, reflecting the global appeal of these sports and the massive revenue they generate. Several key factors are driving the growth of athlete contracts:

• TV and Streaming Deals: Leagues and teams are signing billion-dollar broadcasting deals, which allow them to offer larger player contracts.
• Sponsorship and Endorsements: Today’s athletes aren’t just players; they’re global brands. Their ability to drive merchandise sales and secure endorsements increases their overall market value.
• Globalization of Sports: As sports like football (soccer) and baseball gain a wider international following, their revenues increase, allowing for bigger deals.

Future Predictions: Who Could Be Next?

The contracts of Ohtani, Messi, and Mahomes are setting the bar incredibly high, but who will land the next record-breaking deal?

• Kylian Mbappé: With his rise as one of football’s biggest stars, Mbappé is expected to sign a jaw-dropping contract soon.
• Giannis Antetokounmpo: As one of the NBA’s top players, Giannis could be in line for a deal that surpasses his $228 million extension.
• Connor McDavid: The NHL’s brightest star could push hockey contracts into new financial territory.

Conclusion: The Future of Sports Contracts

The sports world is seeing contracts reach astronomical figures, and this trend shows no signs of slowing down. These deals aren’t just about money—they represent the growing power and influence of athletes in the global sports economy. As the value of broadcasting rights, sponsorships, and fan engagement continues to grow, we’ll likely see even bigger contracts in the future.

Follow Us for More Insights on Sports and Money!

If you enjoyed this deep dive into the world’s largest sports contracts, make sure to check out our other content! Follow How To Buy Money on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok for more insights into the financial side of sports, luxury lifestyles, and more!