A professional athlete, also becoming a beacon of inspiration to many, transcends the barriers from sport to international fame. From Serena Williams to Muhammed Ali and Kobe Bryant, as legends of their day, the best of the best will go down in history. The career span of an athlete, however, may also be notoriously brief. Having said that, it can also be incredibly lucrative – especially when bolstered by sponsorship deals with the likes of Under Armour Inc C, Nike, and Adidas. For two decades, a basketball player might be on the court and gain hundreds of millions of dollars, but what about the retirement of sports personalities? Do bank accounts shrink, or does money make more money, really? Continue reading to find out.
Shaquille O’Neal: Retired In 2011
Career Earnings: $700 million*
Current Net Worth: $400 million*
As one of the greatest players ever to have graced the court in the NBA, Shaquille O’Neal built a strong reputation. From the moment he was drawn up by Orlando Magic straight out of Louisiana State University in 1992, he was a formidable force at a breathtaking 325 Ibs. Shaq took in about $700 million in earnings over the course of his career. However, O’Neal wasn’t always careful with his money. The first thing he did was blow up to a million dollars in just a day when he signed his first deal.
