Over the years, sports contracts have soared to some unbeleivable amounts, reflecting the immense value (and revenues) these athletes bring to their teams, leagues, and sponsors.
Some of these dollar amounts could operate a small country for a decade!
Largest Sports Contracts
Let’s check out the largest contracts ever signed in the history of sports with dollar values, contract length and teams.
1. Lionel Messi – FC Barcelona (2017-2021)
- Contract Value: $674 million
- Duration: 4 years
Lionel Messi’s contract with FC Barcelona, signed in 2017, remains the most lucrative in sports history.
The deal guaranteed the soccer superstar an astounding $674 million over four years, highlighting his god-like influence on and off the pitch.
Lionel Messi has scored over 700 career goals, making him one of the highest goal scorers in soccer history. He has won numerous awards including seven Ballon d’Or titles, solidifying his status as one of the greatest soccer players of all time.
2. Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs (2020)
- Contract Value: $503 million
- Duration: 10 years
NFL quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ 10-year extension with the Kansas City Chiefs is the richest in American sports history.
The $503 million contract underscores Mahomes’ status as one of the most valuable players in the league.
Mahomes has thrown for over 28,000+ yards and more than 220 touchdowns in his NFL career to 2024. He has also led the Kansas City Chiefs to three Super Bowl wins and earned the Super Bowl MVP award in each.
3. Mike Trout – Los Angeles Angels (2019)
- Contract Value: $426.5 million
- Duration: 12 years
Mike Trout’s 12-year, $426.5 million contract with the Los Angeles Angels is the largest in Major League Baseball (MLB).
Mike Trout has a career batting average of .304 with over 350 home runs and 900 RBIs. He has been named an All-Star nine times and has won three American League MVP awards.
4. Canelo Álvarez – DAZN (2018)
- Contract Value: $365 million
- Duration: 5 years
Boxer Canelo Álvarez secured a $365 million deal with streaming service DAZN, covering 11 fights over five years.
This contract is the richest in boxing history, reflecting Álvarez’s dominance in the sport.
Canelo Álvarez has a professional boxing record of 59 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, with 39 wins by knockout. He has won world titles in four weight classes, showcasing his versatility and dominance in the sport.
5. Bryce Harper – Philadelphia Phillies (2019)
- Contract Value: $330 million
- Duration: 13 years
Bryce Harper’s 13-year, $330 million contract with the Philadelphia Phillies set a new benchmark in MLB at the time.
Harper’s signing was a major coup for the Phillies, aiming to build a championship team around the star outfielder.
Bryce Harper has hit over 285 home runs and has more than 800 RBIs in his MLB career. He has been selected to the All-Star team seven times and won the National League MVP award twice.
6. Giancarlo Stanton – Miami Marlins (2014)
- Contract Value: $325 million
- Duration: 13 years
Giancarlo Stanton’s 13-year, $325 million deal with the Miami Marlins was groundbreaking when signed in 2014.
Although Stanton has since moved to the New York Yankees, the contract remains one of the largest in sports history.
Giancarlo Stanton has hit over 370 home runs and driven in more than 950 RBIs. He won the National League MVP award in 2017 and has been selected to the All-Star team four times.
7. Gerrit Cole – New York Yankees (2019)
- Contract Value: $324 million
- Duration: 9 years
Pitcher Gerrit Cole’s nine-year, $324 million contract with the New York Yankees is the largest ever for an MLB pitcher.
Cole’s signing was a key part of the Yankees’ strategy to bolster their pitching staff.
Gerrit Cole has over 1,800 strikeouts and a career ERA of 3.19. He has been named an All-Star five times and was the American League strikeout leader in 2019.
8. Mookie Betts – Los Angeles Dodgers (2020)
- Contract Value: $365 million
- Duration: 12 years
Mookie Betts’ 12-year, $365 million contract extension with the Los Angeles Dodgers solidified his position as one of baseball’s elite players.
Mookie Betts has a career batting average of .296 with over 200 home runs and more than 650 RBIs. He has won two World Series titles and five Gold Glove awards.
9. Fernando Tatís Jr. – San Diego Padres (2021)
- Contract Value: $340 million
- Duration: 14 years
Fernando Tatís Jr.’s 14-year, $340 million contract with the San Diego Padres reflects the young shortstop’s meteoric rise in MLB.
Fernando Tatís Jr. has a career batting average of .292 with over 80 home runs and more than 200 RBIs. He has been named to the All-Star team once and won a Silver Slugger award.
Tatís’ dynamic play and charisma have made him a face of the franchise.
10. Francisco Lindor – New York Mets (2021)
- Contract Value: $341 million
- Duration: 10 years
Francisco Lindor’s 10-year, $341 million contract with the New York Mets is a significant investment in the star shortstop’s future.
Lindor’s combo of defensive prowess and offensive production makes him a key player for the Mets.
Francisco Lindor has a career batting average of .278 with over 180 home runs and more than 550 RBIs. He has been selected to the All-Star team four times and won two Gold Glove awards.
Top 10 Largest Sports Contracts Table
This table makes things a little clearer when looking at the biggest contracts in sports.
MLB baseball certainly is the leader in offering generous contracts.
| Athlete | Sport | Team/Organization | Contract | Years |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Lionel Messi | Soccer | FC Barcelona | $674 mil | 4 |
| 2. Patrick Mahomes | NFL | Kansas City Chiefs | $503 mil | 10 |
| 3. Mike Trout | MLB | Los Angeles Angels | $426.5 mil | 12 |
| 4. Canelo Álvarez | Boxing | DAZN | $365 mil | 5 |
| 5. Bryce Harper | MLB | Philadelphia Phillies | $330 mil | 13 |
| 6. Giancarlo Stanton | MLB | Miami Marlins | $325 mil | 13 |
| 7. Gerrit Cole | MLB | New York Yankees | $324 mil | 9 |
| 8. Mookie Betts | MLB | Los Angeles Dodgers | $365 mil | 12 |
| 9. Fernando Tatís Jr. | MLB | San Diego Padres | $340 mil | 14 |
| 10. Francisco Lindor | MLB | New York Mets | $341 mil | 10 |
These contracts highlight the huge financial stakes involved in professional sports and the massive dollar amounts that teams are willing to make in their star players.
Check out a list of the biggest losses in sports history.
