Jordan Wealthiest Athlete In World

Michael Jordan is the richest athlete in the world, regaining the top spot in the Forbes list for the fifth time in six years and displacing Mike Tyson.

Jordan will earn $78.3 million in 1997, the magazine estimated, getting $31.3 million from the Chicago Bulls and $47 million from endorsements and other income.

Forbes put heavyweight champion Evander Holyfield in second place at $54.3 million. He earned $53 million in prize money and $1.3 million in endorsements.

Boxer Oscar De La Hoya was third with $38 million, followed by Formula One driver Michael Schumacher ($35 million), Tyson ($27 million) and Tiger Woods ($26.1 million).

Woods’ endorsement and other income was $24 million, second to Jordan.

Eleven NBA players are in the top 40, up from nine last year. There are seven baseball players (up from five), seven boxers, four golfers, three NHL players, three tennis players, three race car drivers, and two NFL players.

Baltimore’s Cal Ripken Jr. topped baseball players, in 17th place at $13.2 million, just ahead of Seattle’s Ken Griffey Jr., 19th at $13 million. Detroit’s Barry Sanders is the top-earning NFL player, in 33rd place at $10.2 million.

Arnold Palmer, at 68 the oldest athlete on the list, was 12th at $16.1 million - but with just $100,000 in golf earnings.