MMA superstar Conor McGregor named sporting world's highest-paid athlete in 2020 by Forbes

Los Angeles: Mixed martial arts superstar Conor McGregor was the sporting world’s highest-paid athlete in 2020, raking in around $180 million with earnings boosted by commercial ventures, a Forbes report showed Wednesday. The 32-year-old Irishman only fought once in 2020, earning around $22 million from his victory over Donald Cerrone in January. The bulk of the former plumber’s pay packet — an estimated $158 million — came via his successful business activities, which included the sale of his Proper Twelve whiskey brand. McGregor was one of only four athletes to earn more than $100 million in 2020, according to the Forbes annual list of sport’s highest earners. Barcelona superstar Lionel Messi was second on the list with $130 million in earnings, followed by Juventus idol Cristiano Ronaldo with $120 million. Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott was ranked fourth on the list with $107.5 million. The bulk of Prescott’s earnings came via a $66 million signing bonus agreed when he inked a $160 million contract extension with the iconic NFL franchise. LeBron James came in fifth with $96.5 million after a year that saw him lead the Los Angeles Lakers to the NBA Finals crown. Some $65 million of James’ earnings came from endorsements and other off-the-court activities. Paris Saint-Germain’s Brazilian striker Neymar was sixth on the list with $95 million. Swiss tennis star Roger Federer, meanwhile, continued to make the top 10 despite playing only one tournament in 2020. The 20-time Grand Slam singles champion earned most of his $90 million from endorsements. Formula One star Lewis Hamilton ($82 million), NFL Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady ($76 million) and NBA Brooklyn Nets ace Kevin Durant ($75 million) rounded out the top 10.