Pay: $72.3 million
Sport: Basketball
At 6 foot 8 and 250 pounds, LeBron James easily comes in at No. 3 on the Forbes list. There aren’t too many households who don’t recognize the name LeBron James. The international superstar and legend was born in Akron, Ohio, where he graduated from high school and was drafted into the NBA in 2003 by the Cleveland Cavaliers. James then left the Cavs in 2007 and joined the Miami Heat franchise, where he won his first championship in 2012. He proceeded to lead the Heat on a 27-game winning streak, the second longest in NBA history. James rejoined the Cavaliers after his contract ended with the Heat earlier this year. He has won two NBA championships and two finals MVP awards, four NBA MVP awards, two Olympic gold medals, and Rookie of the Year. He is the Cavaliers’ all-time leading scorer. James also accumulates much of his wealth off the court because of his popularity, fame, and endorsement deals.