According to a recent report by Forbes, the highest earning 2012 Olympians include Roger Federer ($54.3 million), Lebron James ($53 million), Kobe Bryant ($52.3 million), Maria Sharapova ($27.1 million), Kevin Durant ($25.5 million), Carmelo Anthony ($22.9 million), Usain Bolt ($20.3 million), Novak Djokovic ($19.8 million), Chris Paul ($19.2 million), Li Na ($18.4 million), Deron Williams ($18.2 million), and Pau Gasol ($17.2 million). Their earnings are reflective of all 2012 earnings through the Month of June.
Each of the athlete’s earnings is a combination of their salaries or winnings and lucrative sponsorship deals. For instance, Federer has signed a $15 million deal with the Rolex Company and has been associated with the Rolex Sky-Dweller, Rolex President, and Rolex DateJust watch models.
While Kobe isn’t sponsored by Rolex, his wife Vanessa has often been spotted wearing a rare Leopard Rolex Daytona with a beautifully designed leopard dial and creatively jeweled bezel. The watch has also been associated with rocker Steven Tyler. This puppy is hard to get a hold of and quite expensive.
Li Na is also sponsored by Rolex and has been seen sporting a Rolex DateJust 36mm. She has also signed deals with Mercedes, Haagan Daz, and other Chinese based brands.
Following the release of this story, Lebron James has reportedly surpassed Federer for the number one spot where 2012 earnings are concerned.
Other athletes that have earned a large sum of money in 2012 include that of Tiger Woods who pulled in more than $59 million in 2011. He is also now sponsored by Rolex and was a large part of the Rolex Sky-Dweller release earlier this year. Tiger has also been seen wearing Rolex Presidents throughout his busy days. If golf were a sport in the Olympics, Tiger would definitely take a top spot where earnings are concerned.
In the modern world, athletes are definitely benefiting from sponsorships. The Rolex Company sponsors both athletes and sporting events to reinforce its commitment to all things that are precise, exceptional, and classic in nature.
It definitely pays to be an athlete in 2012!
About Paul Altieri
Paul is the company's Founder and CEO. He is responsible for all the day to day activities from purchasing, receiving, marketing and sales. Paul is a graduate of Boston College 1979 and resides in California with his family.
Tags: Olympics 2012, rolex, Rolex sponsored, rolex watches
