"Coming out of the 1980s, a time of excess everything, the 1990s looked more like the same. This was true because pro athletes' salaries skyrocketed during this time. Basketball players went from well-paid to very rich over a decade, and the same was starting to take place for athletes in the NFL, MLB, PGA, and other professional leagues. While athlete contracts in the 1990s were not like today's, they were jaw-dropping for the period."
"It is worth noting that earnings reflected here extended past the decade, into the 2000s. For example, Tiger Woods' $200M "net worth" figure reflects later endorsement and career income well into the 2000s, not just the 1990s. Similarly, Shaquille O'Neal, Greg Norman, and Michael Jordan built much of their fortune after the decade ended. This post was updated on September 22, 2025 to clarify that figures reflect net worth earned in later decades, specific endorsements, and timelines of certain wins."
Pro athletes' salaries exploded in the 1990s, especially in basketball, and began rising in the NFL, MLB, PGA and other leagues. Endorsements and sponsorships drove the largest gains, with brands like Nike creating enormous wealth for athletes such as Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods. Reported net worth figures often reflect earnings that extended into the 2000s, with examples like Tiger Woods' $200 million including later endorsement and career income. Several athletes, including Shaquille O'Neal, Greg Norman, and Michael Jordan, accumulated much of their fortunes after the 1990s. The highest-paid figures frequently came from deals beyond team salaries.
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