The Billion-Dollar Ballers: Who's Earning Their Keep?

When you talk about the biggest contracts in sports right now, you're really talking about a select few who’ve transcended their respective games. Erling Haaland, Kylian Mbappé, Nikola Jokic, and Patrick Mahomes aren’t just highly paid; they’re cornerstones, franchise-definers. And in 2026, their deals will still be among the most eye-watering in the world. Let’s break down who’s actually delivering value for that monstrous cash.

First up, the footballing phenoms. Kylian Mbappé’s deal with Paris Saint-Germain, signed in May 2022, was a major factor, not just for its total value but for its structure. We're talking a reported base salary of €72 million per year gross, for three seasons. But that’s just the start. There was a reported signing bonus of €180 million, paid in three installments, plus a loyalty bonus: €70 million after the first year, €80 million after the second, and a staggering €90 million if he stayed for the third season, taking him through 2025. That deal could easily top €630 million over three years if all conditions were met. His output? In the 2023-24 season, Mbappé netted 44 goals in 48 appearances across all competitions for PSG, including 27 in Ligue 1, securing another Golden Boot. He also led France to the 2022 World Cup final, scoring a hat-trick in a losing effort.

Then there’s Erling Haaland, the robot of Manchester City. His move to the Etihad in June 2022 was a relative bargain, at least in terms of his transfer fee of around £51 million. But his wages tell a different story. Reports put Haaland’s base salary at roughly £375,000 per week, which translates to about £19.5 million per year. However, his contract is heavily incentivized with performance-related bonuses that, if met, could push his earnings closer to £865,000 per week, or £45 million annually. In his debut 2022-23 season, Haaland scored an astonishing 52 goals in 53 games, breaking the Premier League single-season scoring record with 36 goals. He followed that up with 38 goals in 45 appearances in 2023-24. For a pure goalscorer, his value for money is arguably unmatched, given City won the Treble in his first season.

Crossing the pond, we hit the NBA with Nikola Jokic. The Denver Nuggets center signed a five-year, $276 million supermax extension in July 2022, which runs through the 2027-28 season. His average annual salary is just over $55 million. For the 2025-26 season, he's set to earn $56.1 million. This deal has no significant performance bonuses, as NBA contracts are generally fully guaranteed. Jokic’s value for money is off the charts. He's a three-time MVP (2021, 2022, 2024) and led the Nuggets to their first-ever NBA championship in 2023, earning Finals MVP honors. In the 2023-24 season, he averaged 26.4 points, 12.4 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game, nearly a triple-double for the entire season. He’s the engine of a championship contender, and for $55 million a year, you’re getting the best player in basketball, in my opinion.

Finally, Patrick Mahomes, the king of the NFL. His 10-year, $450 million extension with the Kansas City Chiefs, signed in July 2020, was the largest contract in sports history at the time. His average annual value is $45 million, but the deal is structured with significant roster bonuses and potential incentives. For instance, in 2026, Mahomes’ base salary is $15.5 million, but his cap hit jumps to $66.8 million due to a $58.1 million roster bonus. His total cash earnings for 2026 are projected to be around $58.6 million. Mahomes has already delivered two Super Bowl titles (2020, 2023) and two Super Bowl MVPs. In 2023, he threw for 4,183 yards and 27 touchdowns despite a receiving corps that struggled with drops. He's the most impactful player in the most popular league in America.

Real talk: Mbappé’s deal, while insane in total value, felt more like a geopolitical statement by PSG than a pure footballing investment. The loyalty bonuses scream desperation. Haaland's contract is brilliant for City; they got a generational talent for a relatively modest transfer fee and pay him based on his continued dominance. Jokic is the NBA’s ultimate bargain, even at $55 million, because he elevates everyone around him and delivers championships. Mahomes, though, might be the best value of the bunch. Ten years of elite quarterback play, two rings, and the face of the NFL for $45 million a year? That's a steal in today's market.

My bold prediction: By 2027, at least one of these players will have signed an even larger deal, pushing the ceiling for sports contracts past the $750 million mark.