The Five Highest-Paid Australian Sports Stars
Australia has long been renowned for producing world-class athletes across various sports, many of whom have been well-rewarded for their sporting prowess.
Numerous Australian athletes have secured lucrative contracts and endorsement deals that place them among the highest-paid in their respective fields.
Read on as we look at the top five highest-paid athletes from Australia.
Ben Simmons, Basketball – $60m
Ben Simmons has been the highest-paid Australian athlete over the past few years despite a tumultuous few seasons marred by injury and controversy.
The 27-year-old basketball player is currently in the final year of his five-year, $252 million contract with the Brooklyn Nets, a deal that solidified his status as one of the wealthiest athletes in Australian history.
While Simmons hasn’t fully lived up to the expectations that earned him such a lucrative contract, his earning potential remains unmatched in Australia.
Simmons played just 15 games last season due to injury but still managed to rake in an impressive $4m per game. Despite his struggles, he’ll bet on himself to recapture his form.
New betting sites in Australia will also be keeping an eye on Simmons’ recovery, with punters likely to wager on his team to succeed in the NBA if he bounces back.
Simmons is nearing the end of his contract with the Nets but will back himself to join another high-profile team. However, it is debatable whether he will secure a similar deal.
Jordan Mailata, American football – $33m
Jordan Mailata has made a name for himself in the National Football League (NFL), securing a lucrative three-year contract extension worth $99m with the Philadelphia Eagles.
The Sydney-born offensive tackle previously played rugby league for the Canterbury-Bankstown Bulldogs and the South Sydney Rabbitohs under aged teams.
Mailata’s journey to the NFL began when a scout recognised his potential and invited him to join the International Player Pathway Program. This led to him being drafted by the Eagles in 2018.
His decision to switch to American football has paid off handsomely. He has signed two major contracts, totalling over $193m, making him one of the highest-paid offensive linemen in the NFL.
Mailata’s current deal with the Eagles also cements his position as one of Australia’s highest-paid athletes, with only Simmons raking in more money than him.
Josh Green, Basketball – $19m
Josh Green is a highly talented Australian basketball player who has cemented his position as a key asset to the Dallas Mavericks.
His exceptional athleticism, defensive prowess and positive team spirit have made him a versatile and valuable player.
Green’s contributions have not gone unnoticed, and his hard work has been rewarded with a substantial salary worth $19m for the 2024/25 season, placing him among the top-earning Australian athletes in the world.
NBA draft picks often need to wait for their second contracts to see a significant increase in their earnings and Green is no exception.
However, his new deal with the Mavericks, which extends his tenure with the team for at least three more seasons, ensures his continued financial success.
Then 23-year-old’s future looks bright, and his presence on the Mavericks roster is testament to his talent and the growing influence of Australian basketball on the global stage.
Joe Ingles, Basketball – $16.5m
While many of the NBA’s highest-paid Australian athletes are still in their prime, veteran Joe Ingles is proving that experience and leadership can be just as valuable.
After a challenging period following a knee injury that ended his long tenure with the Utah Jazz, Ingles has found a new home with the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Despite his age, Ingles continues to contribute significantly to the Timberwolves. His elite three-point shooting and scrappy defence have made him a valuable asset on some of the league’s best teams in the past.
He’s now taken on a more mentorship role for the Timberwolves squad, offering guidance and support to a team eager to develop its talent.
The NBA’s abundance of wealth means that even some of the highest-paid athletes may find limited playing time. However, Ingles’s impact extends far beyond his on-court contributions.
His veteran presence and leadership are invaluable to the Timberwolves, and the team is clearly willing to invest in him, even if it means paying for a player who may not see plenty of playing time.
Matisse Thybulle, Basketball – $16.5m
Matisse Thybulle established himself as one of the most coveted players in the NBA before recently signing with the Portland Trail Blazers.
The 27-year-old is famous for his exceptional defensive skills but has now taken his three-point shooting up a notch, adding another dimension to his game.
His combination of defensive prowess and shooting ability is highly sought after by NBA teams. Players who can both lock down an opponent and score from beyond the arc are treasured in the NBA.
Thybulle’s versatility and talent make him a valuable asset to any team, and his addition to the Trail Blazers could be a game-changer for the Oregon-based side.
