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USA Today via Reuters

USA Today via Reuters

Being a successful PGA Tour golfer often equals a large paycheck even after retirement. Some greats make more from their additional investments and deals, earning a spot among the world’s richest athletes. Tiger Woods, who has been active for over two decades now, is easily an athlete that fits all these criteria.

While PGA Tour athletes earn plenty on the course, Woods has made sure to make a fortune otherwise as well. This constitutes brand deals, endorsements, and other investments.

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That being said, NBA players are also known for their lavish lifestyle, a result of their million-dollar contracts. Magic Johnson, who retired in 1996, continues to earn millions even today. While he was a well-paid player, his business ventures have grown rapidly since then.

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Is Tiger Woods richer than Magic Johnson?

Though a part of two completely different fields, Woods and Johnson both boast massive net worths.

Woods is currently worth $800 million, while Johnson is worth $620 million. Admittedly, that’s not much of a difference. However, considering his massive Nike deal and 82 PGA Tour wins, Woods seems to be leading the race.

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Interestingly, Woods started playing as a professional when Johnson retired.

His career earnings amount to $118 million, with over a billion coming from endorsements with brands like Bridgestone, Hero Motorcorp, Monster Energy, Rolex, and TaylorMade. Naturally, his deal with Nike stands out. Not only has the brand stuck with him through a tough time, but it also amounts to millions of dollars today.

The 15-time major winner signed with Nike in 1996 with a five-year, $49 million contract. Later, it extended to a $100 million deal. Though recent numbers are unavailable, Woods is apparently worth $22,540,000 to the brand.

Additionally, Woods’ endorsements are worth around $60 million. If all that is not enough, Woods’ career earnings of $1.5 billion make him the richest golfer of all time.

Johnson: A business mastermind off the court

Johnson, on his end, has earned $22 million. His business has helped him reach where he is today, especially with Magic Johnson Enterprises being valued at $1 billion. They own a movie studio and a marketing company, among other businesses. Briefly, Woods also owned the Los Angeles Lakers, which he bought in 1994 for $10 million.

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He sold it for around $50 million in 2010. Two years later, he bought the LA Dodgers with a group for $2 billion.

Of course, properties like his Beverly Hills home are a highlight. Johnson also owns a home in Orange County, which is a beach house in Dana Point.

Woods, on the other hand, is known for his mansion in Jupiter, worth around $54 million. The PGA Tour icon also boasts a $25 million yacht called Privacy and a $54 million Gulfstream G550 private jet.

USA Today via Reuters

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Considering Woods still has a few more active years left, it might not be possible for Johnson to catch up to his net worth. However, even after having his career cut short, Johnson has only worked to improve and expand his wealth. Woods, who is already amongst some of the richest athletes, only continues to grow every year.

At the end of the day, one can only wait and watch for what else these sports icons can do.