North American Sports is among the most-watched, most popular, biggest revenue-generating in the world. North American Sports involve leagues such as:
- The National Football League (NFL)
- Major League Baseball (MLB)
- National Basketball Association (NBA)
- National Hockey League (NHL)
- Major League Soccer (MLS) among many other games.
Some of the lucrative contracts signed effective in 2024 are Giannis Antetokounmpo, USD 228.2 million contracts down to Jayson Tatum’s USD 163 million contracts.
So, what are some of the outstanding North American sports contracts that have been signed-in 2024? Let’s find out the answers below.
Table of Contents
9 Largest North American Sports contracts signed in 2024
Check out some of the millions of Dollars tossed around when signing these North American Sports contracts in 2024 below.
1. Nikita Zaitsev, Ottawa Senators – $22.5 Million
Though not one of the largest earning players, Nikita has made the Ottawa Senators proud and is one of the team’s highest-earning players. His contract got renewed in the 2024-21 season, which will see him bag about $23 million within the contract period.
His excellent defensive moves attracted fans who loved watching him and teammates in action when games were open for viewership. The fans’ desire to come back to the fields has made the team owner, Eugene Melnyk, start preparing for their return.
While the reality of covid-19 is not favoring Melnyk’s quest, he is still optimistic that fans will soon have their way into the Canadian Tire Center. As Melnyk puts it, his focus now is on the health of the players and fans.
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo, Bucks – $228.2 Million
The 26-year-old Greek basketball player plays for the Milwaukee Bucks, starring in the power forward position. The talented Giannis Antetokounmpo has been named the NBA Defensive Player of the year and is NBA’s Most Valuable Player in the period 2024.
Towards the end of December 2024, Giannis re-signed a $228 million contract on a 5-year extension with the Milwaukee Bucks team. This contract stands out as the largest within the league history, and it will last 2024- 2026.
This deal will see the back-to-back MVP earn close to $52 million, which is by far the largest single-year salary any player has made before.
3. Rudy Gobert, Utah Jazz – $205 Million
Rudy Gobert is a professional basketball player playing for Utah Jazz in the Center position. He is of French origin and represents France through the French National basketball team. In
December 2024, Rudy Gobert signed a 5-year contract extension worth $205 million.
Compared to other players playing Center position, his contract is by far the largest in the league and third most prominent in the NBA world. This contract will ensure the outstanding player earns approximately $41 million annually.
Utah Jazz fans are celebrating wildly for Rudy Gobert as he will stay with the team for another five years, starting from 2024-2026.
4. Damian Lillard, Portland Trail Blazers – $196 Million
The five-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is an outstanding Portland Trail Blazers basketball player. He plays the point guard position and is of American Origin.
Damian and the Trail Blazers team reached an agreement on a 4-year contract extension valued at $196 million. The new contract will run through 2024-2025.
Portland Trail Blazers’ decision extends the player’s total contract value to $258 million, and 6-years a. Damian’s annual salary now stands at $49 million.
5. Paul George, Los Angeles Clippers- $190 Million
The 6-time NBA All-star and five-time NBA All-Defensive Team, Paul George, is a well-achieved shooting guard.
He is considered to be a highly versatile player in the league. On December 10, 2024, he signed a maximum 4-year contract extension worth $190 million with Los Angeles Clippers. The contract running from 2024 to 2025 guarantees him $226 million through five years and a $44 million salary annually.
6. Bam Adebayo, Miami Heat – $163 Million
The Miami Heat player, listed as an NBA All-Star, joined NBA, intending to change his family’s life generationally. Adebayo actively plays the center and power forward position. During the last season, Adebayo made his first-Star team.
Towards the end of 2024, on November 28, Bam Adebayo managed to sign a 5-year contract extension that could be worth $163 million with Miami Heat. Through the contract, he has secured a salary of $32.6 Million annually in the next five years, starting from 2024 to 2026.
7. De’Aaron Fox, Sacramento Kings – $163 Million
The talented 23-year-old holding the position of Point guard has officially signed a five-year extension with Sacramento Kings. The deal, set to begin in the year 2024 to 2026 season, is worth $163 million. The player is set to earn $32.6 Million in salary annually.
De’Aaron is coming off a career year where he caused to excel in more than 40% of its games. Sacramento Kings are looking forward to a great season with their favorite star.
8. Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz – $163 Million
The Slam Dunk Contest winner Donovan Mitchell was named into the NBA All-Rookie First Team during his Rookie season. He is a professional NBA player for Utah Jazz. In 2024 during the shortened offseason, the young superstar got to sign a 5- year rookie extension with Utah Jazz lasting from 2024 into 2026.
He will get to be paid $163million with a super-maximum of $195 million and a guaranteed annual average income of $36.4 Million. As long as Mitchell remains in Utah, it should stand out as unbeatable.
9. Jayson Tatum, Boston Celtics – $163 Million
Emerging as one of the most outstanding players in the NBA’s past season led to Jayson being awarded a 5-year contract of $163 million with a max extension of$195 million from the Boston Celtics. Jayson stands out as a small forward and Power forward player who will earn approximately $32.6 Million annually from 2024 to the end of season 2026.
Final Words
It is worth noting that all these players stand out for playing excellently in these major North American sports contracts because of many reasons. They are the most outstanding players in the different leagues whose prowess attracts nothing less than their employers’ vast compensations. They play in spaces where millions are tossed around, and their highly-paid contracts can’t go unnoticed in the global arenas.