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The annual BRW rich list of Australia’s 50 highest paid sports stars has thrown up a number of surprises in 2012.
Some sports are underrepresented, while some sports stars are clearly over- or underpaid.
The usual suspects – motorsport, tennis, golf, football and cricket – are all on the list. AFL is also there, as are basketball, surfing and cycling.
However, rugby league, (domestic) rugby union and A-League football are absent.
It is surprising that no rugby league players are represented. Darren Lockyer’s retirement leaves an earnings gap which new Australian captain Cameron Smith has, surprisingly, failed to fill.
NRL players are arguing for higher pay and, when you compare their earnings to those of AFL players, their claims appear to be justified – especially with TV rights deals taken into account.
AFL players such as Gary Ablett ($2 million), Chris Judd ($1.2 million) and Tom Scully ($1.8 million) are making good money. Israel Folau made the list too with $1.5 million, even though his value as a player/marketing tool is highly debatable.
Equally, it is surprising that no Super Rugby players made the top 50. The only rugby player to have made it is George Smith with $1.2 million, and he plays overseas.
With the three football codes often competing to attract playing talent, it is not surprising to see many youngsters looking to AFL as their game of choice.
Among the tennis players, Bernard Tomic is laughing all the way to the bank with $2 million. Sam Stosur seems underpaid at $2.5 million, given her playing success and her value as a female role model.
Michael Clarke is worth every one of his $5.5 million dollars based on his recent performances, but Shane Watson is vastly overpaid at $4.5 million.
Many of the T20 stars make the list, including Warner ($3.2 million), David Hussey ($2 million), Cameron White ($1.5 million) and Dan Christian ($1.2 million).
The major international sports of golf, tennis and football seem to be rolling in money.
The best players in these sports make excellent money, but even the average player seems able to earn a good living. For example, Peter Senior earned $1.2 million, and Bernard Tomic $2 million.
And if you are good enough at your sport to play in America, it seems as though there is plenty of money to be made there too.
Golf, tennis and motorsport are expensive to learn and play compared to other sports, but if you have some ability there is plenty of money to be made.
If you’re restricted to Australia, however, cricket and AFL are definitely the way to go.
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