How Does Jon Rahm’s LIV Golf Contract Compare to Ohtani’s $700 Million MLB Contract?

Jon Rahm was estimated to have received a handsome amount that ranges from $400 million to $600 million for the switch. The Telegraph has given a more precise figure of $566 million, out of which $302 million was paid upfront. This catapulted Rahm amongst a host of athletes who have earned more than $500 million throughout their careers. Similarly, another massive sports contract was signed just a while before Rahm signed his and the sheer size of it calls for a bit of comparison. That contract was for MLB superstar Shohei Ohtani.

At just 29 years of age, Jon Rahm has signed a contract, with an upfront paycheck of $302 million, that has made him the highest-paid athlete of the calendar year. 

Shohei Ohtani signed a ten-year contract with the Dodgers for $700 million, of which he will receive $2 million every year and will receive the rest of the amount at the end of the deal. As of 2023, Shohei has made $30 million from the sport and $40 million from endorsements. 

The soccer players Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Kylian Mbappe made a total of on- and off-course earnings of around $136 million, $130 million, and $120 million, respectively.

As of now, Ohtani’s deal significantly might look bigger but as much as 2023 earnings, if Rahm’s LIV bonus of $302 million is added, he becomes the highest-earning athlete of 2023. Ohtani’s money will come with time but Rahm has received a hefty check upfront.

As of now, there are no details about the tenure of Rahm’s deal. Hence, Rahm’s deal might seem like fast money but Ohtani’s deal will pay him off for the next ten years if he doesn’t quit.

About the author

Suchita Chakraborty

Suchita Chakraborty is a senior golf writer at The SportsRush. She did her post-graduation at St. Xavier's University. For a year now, she has developed a riveting inclination toward golf, with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy being her top-tier motivational figures to indulge in the sport. She even lives by the words of the Hall of Famer, "You can always become better", which impels her to excel every day. Her strong suit in golf is covering the LPGA Tour, especially the nooks and crannies of the international event, the Solheim Cup. As a pastime amusement, Suchita also engages herself in reading about golf controversies. Her favorite pick is ‘LIV and Let Die’ by Alan Shipnuck, which covers the PGA-LIV beef.

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