I n many ways, the year in sports can be told through dollars and cents. The influx of Saudi Arabian oil money into sports boosted the combined earnings of the top 50 highest-paid athletes to a record $3.88 billion, the Dallas Cowboys proved the continued dominance of the NFL by becoming the first sports franchise worth more than $10 billion, and Rafael Nadal retired from tennis after earning an estimated $550 million in his decorated career.
But the best stories are told through the individuals who are deploying their hard-earned money in pursuit of an entrepreneurial dream. This year, our staff profiled Lululemon founder Chip Wilson as he finds his next apparel venture; billionaire Jorge Mas’ gamble to bring Lionel Messi to MLS; crypto-pioneering, psychedelic-promoting billionaire Christian Angermayer’s plan for a steroid-infused Olympics; UFC president Dana White’s $20 million push to host the first sporting event at The Sphere; and former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg’s $100 million venture capital fund.
Forbes also told the story of a disgruntled Florida golfer who bought the property next door and started his own club. We spoke to migrant workers dealing with the fallout of the World Cup in Qatar. And in auto racing, the new CEO of all-electric Formula E told us why he thinks he can compete with Formula 1.
Here are the best sports business stories of the year.
Packing a Punch:
Forbes Favorites 2024: The Year’s Best SportsMoney Stories
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