Tiger Woods has officially become a billionaire at age 46, Forbes reports. According to the publication, Woods has earned more than $1.7 billion in salary, endorsements and other income during his 27-year career.
The golfing legend, who is now estimated to have a net worth of at least $1 billion, joins LeBron James and Michael Jordan as one of three athletes who have become billionaires. Woods achieved the feat despite turning down an enormous offer from the new Saudi-backed LIV Golf tour, a deal which was reported to be in the “high nine digits.”
The 46-year-old, who earns less than 10% of his career earnings from golf winnings, gets much of his revenue from endorsement deals. His endorsements include Gatorade, Monster Energy, TaylorMade, Rolex and Nike, which remains Woods’ biggest supporter after he signed with the brand in 1996.
“”He hit the right time in the right sport, being an athlete with a diverse background who was approachable,” sports business consultant and Columbia lecturer Joe Favorito told Forbes. “Brands love knowing they’re getting someone who is embraced not just by the traditional but also by the casual fans.”
According to former CBS president Neal Pilson, TV audiences would drop 30% to 50% when Woods was not in contention at a tournament in the early 2000s.
“Tiger has been the instigator,” six-time major champion Phil Mickelson said in a 2014 interview with ABC News. “He’s been the one that’s really propelled and driven the bus because he’s brought increased ratings, increased sponsors, increased interest, and we have all benefited.”
The latest news on Woods’ historic achievement comes after James recently became a billionaire. As Blavity previously reported, James became the first player to achieve such status while still playing in the NBA.
