The top 10 richest British sportspeople have been unveiled in a new Rich List compiled by the Sunday Times, with David and Victoria Beckham narrowly missing the top spot despite amassing a staggering billion-pound fortune. The list spans a diverse range of sports, featuring stars such as Tyson Fury, Lewis Hamilton, and Andy Murray. However, few can match the immense wealth of Bernie Ecclestone, a decade after he sold Formula One to Liberty Media in one of the century's biggest sporting deals. Notably, none of these individuals have relied solely on their athletic talent; nearly all possess exceptional business acumen. Here, we examine the highest earners in sport, how they made their fortunes, and how they spend their wealth.
Bernie Ecclestone and Family: £2 Billion
When Bernie Ecclestone first entered motor racing in the 500cc Formula Three Series nearly seven decades ago, the diminutive Formula One mogul could scarcely have imagined the riches the sport would bring. The mastermind behind modern Formula One, Ecclestone transformed it into a multi-billion-pound business, profiting as chairman through lucrative media and promotion deals. His sale to Liberty Media in 2016 for £3.3 billion further enriched his Switzerland-based holdings. Recent events have dented his wealth somewhat—a 2024 fraud ruling for failing to declare £400 million in overseas assets resulted in a 17-month suspended prison sentence and a £652.2 million tax bill. Nevertheless, the nonagenarian and his family trusts, benefiting his daughters Petra and Tamara, remain far from financial strain. His portfolio includes a £23 million chalet in Gstaad called 'Le Lion', a private Alpine glacier, two super-yachts, a private jet, and an £8 million coffee plantation in Brazil.
Sir David and Victoria Beckham: £1.185 Billion
Calling David Beckham a sportsperson undersells the three decades of cultivating the family business known as Brand Beckham. Since becoming football's first globally recognized power couple in the late 1990s, the Beckhams have amassed vast wealth and international recognition through high-profile brand deals and their own ventures, including Victoria Beckham's fashion and beauty lines, Eyewear by David Beckham, and Haig Club whiskey. Recent investments span wellness with Beckham's IM8 supplements, his MLS Cup-winning Inter Miami football club, and media arm Studio 99, which produced Netflix's Beckham documentary. In 2022, they struck a deal with Authentic Brands Group, reportedly paying $269 million for a 55% stake in DB Ventures. Their lifestyle includes a Cotswold estate, a £16 million Riva yacht named after daughter Harper's middle name Seven, and a £31 million mansion near London's Holland Park.
Barry and Eddie Hearn: £1.035 Billion
Barry Hearn founded Matchroom Sport in the early 1980s, transforming snooker and darts into lucrative international properties. His son Eddie later added boxing, representing stars like Anthony Joshua, boosting the company's value to over £1 billion, aided by a 15% stake acquisition by Bruin Capital. Darts remains the crown jewel, with Sky Sports signing a £125 million five-year deal with the PDC last autumn. Compared to others on the list, the Hearns are relatively low-key in displaying wealth, though Barry's £15 million Brentwood mansion offers a pleasing view of his empire.
Ben Francis: £800 Million
Francis is a rarity among the top 10: though he amassed wealth through sport, he never competed as an athlete. At age 19, he founded Gymshark, a successful gymwear brand that expanded into gym ownership and captured the lucrative athleisure market. A passionate Aston Villa fan, Francis likely plans to attend their Europa League final in Istanbul. He also built an exclusive Cotswolds home on a former dairy farm.
Sir Lewis Hamilton: £435 Million
Groundbreaking F1 driver Hamilton is a Rich List regular, thanks to massive salaries and endorsements from Tommy Hilfiger, Puma, and Sony. His £50 million annual salary from his Ferrari move last season anchors his fortune. Through Lewis Hamilton Ventures, he invests in beverages like Almave (non-alcoholic blue agave spirit), film production via Dawn Apollo Productions, and his Plus 44 clothing line. His property portfolio includes homes in west London, Monaco, Los Angeles, and Lake Geneva, plus a rare car collection worth over £13 million.
Tom and Phil Beahon: £350 Million
Like Francis, the Beahon brothers tapped into the sportswear market, launching Castore in 2015. Early recognition came from partnering with Andy Murray for his AMC brand. Castore expanded into football kit supply, F1 sponsorship, rugby kits, and outfitting the England cricket team. They weathered a 2023 storm over defective Aston Villa kits and now supply Everton. Despite their wealth, the Liverpool brothers remain down-to-earth—Tom still drove his old Volkswagen Polo in 2023—but they own two luxury villas on the Spanish coast.
Rory McIlroy: £325 Million
McIlroy's wealth is impressive given he eschewed the riches of LIV Golf, unlike rivals Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm. He earned through talent and deals with Nike and Omega, plus investments via Symphony Ventures in sports tech companies Whoop and Hyperice, and home golf simulator Jupiter. His property portfolio, worth over £30 million, includes homes in Jupiter, Florida; a 19th-century Irish estate; and a mansion on the Wentworth Estate in England.
Anthony Joshua: £240 Million
Joshua has made his promoter Eddie Hearn wealthy, but the former heavyweight champion has amassed his own fortune, set to grow ahead of his fight against Tyson Fury. Surprisingly, one of his biggest paydays came from defeating Jake Paul in December, earning £70 million in a Netflix-streamed bout. Known as 'the Landlord', Joshua has a property empire worth an estimated £200 million, including prime commercial real estate in London, Lagos, and Hertfordshire.
Tyson Fury: £162 Million
Just behind his rival Joshua, Fury has commanded massive paydays, especially from Saudi Arabian bouts. His blockbuster showdown with Oleksandr Usyk earned him £85 million from his purse share in May 2024, with a £150 million prize pot split for their rematch a year later. Despite his wealth, Fury and his family live on the Isle of Man, having moved from Morecambe, in an £8 million mansion with a gym, cinema, and privacy.
Harry Kane: £110 Million
England captain Kane sealed a ten-figure move from Tottenham to Bayern Munich and earns from endorsements with Nike and Mars. He made £11.8 million from image rights alone. Through The Harry Kane Company, he manages investments in businesses and real estate, including Reflo, a sustainable performancewear company committed to planting one million trees annually. His £20 million Surrey home, built on land bought for £6.5 million, features extensive works.
Sir Andy Murray: £110 Million
Less than two years after retiring, Murray has maintained his fortune through investments in brands like Castore and as an associate partner at venture capital fund Redrice Ventures. He owns the Cromlix hotel in Scotland and Game4Padel, capitalizing on padel's boom. The pull of tennis remains strong; he signed up to coach compatriot Jack Draper for the upcoming grass season.
