Canadian sportspeople aren’t just dominating the big stage in various disciplines. They are also racking in insane amounts of money.
The 2024 list of super-rich athletes is out and the leading ones, according to celebritynetworth.com, are:
Table of Contents
- Joey Votto
- Steve Nash
- Sidney Crosby
- Brad Richards
- Vincent Lecavalier
- Dany Heatley
- Jason Bay
- Eric Staal
- Justin Morneau
- Shea Weber
- Honorable Mentions: Richest Canadian Athletes
- Conclusion: Canadian Athletes Continue to Cash In
Joey Votto
Leading the list is Joey Votto, who holds an impressive net worth of $110 million. Votto, a professional Major League Baseball player, has been the face of the Cincinnati Reds since making his debut in 2007. As the team’s first baseman, he has earned numerous accolades, including the prestigious MVP National League award, the Lou Marsh Trophy, and the National League Hank Aaron Award.
Votto’s wealth is a product of his long-standing contract with the Reds, his ability to perform at an elite level, and his impressive endorsement deals. Not only has he dominated the field, but his marketability has also made him a household name in Canada. Joey Votto’s success story began at Richview Collegiate, from where he was drafted in the 2002 MLB draft by the Reds, showing how perseverance and talent can lead to financial and athletic success.
Steve Nash
Steve Nash, a retired professional basketball player, ranks second with a net worth of $95 million. Born in South Africa and raised in Canada, Nash became one of the best NBA point guards, securing multiple MVP awards and being named to the NBA All-Star team twice. Despite retiring from playing, Nash continues to contribute to the game as the head coach of the Brooklyn Nets, and his time as a coach and manager for Canada’s national basketball team has further enhanced his legacy.
With endorsement deals from brands like Nike and Vitaminwater, Nash’s off-court earnings have significantly boosted his wealth. His intelligence on the court translated into savvy financial decisions, securing his place among Canada’s wealthiest athletes.
Sidney Cosby
At $55 million, Sidney Crosby sits comfortably as Canada’s richest professional hockey player. Crosby, often referred to as one of the best players of his generation, is the captain of the Pittsburgh Penguins and has led his team to multiple Stanley Cup victories. Crosby’s journey started at Rimouski Océanic, where he excelled before being drafted by the Penguins. His leadership skills, paired with incredible on-ice performance, have made him a fan favorite and a Canadian icon.
Beyond his on-ice earnings, Crosby’s endorsements with brands like Gatorade and Adidas have added millions to his fortune, cementing his place among Canada’s highest-paid athletes.
Brad Richards
Despite recently hanging up his skates, Brad Richards’ net worth of $45 million ranks high among Canada’s richest sports personalities. Brad, a retired professional ice hockey player, is a classic example of nomadism in the sport, having played for no fewer than five National Hockey League clubs during his entire professional career. Leading to many different moves which can be hard for most athletes. Getting a visa as an athlete is much easier compared to getting one in a normal circumstance.
Born in Murray Harbour, Brad Richards started his career with the Notre Dame Hounds before progressing onto Rimouski Oceanic. Tampa Bay Lightning drafted him in 1998, where he played until 2008 when Dallas Stars came calling. He later played for the New York Rangers, followed by Chicago Blackhawks, before retiring after a year’s contract with Detroit Red Wings in 2015.
Vincent Lecavalier
Yet another filthy-rich former Canadian professional ice hockey player, Vincent Lecavalier, is estimated to be worth $45 million. Lecavalier, who last played for the National Hockey League outfit, the Los Angeles Kings, is ranked among the top NHL players of all time.
He was born in Ile Bizar and, just like his long-time friend Brad Richards, Vincent Lecavalier started his professional career at Rimouski Oceanic before getting drafted by Tampa Bay. He later played at the Philadelphia Flyers before his 1-year stint at the Los Angeles Kings and retired later in 2016. One of the feats associated with him is the 2007 Maurice Richard “Rocket” Trophy, the top scorer.
Dany Heatley
Worth an estimated $40 million, a figure that puts him among the richest Canadian athletes is Dany Heatley. Dany, a German-born, played professionally for Team Canadian before his retirement last played in Germany’s Deutsche Eishockey Liga for the Thomas Sabo Ice Tigers.
Dany’s professional career spanned well over 15 years, and he played for an impressive six NHL clubs before proceeding to Germany. He’s, however, remembered for his exploits and controversies in the NHL, especially at Ottawa Senators, San Jose Sharks, and Minnesota Wild.
Jason Bay
Jason Bay, a former professional baseball player, is estimated to be worth $40 million. Jason, an American-Canadian, had a long and colorful career that included turning out for a host of outfits, including Boston Sox, the Seattle Mariners, and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
He was born in Trail, in British Columbia, but started his impressive baseball career at Gonzaga University before playing for several major leagues. Jason is remembered for his Rookie of the year award in 2004 and the Silver Slugger award in 2009, along with his inclusion at the All-Star MLB team and 3-times O’Neill award.
Eric Staal
Minnesota Wild’s Eric Staal, according to celebritynetworth.com, is worth $38 million. The 34-year-old professional ice hockey player plies his trade at the NHL. He has captained the Carolina Hurricanes before turning out for the New York Rangers.
Born in Thunder Bay, Ontario, his successful career in ice hockey started at the Ontario Hockey League before NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes drafted him. His accolades include winning the 2006 Stanley Cup with the Gold Club and 2007’s World Championship and the winter Olympics.
Justin Morneau
At $35 million is Justin Morneau, another New Westminster-born professional baseball player. Morneau, who rose to prominence after getting drafted as a catcher by the Minnesota Twins in 1999, is the first player who “throws right and bats left.” He was also the first baseman in the lower-level leagues. His accolades include being an MVP at the American league and his inclusion in the All-Stars team five years in a row.
Shea Weber
At the tail-end of the list of the top 10 richest Canadian athletes is Shea Weber, whose net worth stands at $24 million. Weber, born in British Columbia’s Sicamous area, is a professional hockey player who majorly plays as a defenseman.
He’s currently playing for Montreal Canadiens, having been drafted by Nashville Predators in 2003. However, Weber started his professional career at the Sicamous Eagles and later with Kelowna Rockets. Some of the awards under his name include a gold medal at the 2016 Hockey World Cup and two similar medals in the 2010 and 2014 winter Olympics.
Honorable Mention: Richest Canadian Athletes
These Canadian athletes are still rich, but not the richest athletes. They include Andrew Wiggens, Jamal Murray, Lance Stroll, Lennox Lewis, and Joey Votto.
Conclusion: Canadian Athletes Continue to Cash In (And Maybe Share Some?)
So, there you have it—Canada’s richest athletes making bank while the rest of us ponder what it’s like to have millions in the bank. Whether it’s Joey Votto smacking baseballs or Sidney Crosby skating circles around the competition, these athletes are cashing in big-time. And with rising contracts, endorsements, and even global deals, their net worths are only going up. Who knows, maybe one day they’ll treat us to some maple syrup and a signed jersey?
On a serious note, the future is looking incredibly bright for Canadian athletes. Not only are they excelling on the field, rink, or court, but they’re also building legacies that go beyond their sports. With each deal and every endorsement, these stars are not just playing games—they’re making moves that will secure their place among the world’s wealthiest athletes for years to come.
One thing’s for sure: if you ever find yourself looking for some financial advice, it might not hurt to take a page out of these athletes’ playbooks (or, you know, ask them for a small loan). After all, if they keep racking in millions, maybe they’ll have some spare change for the rest of us. Until then, we’ll just sit back and keep cheering them on—while keeping an eye on their next big deal!
