SI: The 50 highest-earning athletes

When welterweight Floyd Mayweather was No. 1 on Sports Illustrated’s Fortunate 50 last year—knocking out Tiger Woods, who had been No. 1 every year since SI started producing the list in 2004—it looked like a fluke, the result of the $85 million he received for his fights with Victor Ortiz and Miguel Cotto. Now Mayweather is proving that he belongs at the top. From just two bouts this year, one earlier this month and the other scheduled for September, he will earn at least $90 million, and that’s conservative; he could make as much as $128 million.

There are other notable shifts this year. LeBron James (No. 2) passed Kobe Bryant (No. 4). Tiger Woods (No. 5) is back above Phil Mickelson (No. 6)—thanks to $4 million more in tour winnings. Drew Brees wasn’t on last year’s list but he burst into the top five thanks to a $37 million signing bonus from his new contract.

The findings consist solely of salary, winnings, bonuses and endorsements. SI consulted players’ associations, tour records, online databases, agents and media reports. The endorsement estimates come from a stable of marketing executives, agents and other experts, including Burns Entertainment & Sports Marketing.

Candidates for the Fortunate 50 must be U.S. citizens or play in a U.S.—based league.

1. Floyd Mayweather (boxing)
2. LeBron James (NBA)
3. Drew Brees (NFL)
4. Kobe Bryant (NBA)
5. Tiger Woods (golf)

MLB:
9. Alex Rodriguez
10.Zack Greinke
13.Johan Santana
14.Felix Hernandez
17.Cliff Lee
19.Derek Jeter
20.Joe Mauer

Alfonso Soriano willing to accept trade

Wait….I had something for this.

Cubs outfielder Alfonso Soriano told reporters on Monday that he’d accept a trade to “six or seven” other teams (ESPN Chicago).

As Paul Sullivan of the Chicago Tribune reminds us, Soriano last year had the chance to approve a trade to the Giants, eventual winners of belt and title, but opted not to do so. This time around, Soriano adds that he’d give the go-ahead for a team in the “east or center,” so perhaps nothing’s changed when it comes to his willingness to be shipped out west.

In any event, Soriano’s no-trade clause is just one obstacle to dealing him. The fact that he’ll make $18 million in each of the next two seasons is also a notable impediment. Unless the Cubs are willing to throw in towering stack of bills—marked or unmarked—it’s going to be impossible to trade Soriano. The near-deal with San Francisco, of course, suggests the Cubs are indeed willing.