The athlete in Southern California currently making the most money is Shohei Ohtani, who recently signed a historic $700-million contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers. This deal marks the most lucrative contract in the history of North American team sports.

In terms of career earnings, LeBron James of the Los Angeles Lakers leads the pack with $479 million accumulated through this season, according to Spotrac. However, James earns a significant portion of his income from endorsements, sponsorships, and business ventures rather than solely from his salary or winnings.

Sportico recently released its list of the 100 highest-paid athletes worldwide, factoring in earnings from both on-field activities and off-field ventures. While soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo topped the list at $275 million, LeBron James ranked fourth with $125.7 million, with a substantial portion coming from endorsements and deals.

Shohei Ohtani made his mark on the list, ranking 16th overall and first among baseball players, with a total income of $70 million. With an anticipated increase in endorsements after joining the Dodgers, Ohtani’s income is expected to rise significantly.

Despite deferring a portion of his salary, Ohtani’s combined income from salary and endorsements places him among the top earners globally, highlighting his significant financial success in the sports world.