GREG LOVETT / PALM BEACH POST / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Tiger Woods Returns to Headlines With Good News After Masters Withdrawal

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Abdul Bari Khan | Last updated Apr 1, 2026 1:19 PM ET

This week has been one to forget for Tiger Woods’ fans. While it started with his return to TGL, it has now led to his withdrawal from The Masters. But as Woods continues to manage his personal life, his position on one of sport’s biggest lists remains intact.

Tiger announced yesterday that he will be taking a professional break to “seek treatment” following his DUI arrest. This also confirmed his withdrawal from the first major of the season. While his on-course action has once again come to a halt, Woods’ position among the world’s highest-paid athletes of all time has resurfaced.

The 50-year-old is a well-known billionaire. As per Sportico’s newest rankings, Tiger holds the No. 2 spot behind the $4.5 billion-valued NBA legend Michael Jordan. Woods’ career earnings stand at $2.88 billion after adjusting for inflation, which places him ahead of Cristiano Ronaldo’s $2.52 billion figure.

New highest-paid athletes of all time from @Sportico:

▪️MJ #1 at $4.5B in inflation-adjusted career earnings
▪️Tiger #2 at $2.88B
▪️10 sports in top 50 with 13 NBA, 8 golf, 7 boxing
▪️Cutoff: $595M
▪️Serena Williams ($680M) only woman

Full list https://t.co/sKKWpTxGL2
— Kurt Badenhausen (@kbadenhausen) April 1, 2026

However, with $1.97 billion in earnings, Woods still trails Ronaldo when the numbers are not adjusted for inflation. This is largely because most of Tiger’s on-course earnings came during the late 1990s and throughout the 2000s. While he now represents his own brand, Sun Day Red, it’s hard to ignore his decades-long partnership with Nike.

He reportedly earned around $500–$660 million from the brand. Woods’ endorsement deals with Rolex, TaylorMade, Monster Energy, 2K Sports, and several other brands have also played a key role in building his fortune. His current net worth stands at $1.5 billion as per Forbes.

Meanwhile, the 15-time major winner still holds the record for the highest career earnings on the PGA Tour, with $120,999,166. Tiger has long been the benchmark in the sport, whether it’s winning on the golf course or earning off it.

As Woods continues his fight to regain form, news like this could serve as a morale boost, reminding many that the PGA Tour legend has always belonged among the very top.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: