2026 Winter Olympics top earners: Highest-paid athletes in Milan

[ASFN Admin]

The 2026 Winter Olympics features nearly 3,000 athletes in Milan Cortina, but for many they won’t take home any financial benefits from the global event.

However, there are a select few that earn big bucks for sponsorships, payment from their international leagues and various other bonuses that make them some of the highest-paid in the world.

Forbes recently dropped a list of the top earners attending the 2026 Winter Olympics, including number one freestyle skiing phenom Eileen Gu. The Chinese star reportedly makes over $23 million annually.

MORE: Team USA athletes to watch at 2026 Winter Olympics

For most of the nearly 2,900 athletes competing, the Winter Games are not a paycheck.

Training, travel, and equipment costs often outweigh earnings, even for medal contenders. But a select group benefits from league salaries, sponsorships, and bonuses.⁠
⁠
(via @Forbes) pic.twitter.com/qpCyJuAif2

— Boardroom (@boardroom) February 10, 2026

Meanwhile, three of the top four athletes on Forbes’ list are female competitors. Gu is joined by Americans Lindsey Vonn and Chloe kim, who all make over $4 million each year.

NHL star Auston Matthews checks in at over $30 million annually as he and Team USA look to take down other elite hockey nations like Canada. In 2022, the U.S. failed to medal after Finland won its first Olympic gold.

However, the 2026 Winter Olympics are another opportunity for Matthews and Co. to make a push on the ice.

MORE: Norwegian Olympics star makes stunning girlfriend admission after winning bronze medal

You must be registered for see images attach

Lindsey Vonn in women’s downhill training during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Mandatory Credit: Eric Bolte-Imagn Images


Lindsey Vonn recently scared the downhill skiing world after her tragic crash in Milan. The American recently tore her ACL before trying to push herself to still compete in Italy.

— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories on The Big Lead —​

OLYMPICS: 2026 Winter Olympics TV schedule, list of Milan Cortino events on Tuesday, February 10​

SUPER BOWL: Way-too-early 2027 Super Bowl odds following NFL season

NFL DRAFT: Updated 2026 NFL Draft order following Seahawks’ Super Bowl 60 win

CBB: 2026 college basketball rankings, updated AP Top 25 for Week 15

MLB: League advised teams to ‘tell players to carry their papers’ to avoid ICE detention

SPORTS MEDIA: Shocking details emerge from James Pearce Jr, Rickea Jackson domestic dispute

The post 2026 Winter Olympics top earners: Highest-paid athletes in Milan appeared first on The Big Lead.

Continue reading...