The Top Ten Highest Payrolls in World Sports
Summary
The Los Angeles Dodgers’ recent $240 million signing of Kyle Tucker exemplifies the soaring payrolls in professional sports, with their projected $413 million for 2026 ranking second globally. The top ten list for that year is dominated by baseball and soccer clubs, featuring teams like the New York Mets ($358M), Bayern Munich (~$365M), and Real Madrid (~$411M).
Topping the list is Saudi soccer club Al-Nassr with an estimated $480 million payroll, heavily driven by Cristiano Ronaldo’s massive salary. This trend of escalating spending is fueled by global media rights, merchandise, and streaming revenue, suggesting team payrolls may soon approach half a billion dollars annually.
When Kyle Tucker agreed to a $240-million US, four-year contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers, it proved the rich get richer in baseball. The defending two-time World Series champions continue to bolster their lineup as they aim for a three-peat. The franchise has no regard for spending, with a projected payroll of around $413 million, the highest among all North American leagues.  But where do they rank worldwide? Here are the top ten highest payrolls in sports for 2026.
*The NFL has a salary cap, but teams are affected by dead cap money. The 2026 salary cap is expected to be around $295-$304 million*
10. Manchester City (EPL) – Approx. $310 Million (US)
Manchester City’s payroll is led by star striker Erling Haaland at around 36M annually, followed by key players like Bernardo Silva (21M) and John Stones (17M). The club pays substantial wages across its roster, with many top players earning over 13M yearly, showcasing their status as a top-tier club.
T9. Philadelphia Phillies (MLB) – Approx. $311 Million
The Philadelphia Phillies have one of MLB’s highest payrolls, which will be over $311 million in 2026, pushing against luxury tax thresholds and incurring significant luxury tax penalties. This team includes high-salaried stars like Zack Wheeler, Kyle Schwarber, Trea Turner, and Bryce Harper.Â
T9. San Francisco 49ers (NFL) – Approx. $311 Million (2025)
The 49ers’ 2025 payroll involves significant cap hits for key players, including Trent Williams ($21M+), George Kittle ($14M+), and Jauan Jennings ($9M+), but the biggest hit comes with over $103 million in dead cap, including $38 million for Deebo Samuel.
7. Toronto Blue Jays (MLB) – Approx $312 Million
After falling short in the World Series, the Toronto Blue Jays made some additions and have seen their payroll balloon to over $312 million for 2026. Dylan Cease (7 years, $210M) andÂ
Japanese slugger Kazuma Okamoto (4 years, $60M) was given big deals while others earn big dollars, including Vladimir Guerrero Jr. ($35M) and George Springer ($25M).
6. Cleveland Browns (NFL) – Approx. $317 Million (2025)
The Cleveland Browns’ payroll is so high largely because of how their player contracts are structured and the expensive commitments they’ve made. Quarterback Deshaun Watson has a fully guaranteed five-year, ~$230 million contract — one of the biggest in NFL history. Add to that, a massive deal for star Myles Garrett, the Browns had the biggest payroll in the NFL.
5. New York Mets (MLB) – $358 Million
The Mets jumped up the list after signing Bo Bichette to a 3-year, $126 million deal. New York now is No. 2 in the MLB payroll, and is paying three players (Juan Soto, Bichette, Francisco Lindor) more than $125 million. This team is still paying Bobby Bonilla $1.19 million every year. Bonilla retired in 2001. Â
4. Bayern Munich (Bundesliga): Around 365 Million (US)
Another soccer giant, Bayern Munich’s estimated payroll of around $365 million annually, with players like Harry Kane, Manuel Neuer, and Joshua Kimmich earning significant salaries. Exact figures are confidential, but estimates place their total squad spending at least $335 million per year, and as high as $375 million.
3. Real Madrid (La Liga) – Around $411 Million (US)
Real Madrid’s estimated total annual payroll for the first team is approximately $411 million, with an average annual salary of €11.2 million per player. Top earners like Kylian Mbappé make $41 million while David Alaba receives $30 million a season. Real Madrid operates with a large budget and balances big-name signings with strategic spending on the Spanish La Liga.
2. LA Dodgers (MLB) – $413 Million
After signing Kyle Tucker, the Dodgers have a payroll of over $413 million. The team now has eight contracts of more than $100M and four deals of more than $240m. The Dodgers have a staggering $2.11 billion of guaranteed money on their books. Yet, they have won two World Series in a row and are heavy favorites to capture another.
1. Al-Nassr (Saudi Pro League) – Around $480 Million
Al-Nassr’s payroll for the 2025-2026 season is the biggest in the world, as the total first-team base salaries are around $480 million annually. Obviously, this is heavily influenced by Cristiano Ronaldo, who reportedly is making $335 million this season. The average player will make around $16M per season, showing the massive investment by the Saudi Pro League.
Conclusion
While many think salaries and team spending can’t go any higher, it probably will as the business of sports continues to grow. Expensive media rights, salary caps, revenue sharing, and the globalization of fandom are why leagues like the NFL and soccer leagues continue to see huge contracts and big-time spending. For most franchises, it’s no longer about local business; it’s worldwide through website hits, merchandise sales, and streaming. It won’t be long before we see teams spending half a billion to a billion dollars a year on their players and stars.
