In many ways, the year in sports can be told through dollars and cents. The influx of Saudi Arabian oil money into sports boosted the combined earnings of the top 50 highest-paid athletes to a record $3.88 billion, the Dallas Cowboys proved the continued dominance of the NFL by becoming the first sports franchise worth more than $10 billion, and Rafael Nadal retired from tennis after earning an estimated $550 million in his decorated career.
But the best stories are told through the individuals who are deploying their hard-earned money in pursuit of an entrepreneurial dream. This year, our staff profiled Lululemon founder Chip Wilson as he finds his next apparel venture; billionaire Jorge Mas’ gamble to bring Lionel Messi to MLS; crypto-pioneering, psychedelic-promoting billionaire Christian Angermayer’s plan for a steroid-infused Olympics; UFC president Dana White’s $20 million push to host the first sporting event at The Sphere; and former Formula 1 world champion Nico Rosberg’s $100 million venture capital fund.
Forbes also told the story of a disgruntled Florida golfer who bought the property next door and started his own club. We spoke to migrant workers dealing with the fallout of the World Cup in Qatar. And in auto racing, the new CEO of all-electric Formula E told us why he thinks he can compete with Formula 1.
Here are the best sports business stories of the year.
Packing a Punch: "I was the champ of the world," Mike Tyson says, "and now I’m the champ in cannabis."
Aaron Rapoport/Corbis/Getty ImagesThe former heavyweight champion sat down with Forbes in April to explain how pot changed his life, and why he’s trying to become a cannabis mogul (with ear-shaped gummies). In retrospect, his tough talk about preparing for his blockbuster fight against Jake Paul—including not getting high or having sex with his wife—doesn’t seem quite so convincing after his loss in November.
Crossover Appeal: New York Liberty forward Breanna Stewart became the first WNBA player since 2010 to introduce her own signature shoe.
PUMAWomen’s basketball players have traditionally played the sport in men’s sneakers. Now, brands like Puma, Nike and Adidas are looking to score with signature shoes for WNBA superstars such as Breanna Stewart, Sabrina Ionescu and Candace Parker.
Power Alley: "Sometimes, you just want to hang out, put some music on and bowl a couple of games," says Mookie Betts, who has competed in the World Series of Bowling and has rolled several perfect games.
Ethan Pines for ForbesIf there’s one thing the Dodgers’ All-Star shortstop loves when he’s not on the diamond, it’s bowling. He has competed in the World Series of Bowling and has rolled several perfect games. In a private tour of his new Los Angeles mansion, Betts went deep on his big-league business ambitions beyond baseball—and why he wants to be a bowling kingpin.
Mike Keiser has built out his golf resort with the everyday golfer in mind, and admits he himself is a "lousy golfer."
Cody Pickens for ForbesMike Keiser turned a patch of coastal Oregon into Bandon Dunes, the unlikely home of some of the world’s best golf courses. The 79-year-old told us in June that he plans to keep building and expanding the property as long as he’s alive, certain that if he builds it, they will come. With more than 250,000 rounds played last year, it’s hard to argue.
“I have probably as many brand deals as Tommy does during the U.S. Open,” says Paige Lorenze, seen here with boyfriend Tommy Paul.
Clive Brunskill/Getty ImagesPaige Lorenze, Morgan Riddle, Ayan Broomfield and others dating tennis pros are signing up as many sponsorship deals as their romantic doubles partners. “I would be lying if I said that tennis hasn’t affected my income; on the brand deals side of things, it’s made my content more valuable,” Lorenze told Forbes in the lead-up to the U.S. Open in August. Go inside the lucrative racket that advertisers can’t resist.
Top Shelf: The Toki Row is one of the new premium club spaces at the Brooklyn Nets’ Barclays Center. Membership starts at $33,000 for a season.
BSE GlobalStadiums are redefining premium seating by offering a larger range of spaces and amenities—including private cabanas under the stands, a visit from a mascot, even the chance to fly on the team plane. Here’s why courtside fans are now looking up in envy.
Good Timing: "I always liked nice things," says Strahan, wearing a $76,000 "John Mayer" Rolex, "but I never knew I'd be able to afford a lot of nice things."
Jamel Toppin for ForbesWith three TV jobs (and counting), the Pro Football Hall of Famer makes his days seem longer than 24 hours—and rewards himself with a multimillion-dollar watch collection. The Good Morning America host brought eight of his best timepieces along to help tell the story of his life and career. At 53 years old, he’s already dreaming of retiring. Again.
Amore-amore: "It's good to be in this position to get recognized," Jasmine Paolini says of her newfound fame. "I'm always trying to say yes, especially to the kids."
Francois Nel/Getty ImagesAt 28, many tennis players are already contemplating retirement. But for Italy’s petite powerhouse, it was a breakout season that included an Olympic gold medal and two appearances in Grand Slam finals. Here’s how she’s turning her infectious smile and powerful game into earnings on and off the court.