There are several Canadians among the world’s highest-paid athletes.
From players who are favoured for MVP in their respective leagues at the BetMGM sportsbook to well-compensated role players, plenty of Canadian athletes are earning massive salaries.
Who Are the Top-Earning Canadian Athletes?
| Rank | Player | Salary | League |
| 1 | Shai Gilgeous-Alexander | $71,250,000 | NBA |
| 2 | Jamal Murray | $51,961,392 | NBA |
| 3 | Vladimir Guerrero Jr. | $35,714,285 | MLB |
| 4 | R.J. Barrett | $27,700,000 | NBA |
| 5 | Freddie Freeman | $27,000,000 | MLB |
| 6 | Dillon Brooks | $21,124,110 | NBA |
| 7 | Josh Naylor | $18,500,000 | MLB |
| 8 | Andrew Nembhard | $18,100,000 | NBA |
| 9 | Luguentz Dort | $17,722,222 | NBA |
| 10 | Alphonso Davies | $17,250,000 | Bundesliga |
| 11 | Jameson Taillon | $17,000,000 | MLB |
| 12 | Nickeil Alexander-Walker | $15,161,800 | NBA |
| 13 | Nick Pivetta | $13,750,000 | MLB |
| 14 | Kelly Olynyk | $13,445,122 | NBA |
| T-15 | Connor McDavid | $12,500,000 | NHL |
| T-15 | Brandon Clarke | $12,500,000 | NBA |
1. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, $71,250,000
The reigning NBA MVP and Finals MVP, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is the best guard in the NBA. He’s posting historic scoring numbers at elite efficiency, while playing high-level defence, for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The average annual value of his contract is the highest in NBA history.
2. Jamal Murray, $51,961,392
One of the best NBA players not to be named an All-Star, Jamal Murray’s contract raised eyebrows when it was signed in September 2024.
Murray is a proven playoff performer, however, and has been a pillar of the Denver Nuggets’ success in the 2020s.
3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., $35,714,285
It seemed like the Toronto Blue Jays had missed their chance to extend Vladimir Guerrero Jr.
After drawn-out negotiations, the Jays finally got a deal done for their franchise cornerstone in April 2025. Only two players in MLB history – Juan Soto and Shohei Ohtani – have signed larger contracts.
4. R.J. Barrett, $27,700,000
This figure is using R.J. Barrett’s base salary. The Toronto Raptors wing could earn several million dollars more if he hits incentives. Barrett signed this four-year deal with the New York Knicks before he was included in the OG Anunoby trade.
5. Freddie Freeman, $27,000,000
He might have opted to represent the USA, but Freddie Freeman is the son of two Canadian parents. Freeman penned a long-term contract with the Los Angeles Dodgers as a free agent in March 2022.
6. Dillon Brooks, $21,124,110
The size of some of these contracts illuminates how well NBA players are paid. Dillon Brooks is a role player for the Phoenix Suns, but he earns considerably more than some soccer, NHL, and MLB stars.
7. Josh Naylor, $18,500,000
Josh Naylor was going to be a man in demand in free agency. The Seattle Mariners moved quickly to re-sign their first baseman to a five-year, $92.5 million deal.
8. Andrew Nembhard, $18,100,000
Andrew Nembhard agreed to a three-year contract extension with the Indiana Pacers in the 2024 NBA offseason. Indiana reached the NBA Finals in the following season with Nembhard playing a key role alongside Tyrese Haliburton.
9. Luguentz Dort, $17,722,222
One of the best perimeter defenders in the NBA and a teammate of Gilgeous-Alexander, Luguentz Dort signed a five-year, $82.5 million contract with the Thunder in 2022. Dort can be a free agent after the 2026-27 campaign.
10. Alphonso Davies, $17,250,000
The only soccer player in the top 15, Alphonso Davies earns $10,250,000 more per year than any other Canadian soccer player. Davies is under contract with Bayern Munich until 2030.
11. Jameson Taillon, $17,000,000
Jameson Taillon signed a four-year, $68 million deal with the Chicago Cubs in December 2022. Reliable starting pitchers are handsomely rewarded in MLB free agency.
12. Nickeil Alexander-Walker, $15,161,800
The Atlanta Hawks acquired Nickeil Alexander-Walker via sign-and-trade from the Minnesota Timberwolves in the 2025 offseason. Atlanta used its midlevel exception to sign Alexander-Walker.
13. Nick Pivetta, $13,750,000
Nick Pivetta enjoyed a strong 2025 with the San Diego Padres. His four-year deal with San Diego has opt-outs after the 2026 and 2027 seasons, so he could return to free agency if he has another good season.
14. Kelly Olynyk, $13,445,122
Traded by the Raptors in the Brandon Ingram deal, Kelly Olynyk was traded to the San Antonio Spurs in the 2025 offseason. Olynyk is still playing on the contract he signed with the Raps in 2024.
T-15. Connor McDavid, $12,500,000
A three-time winner of the Hart Memorial Trophy, Connor McDavid is one of the best hockey players of the 21st century. Only two NHL players – Leon Draisaitl and Auston Matthews – earn more than McDavid.
T-15. Brandon Clarke, $12,500,000
One of the better bench bigs in the NBA earlier in the decade, injuries have derailed Brandon Clarke’s career. His contract with the Memphis Grizzlies expires at the end of the 2026-27 season.
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