Sports
Revealed
The world of sports is one of the most lucrative, with mammoth contracts, prize purses and eye-watering endorsements. When it comes to the highest-paid athletes in the world, most people think of footballers, American basketball stars or heavyweight boxers. But golf? It’s becoming more now than ever, a serious moneymaker. Trophies are not the sole […]

The world of sports is one of the most lucrative, with mammoth contracts, prize purses and eye-watering endorsements.
When it comes to the highest-paid athletes in the world, most people think of footballers, American basketball stars or heavyweight boxers.
But golf? It’s becoming more now than ever, a serious moneymaker.
Trophies are not the sole motivation for the modern golfer, with monster cheques, sponsorships, and global exposure current benefits of success in the sport.
The modern commercial value of the sport is jaw-dropping, with personality and charisma on the course now profitable in social media fame and appearances.
So, which golfers have made their way into the top 11 earners in sport?
Let’s dive in and take a closer look…
11. Phil Mickelson – £1.12B
One of golf’s most successful figures and the one iconic ‘lefty’. Phil Mickelson has earned £1.12B through tournament winnings courtesy of six Major titles and 45 PGA Tour wins, as well as a wide array of endorsements.
His jump to LIV Golf also significantly added to his wealth, and his brand has remained strong thanks to his appeal and media canniness.
10. Roger Federer – £1.20B
One of tennis’s most recognised and graceful players, Federer’s endorsements with Uniqlo, Nike, Rolex and Wilson have far outstripped his tennis tournament earnings.
Quiet business moves and equity deals helped him become a billionaire and a model for post-career success.
9. Floyd Mayweather – £1.22B
Undefeated boxing champion, Floyd ‘Money’ Mayweather, was famously in charge of his own promotions, allowing him to keep the bulk of his pay-per-view revenue.
His blockbuster fights and late career exhibitions were instrumental in earning his more than adequate post-boxing retirement fund.
8. David Beckham – £1.28B
David Beckham’s skills were strong, but his global appeal was the cash cow, his globetrotting career making him a hero around the world.
Beyond his huge Manchester United, Real Madrid and MLS salaries, he cultivated a brand built upon style and luxury. His earnings came through endorsements, business ventures and his ownership of Inter Miami CF.
7. Jack Nicklaus – £1.36B
Another golfing legend on the list, Jack Nicklaus, won a record 18 Major titles and a consequent business brand.
Since his retirement, golf course design has been at the centre of his business ventures, with licensing deals under his name.
He earned his fortune while maintaining a towering presence as one of the greats in golf.
6= Arnold Palmer – £1.44B
Long before athlete endorsements were mainstream, golf legend Arnold Palmer was a pioneer in sports athlete branding.
Beyond his wins on the course, Palmer created a business empire with licensing deals, a successful drinks company and, like Nicklaus, course design.
The two stand out in the list as making large earnings in a time when sport was not as lucrative as today.
6= Lionel Messi – £1.44B
One of the greatest footballers ever, Lionel Messi, earned huge salaries at Barcelona and now at Inter Miami.
He has long been the face of Adidas Football and Pepsi, as well as countless global brands cashing in on his marketability.
6= LeBron James – £1.44B
LeBron James is not only a four-time NBA champion but also a proven businessman.
Endorsements from Nike and investments in companies like Blaze Pizza and a stake in Spring Hill Entertainment and Liverpool FC, his off-court moves have been as successful as his basketball career.
3. Cristiano Ronaldo – £1.76B
Ronaldo’s immense football talent, marketability and massive social media following turned him into a huge global brand.
Massive contracts from Real Madrid and Al-Nassr have made him a commercial powerhouse in sport.
2. Tiger Woods – £2.16B
Tiger Woods revolutionised golf with his utter dominance and charisma, earning millions in tournament wins and endorsements.
Major deals with Nike and global brands and the introduction of his new Sunday Red have contributed to his staggering wealth while remaining active on the PGA Tour.
1. Michael Jordan – £3.28B
Often regarded as the greatest basketball player of all time, Jordan built his fortune not just through NBA contracts but mainly through endorsements.
His famous Nike Air Jordan brand and previous ownership stake in the Charlotte Hornets made him the first athlete to surpass £3 billion in career earnings.
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Sports
McNicholas High School boys volleyball team wins Division II state championship
SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The McNicholas High School boys volleyball team is a state champion for a second straight season. The Rockets defeated Mount Vernon 25-21, 25-4, 25-17 in the Division II state final Saturday afternoon at Wittenberg University. This is the second state title in program history. Gavin Gerhard had 13 kills, three service aces, […]

SPRINGFIELD, Ohio — The McNicholas High School boys volleyball team is a state champion for a second straight season.
The Rockets defeated Mount Vernon 25-21, 25-4, 25-17 in the Division II state final Saturday afternoon at Wittenberg University. This is the second state title in program history.
Gavin Gerhard had 13 kills, three service aces, five digs and two block assists. Ethan Gundrum had nine kills, 18 assists, five digs and three block assists.
McNicholas (27-1) won 23 consecutive matches to complete its special season. The Rockets defeated Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary in a state semifinal Friday afternoon to set up the state final Saturday.
McNicholas is coached by Connor Games, a 2015 graduate, who just completed his first season as the varsity head coach. This is a team with nine seniors.
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Sports
Bearcat Athletes of the Week: Kai Stolzfus and Kiley Bowman
Bearcats: Kai Stolzfus (Junior) and Kiley Bowman (Sophomore) Sport: Beach Volleyball Comment: “Our final submission for Athlete of the week from Beach Volleyball will be our 1’s Team! Kai Stolzfus (Junior) and Kiley Bowman (Sophomore) were our STARS OF THE SEASON! From a coach’s perspective, these are the athletes you pray for. Competitive, great sportsmanship, […]

Bearcats: Kai Stolzfus (Junior) and Kiley Bowman (Sophomore)
Sport: Beach Volleyball
Comment: “Our final submission for Athlete of the week from Beach Volleyball will be our 1’s Team! Kai Stolzfus (Junior) and Kiley Bowman (Sophomore) were our STARS OF THE SEASON! From a coach’s perspective, these are the athletes you pray for. Competitive, great sportsmanship, drive to be better every day, continual growth, and tremendous potential! Top it off with great teammates and scholar academics, and they are the whole package.
With another year in front of us, I am more than excited to get to our next season of Beach and watch these ladies dazzle us on the sand for another season. Thank you, ladies, for making your school, your families, your coaches, and Paso Robles proud!
All coaches at Paso Robles High School are invited to participate in Athletes of the Week to recognize students who were standouts at a recent competition, showing improvement at practices, or bringing a great attitude to the team. Coaches may contact Beth Brennan at beth@accesspublishing.com.
Thank you to our sponsors of athletes of the week:
Red Scooter Deli is your local deli in Paso Robles. Drop by for a leisurely breakfast, quick lunch bite, refreshing smoothie or a cup of locally roasted coffee. Breakfast choices range from pastries and smoothies to breakfast sandwiches and scrambles. They have a full coffee bar and a wide variety of teas. Any meal can be made gluten-free, vegetarian, or vegan. Visitors one of two locations in Paso Robles. 1102 Pine St, Paso Robles CA, 93446, (805) 237-1794 or 711 6th ST, Paso Robles CA, 93446, (805) 237-1780. redscooterdeli.com.
China Gourmet – “We could never have imagined that food this good could be so healthy!” It’s true! They serve fresh quality dishes that contain only the finest ingredients and freshest vegetables. Their 30-plus years of experience with Chinese cuisine have made them experts in putting together recipes that are delicious and healthy. Enjoy eating in their dining room with your whole family or order online for pick up. They also deliver to Paso Robles, Templeton, and Atascadero. Follow them on TikTok and Facebook. 153 Niblick Rd. Paso Robles CA 93446 www.thechinagourmet.net (805) 238-9229.
Brezden Pest Control has been proudly providing SLO County with professional pest control services for four decades. If you’re tired of sharing your space with pests, they can help. They are homeowners, too – so they know exactly how satisfying it can be to have a pest-free home. 77 Marquita Ave, Paso Robles, CA 93446, brezdenpest.com, (805) 544-9446.
North County Orthodontics – Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver believe everyone deserves a beautiful smile. Their goal is to provide excellent treatment that is comfortable and personalized to your needs. Drs. Ross and Laura Pulver are a husband and wife team who work hard to give all of their patients the most effective and efficient treatment. Together, they have created thousands of unforgettable smiles. Contact us to for your complimentary consultation or schedule online at one of our 2 convenient locations. We look forward to meeting you and can’t wait to make a difference in your life! Call or text us at (805) 238-2632. Learn more at www.northcoortho.com. Located at 1115 Vine St in Paso Robles and 4555 El Camino Real Suite B in Atascadero.
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Sports
Always improving Penn-Trafford boys volleyball team earns spot in state playoffs
By: Paul Schofield Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 11:01 AM Josh Rizzo | For TribLive Penn-Trafford middle hitter Nick Laskey hits past Seneca Valley’s Jordan Hoover during the second set of a WPIAL Class 3A semifinal May 20 at Fox Chapel. Josh Rizzo | For TribLive Billy Spena (left) and Ethan McDonald celebrate after Penn-Trafford […]

By:
Saturday, May 31, 2025 | 11:01 AM
The mark of a good team is how much it improves during the season.
Penn-Trafford boys volleyball finished third in Section 2-3A, but after an upset win against section champion Latrobe and a win against Pine-Richland in the WPIAL third-place game, the Warriors found themselves in the PIAA playoffs, scheduled to face the winner of the Erie McDowell/State College game on June 3.
“We kept improving,” Penn-Trafford legendary coach Jim Schall said. “I do not know if I expected this, but we kept getting better and better. We are playing really well.”
After Penn-Trafford defeated Latrobe, 3-2, in the WPIAL quarterfinals, the Warriors lost 3-2 against a tall and talented Seneca Valley squad. In that game, Warriors setter Nathaniel Rugh sustained an upper body injury that kept him from playing against Pine-Richland.
Schall said Rugh has been cleared to return to play.
Stepping in for Rugh was junior Billy Spena as Penn-Trafford defeated Pine-Richland, 3-1.
“I thought we would be competitive against Latrobe,” Schall said. “It was a huge win for the team. Latrobe had some talented players.
“We continued to play well against Seneca Valley and Pine-Richland. Billy stepped in and did a great job against Pine-Richland.”
Schall said Spena had not set much this season, but he was a setter for the junior varsity team and his club team.
“He ran the offense well,” Schall said. “He did an outstanding job.”
Other players stepping up for the Warriors were libero Nick Sandrock, middle hitter Owen Gisi and outside hitter Ethan McDonald.
“The team has continued to play well,” Schall said, who said he does not know much about State College or Erie McDowell. “We had not seen them this season. I am sure they are good.”
Athletic physicals set
Penn-Trafford will be offering physicals at the high school for all athletes from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m June 12. The cost is $15. (PayPal payments can be made during registration. No cash or checks at check-in.
Payment is required to complete physical registration. No walk-ins will be accepted.)
In addition to signing up for the physical, athletes must select the fall sport they are signing up for at registration.
Registration will close at 11:55 p.m. June 9.
Please see the ArbiterSports registration page for all information concerning the registration, CIPPE Athletic Physical and ImPACT Baseline Concussion Testing.
Paul Schofield is a TribLive reporter covering high school and college sports and local golf. He joined the Trib in 1995 after spending 15 years at the Daily Courier in Connellsville, where he served as sports editor for 14 years. He can be reached at pschofield@triblive.com.
Tags: Penn-Trafford
Sports
Douglas High has 17 collegiate athlete signees
The 17 senior student-athletes of Douglas High School stand for a photo after signing their Letters of Intent Thursday in Minden. Pictured in front from left to right are Tyler Sentell, baseball, Diablo Valley College; Duncan DeLange, baseball, Butte College; Brent Faiss, baseball, DVC; Jeffrey Peters, baseball, College of Southern Nevada; Jackson Ovard, football, Feather […]

The 17 senior student-athletes of Douglas High School stand for a photo after signing their Letters of Intent Thursday in Minden. Pictured in front from left to right are Tyler Sentell, baseball, Diablo Valley College; Duncan DeLange, baseball, Butte College; Brent Faiss, baseball, DVC; Jeffrey Peters, baseball, College of Southern Nevada; Jackson Ovard, football, Feather River; Caden Martin, football, Feather River; Caden Thacker, basketball, De Anza College; Brenton Weston, football, Southern Oregon University; Sumer Williams, beach volleyball, Feather River; Cam McLelland, softball, Case Western Reserve; Ashlyn Greenfield, basketball, Sierra College. In back from left, Evan Tolbert, basketball, Palo Verde College; Stella White, pole vault, University of Nevada; Madison Frisby, golf, Southern Virginia University; Kolton Zinn, wrestling, Cal Poly Humboldt; Luke Davis, track and cross country, Saint Mary’s College; Giana Zinke, golf, Manhattan University.
Photo by Ron Harpin.
Douglas High School had 17 student-athletes sign their National Letter of Intent Thursday to compete in collegiate athletics at the next level.
In total, the Tigers had three athletes sign at the Div. 1 athletic level, one at Div. II, two at Div. III, one NAIA and 10 junior college signees.
DIVISION 1
• Giana Zinke, golf, Manhattan University
• Stella White, pole vault, University of Nevada
• Luke Davis, track and cross country, Saint Mary’s College (Moraga, Calif.)
DIVISION II
• Kolton Zinn, wrestling, Cal Poly Humboldt
DIVISION III
• Madison Frisby, golf, Southern Virginia University
• Cam McLelland, softball, Case Western Reserve
NAIA
• Brenton Weston, football, Southern Oregon
JUNIOR COLLEGE
• Brent Faiss, baseball, Diablo Valley College
• Tyler Sentell, baseball, Diablo Valley College
• Duncan DeLange, baseball, Butte College
• Jeffrey Peters, baseball, College of Southern Nevada
• Jackson Ovard, football, Feather River College
• Caden Martin, football, Feather River College
• Caden Thacker, basketball, De Anza College
• Sumer Williams, beach volleyball, Feather River College
• Ashlyn Greenfield, basketball, Sierra College
• Evan Tolbert, basketball, Palo Verde College
Sports
Novi Beograd, FTC Telekom reach LEN Champions League final
VK NOVI BEOGRAD 15 ZODIAC BARCELONETA 14 (3-3, 2-1, 1-3, 4-3; after penalties) The lights burned bright over Tal-Qroqq as Malta played again host to another unforgettable night of elite water polo. With a passionate crowd roaring from the stands, the Final Four returned for a second edition that delivered everything it promised – drama, […]

VK NOVI BEOGRAD 15
ZODIAC BARCELONETA 14
(3-3, 2-1, 1-3, 4-3; after penalties)
The lights burned bright over Tal-Qroqq as Malta played again host to another unforgettable night of elite water polo. With a passionate crowd roaring from the stands, the Final Four returned for a second edition that delivered everything it promised – drama, skills, and nerve-wrecking ending.
Reigning champions Ferencvaros will face Novi Beograd in Sunday’s final.
Novi Beograd stood tall once more – a team haunted by near-misses, but undeterred. Finalists in 2022 and 2023, the Serbian powerhouse came to Malta with one goal: to finally lift the trophy that has twice eluded them. And after another nerve-shredding semifinal, they’re one step closer.
As it happened in their last appearance in 2023, they made it to the final after defeating Barceloneta after a penalty shootout in the first semifinal game.
Facing Spanish champions Barceloneta in another showdown, Novi Beograd struck early with a 2-0 lead in the first period and held a 6-4 advantage in the third. But the Spaniards roared back, mounting a 3-0 run to flip the match and edge ahead 7-6.
Tension mounted in the final quarter. Alvaro Granados gave Barceloneta a narrow 9-8 lead from the five-metre line, but Miroslav Perkovic and Dimitrios Skoumpakis flipped the script for the Serbians. With one second on the clock, however, disaster struck — a defensive lapse allowed Burian to pounce and push the match into extra time.
In the shootout, Novi Beograd held their nerve. All five of their shooters converted. On the other end, Unai Biel Lara blinked — his shot denied by goalkeeper Glusac. Milos Cuk stepped up and calmly buried the decider, sending the Serbian side into their third consecutive final, chasing a long-awaited crown.
Could it finally be third time lucky for Novi Beograd?
Penalty Sequence: Perrone (B) scored; Martinovic (N) scored; Granados (B) scored; Lukic (N) scored; Vigvari (B) scored; Dimitrijevic (N) scored; Sanahuija (B) scored; Vlahopoulos (N) scored; Biel Lara (B); Cuk (N) scored.
Novi Beograd: M. Glusac, B. Gbadamassi 1, D. Skoumpakis 2, V. Martinovic 2, M. Cuk 2, L. Gladovic 1, D. Vucinic, M. Dimitrijevic 1, M. Perkovic 1, A. Vlahopoulos, N. Lukic, D. Trtovic, F. De Michelis.
Barceloneta : U. Aguirre, M. Famera Kopencova, A. Granados 5, A. Munarriz 1, B. Sanahuija 1 V. Vigvari 1, B. Gomila, G. Burian 2, R. Tahull, F. Perrone, U. Biel Lara, A. Bustos Sanchez, N. Porter.
Refs: B. Margeta (Slovenia), F. Ohme (Germany).
FTC TELEKOM 14
MAR CN MARSEILLE 11
(5-2, 3-2, 2-4,4-3)
Ferencvaros: D. Szakonyi, D. Mandic 1, K. Manhercz 1, A. Nagy 2, M. Vamos 2, E di Somma, G. Argyropoulos 3, E. Molnar, V. Vigvari 1, S. Jansik 1, M. De Toro Dominguez 1, S. Vogel.
Marseille: P. Tesanovic, D. Angyal, U. Crousillat 1, V. Spaic. A. Prlainovic 3, T. Vernoux 3, M. Larumbe, A, Bouet, R. Vernoux 1, M. Bodegas 3, P. Vanpeperstraete, A. Velotto, A. Hovhannysian.
Refs: A. Franulovic (Croatia), M. Zwart (Netherlands).
Ferencvaros are looking to become the first Hungarian team ever to defend the Champions League title after dispatching Marseille with clinical authority. Yet, the French side, debutants in the Final Four, must be commended for their fighting spirit.
While Hungarian clubs have lifted the trophy nine times in the past, none have managed to retain the crown the following season. But Ferencváros, reigning champions after last year’s triumph in Malta, showed they are serious about rewriting that script.
Facing Marseille, the Hungarians wasted no time asserting dominance. Exploding out of the gates, they surged to a commanding 3-0 lead as the French side suffered an initial stage-fright. Although Andrija Prlainović sparked a French response, Ferencváros held firm and turned around at halftime with an 8-4 cushion.
Stylianos Argyropoulos completed his hat-trick early in the third quarter, but a brief Marseille resurgence saw veterans Michael Bodegas and Ugo Crousillat cut the deficit to 9-7. Sensing the shift in momentum, Márton Vámos stepped up to reestablish a comfortable lead.
Still, the French side refused to go quietly. Prlainović and Bodegas each netted again to complete hat-tricks and bring the score to a dramatic 10-10 early in the fourth.
But when it mattered most, Ferencváros found another gear. Dusan Mandić and Erik Molnár restored their lead to 12-10, and despite Thomas Vernoux keeping Marseille within reach, Miguel de Toro Domínguez made it 13-11 before Nagy’s late strike sealed the victory.
Now, just one win separates Ferencváros from history — and a second consecutive Champions League crown.
Sports
Thomas Worthington, Mount Vernon to play for OHSAA volleyball titles
The Thomas Worthington boys volleyball team advanced to the Division I state final by beating a central Ohio foe May 30 at Wittenberg University. The Cardinals defeated New Albany 25-19, 25-13, 26-24 and will play Cleveland St. Ignatius for the title at noon May 31. St. Ignatius outlasted defending champion Cincinnati St. Xavier 25-27, 25-21, 25-23, […]

The Thomas Worthington boys volleyball team advanced to the Division I state final by beating a central Ohio foe May 30 at Wittenberg University.
The Cardinals defeated New Albany 25-19, 25-13, 26-24 and will play Cleveland St. Ignatius for the title at noon May 31. St. Ignatius outlasted defending champion Cincinnati St. Xavier 25-27, 25-21, 25-23, 16-25, 15-8 in the second semifinal May 30.
Thomas (22-4) is playing in its first state tournament since 1994 and seeking its first championship since 1990.
“To get to the last day of the season is always the goal,” Thomas coach Brian Lawless said. “We’re definitely excited (about) being back (at) Wittenberg (on May 31) and looking forward to competing and (trying) to win the whole thing.”
New Albany (17-9) was playing in its first state tournament.
Thomas played most of the match without senior middle blocker Finn Rubin, who has been dealing with back issues all season and played limited minutes late in the second set. Lawless said Rubin will be available for the final.
J.T. McGuire led Thomas with 16 kills and three digs. Curt Buddie had 11 kills, and Noah May had seven kills and five blocks.
Levi Starinsky led New Albany with 10 kills, 12 digs and two blocks. Yashas Devulapally had eight kills, four blocks and three digs, and Michael Botkin added six kills and three digs.
“Our boys had an unbelievable run,” New Albany coach Dan Baer said. “We put together a season many didn’t think we could. I couldn’t be prouder of these boys. Getting to this point with one senior (in Adam Sutton) is an incredible accomplishment in itself. All credit to Thomas Worthington. They have hitters all over the place and at times we just couldn’t stop their offense.”
Mount Vernon 3, Macedonia Nordonia 0
Mount Vernon will look to win its first state title when it takes on defending champion Cincinnati McNicholas in the Division II final at 3 p.m. May 31 at Wittenberg.
The Yellow Jackets (17-10) advanced by beating Nordonia 25-17, 25-14, 25-19 in a semifinal May 30.
McNicholas defeated Akron St. Vincent-St. Mary 25-19, 25-22, 25-16 in the other semifinal.
Zach Black led Mount Vernon with 11 kills, seven digs and four aces. Hunter Thompson had 11 kills, seven digs and three aces, and Cooper Swanson added five kills, five digs and two aces.
The Yellow Jackets lost in state semifinals in 2019, 2012 and 2010.
(This story has been updated with new information.)
High school sports reporter Frank DiRenna can be reached at fdirenna@dispatch.com and at @DispatchFrank on X.
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