How much do top athletes earn?

There’s not much debate that the Pittsburgh Penguins captain is the best player in the NHL—when he’s healthy. But despite his hefty paycheque, he’s no longer the league’s best-compensated one. Nashville defenceman Shea Weber will make $14 million in salary, and take home a $13-million signing bonus this coming season. And Vincent Lecavalier, who was recently bought out of his 11-year, $85-million contract with the Tampa Bay Lightning, will take home a total of $17.7 million, thanks to his new deal with Philadelphia, buyout money, and bonuses due from the two teams. Of course, Crosby, a Stanley Cup winner and the gold-medal hero at the Vancouver 2010 Games, has the most endorsement potential in hockey. His seven-year deal with equipment maker Reebok earns him about $1.4 million per season. And his agreements with Gatorade, Tim Hortons and Dempster’s bread are said to be in a similar ballpark. But the 26-year-old leaves plenty of money on the table. Not long ago he turned down a chance to be the face of a major car company. The deal called for him to do about four hours of work before the cameras in exchange for a seven-figure payday. And he didn’t even have to drive the car. (Photo by Travis Golby/NHLI via Getty Images)