How Elite Sport Stars Support Their Sport
The difference in earnings between elite players and other players in every sport is huge
Professional sport stars regularly appear in the news for funding different charities and causes. Whether it’s because they have donated to help battle homelessness, climate change health issues or poverty, top sports stars do a lot to help people around the world.
But, not all sport stars make millions of pounds every year. In fact, a very small percentage of top football, tennis, golf, boxing and cricket stars make huge amounts of money.
The Difference Between Elite and Non-Elite
The difference in earnings between the elite players and lower level players in every sport is huge. In tennis, for example, the 2018 International Review Panel revealed that between 250 and 350 tennis professionals struggle to make enough to live after paying for travel, food etc.
British female tennis player, Tara Moore, is ranked 447th in the world and made around £2,500 in 2020. This is a tiny amount compared to Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams, who both made over £25 million last year.
In boxing, there is also a huge gap in earnings between the pros and amateurs, with many fighting for free as they try to make a name for themselves in the sport. The same applies to football, where players in the Premier League earn tens of millions each year, but some in the lower leagues earn less than £100 a week on a part time basis.
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In 2020, the player’s relief fund was set up to help tennis players who couldn’t make money as tournaments were cancelled.
Although a lot of players have donated money to help those in the lower rankings, it is not a requirement, but a choice.
How Have Top Sport Stars Helped Their Sport?
Over the past year, certain high-profile sports people across the world have stepped up to support their fellow players who struggled to earn money.
In boxing, World Heavyweight champion, Anthony Joshua, contributed a sum of money to support amateur boxing federations and clubs across England, Scotland and Wales in December 2020 to help with closures and funding. The donation was well supported by leading figures in the sport like Eddie Hearn, Frank Warren and former boxer, Ricky Hatton.
However, moves to support lower ranked players in tennis has caused more divide. In 2020, the player’s relief fund was set up to help players who couldn’t make money as tournaments were cancelled.
While many top players, such as Andy Murrary, Novak Djokovic and Roger Federer supported the fund, others like Dominic Thiem, Matteo Berrettini and Guido Pella said they would rather help others in need rather than fellow tennis players.
Do Players Have to Give Money to Help Their Sport?
Although a lot of players have donated money to help those in the lower rankings, it is not a requirement, but a choice. Therefore, players like Dominic Thiem are free to donate their earnings to any charity or cause of their choosing.
However, the struggles of aspiring players, particularly in sports like tennis and boxing, can impact a player’s lives hugely and, eventually, lead to them withdrawing from the sport, which is why they require some form of financial backing.
