Top 5 Athletes Cashing In With Crypto Endorsements

The crypto craze has swept through various industries, and professional sports is no exception. With the increasing popularity of digital currencies, a growing number of athletes have ventured into the realm of crypto through endorsements, investments, and partnerships. This recognition has not only amplified the acceptance of cryptocurrencies but also allowed these sports figures to accumulate significant wealth. Here are the top five athletes who are cashing in with their crypto endorsements.

**Russell Okung** – The NFL player made headlines when he announced that he wanted to convert half of his $13 million salary into Bitcoin. The move, facilitated through the payment startup Zap, arguably positioned Okung as the first player in any major U.S sports league to receive a portion of his salary in cryptocurrency. His investment paid off handsomely as the value of Bitcoin soared, dramatically increasing the worth of his crypto holdings.

**Spencer Dinwiddie** – The Brooklyn Nets guard was one of the first NBA players to delve into the world of digital currency. Dinwiddie tokenized his $34 million contract on the blockchain, allowing investors to buy digital tokens tied to the contract's earnings. The innovative approach allowed him to raise capital upfront while also promising investors interest on their stake through his contract earnings, all powered by his belief and investment in crypto-assets.

**Lionel Messi** – The soccer superstar has embraced the crypto wave by signing a deal with Socios.com, a blockchain platform that helps clubs issue digital tokens to fans. Messi's joining Paris Saint-Germain included a payment in the club's cryptocurrency fan tokens. This not only provided him with an alternative investment but also allowed PSG to engage with fans in a unique and modern way.

**Stephen Curry** – The Golden State Warriors sharpshooter announced a partnership with FTX, one of the world's leading cryptocurrency exchanges. As part of the deal, Curry received an equity stake in FTX and became the global ambassador, underscoring the marriage between top-tier athletes and the crypto industry. The partnership also meant Curry received compensation in crypto assets, which aligned with his interest in tech and digital finance.

**Tom Brady** – Arguably one of the greatest football players of all time, Tom Brady has become an outspoken crypto enthusiast. Brady and his supermodel wife Gisele Bündchen took an equity stake in the crypto exchange FTX as part of a long-term partnership.

The Digital Gold Rush has caught the attention of sports icons worldwide, as cryptocurrency becomes an increasingly popular sector for endorsements. Here are five athletes who are at the forefront of this digital movement, leveraging their fame to promote various crypto brands and platforms.

**1. Lionel Messi**
The Argentine football legend is no stranger to lucrative endorsements, and his entry into the crypto space has been substantial. Messi signed a deal with Socios.com, a blockchain platform that allows fans to engage with their favorite sports teams. Part of his compensation was in the platform's native cryptocurrency, adding to his already impressive portfolio and connecting him with the tech-savvy fanbase that overlaps with the crypto community.

**2. Steph Curry**
NBA superstar Steph Curry has become a prominent face in the crypto endorsement landscape. He partnered with FTX, a major cryptocurrency exchange, to become its global ambassador. In his deal, Curry received an equity stake in the company as well as crypto tokens. Curry's involvement has been pivotal in promoting cryptocurrency to a diverse audience, especially within the basketball community.

**3. Naomi Osaka**
Tennis champion Naomi Osaka has also embraced the cryptocurrency world by becoming an ambassador for FTX. Osaka, known for her prowess on the court, has shown a keen interest in the potential of digital assets. Her partnership with FTX includes compensation in cryptocurrency and focuses on bringing more women into the crypto space, showcasing her commitment to diversity and inclusion in finance and technology.

**4. Tom Brady**
NFL icon Tom Brady has taken his championship mentality into the digital asset space by partnering with FTX. Alongside his supermodel wife Gisele Bündchen, Brady has agreed to take an equity stake in the exchange. Both have received crypto tokens as part of the deal and are active supporters of the platform, with Brady even offering a signed jersey to one lucky participant in an FTX giveaway.

**5. Alex Morgan**
The star of the US Women's National Soccer Team, Alex Morgan, has joined the crypto endorsement league by partnering with various blockchain initiatives. Her endorsement deals include promoting digital tokens that are designed to empower female athletes and support charitable causes. With a massive following and a reputation as a role model, Morgan's involvement introduces her fans to the possibilities of blockchain technology and its social impact potential.

These five sports icons symbolize the blending of high-profile sports endorsements with the innovative and often volatile world of cryptocurrency.