Globalization and technological changes have allowed
popular sports team to access audience members worldwide. Consequently, popular
stars at the biggest clubs are paid far more than their predecessors. Latest
example:
“Gareth Bale will
earn £150m over the next six years in salaries and bonuses after signing a
contract extension with Real Madrid until 2022 that will make him the best-paid
player in the world…Negotiations over an extension have been continuing for
several months between Real and Bale’s representative, Jonathan Barnett, with
an agreement reached a few weeks ago. It is understood the contract is worth
more than £600,000 a week before tax with the buyout clause set at €1bn
(£900m). It is believed to be one of the biggest in the history of the sport.
That is the equivalent to around £350,000 a week after tax, more than the
estimated £288,000 Real pay Cristiano Ronaldo. Negotiations over a new deal for
the Portuguese have not yet been finalised.”