8 Sports Stars Who Got Paid in Bitcoin Instead of Dollars
Cryptocurrency is becoming a popular choice for athletes who see the potential of digital assets like Bitcoin. Many sports stars are choosing to be paid in Bitcoin, believing in its long-term value over traditional currency. From NFL quarterbacks to UFC fighters, here are the top athletes who accepted Bitcoin as part of their paychecks.
Russell Okung (NFL)
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Russell Okung made history in 2020 as the first NFL player to convert part of his salary into Bitcoin. Using a service called Strike, Okung directed half of his $13 million contract into cryptocurrency. His decision highlighted Bitcoin’s potential for long-term wealth building and sparked significant interest among other athletes.
Trevor Lawrence (NFL)
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Trevor Lawrence received his NFL signing bonus in Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana through a partnership with a cryptocurrency platform in 2021. The deal underscored his belief in the future of digital assets. Lawrence viewed it as a smart financial move, aligning with the broader adoption of cryptocurrency in sports.
Saquon Barkley (NFL)
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Saquon Barkley converted all his endorsement earnings into Bitcoin in 2021. Barkley’s decision reflected his focus on building wealth through decentralized currency. He believed Bitcoin offered a hedge against inflation and a way to secure financial growth, particularly given the short career span of professional athletes.
Aaron Rodgers (NFL)
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Aaron Rodgers partnered with a crypto platform in 2021 to receive part of his salary in Bitcoin. The Green Bay Packers quarterback called Bitcoin “the future of money” and encouraged fans to explore its potential. His high-profile adoption of cryptocurrency boosted Bitcoin’s visibility in mainstream sports.
Cade Cunningham (NBA)
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Detroit Pistons rookie Cade Cunningham chose to convert his entire signing bonus into Bitcoin in 2021. Through a sponsorship deal, he joined the growing number of athletes embracing cryptocurrency. Cunningham expressed confidence in Bitcoin’s ability to provide long-term financial security and growth.
Sean Culkin (NFL)
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Sean Culkin became the first NFL player to pledge his entire salary to Bitcoin in 2021. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end directed his $920,000 contract into cryptocurrency, citing Bitcoin’s potential as a store of value. Culkin’s decision positioned him as a trailblazer in financial innovation among athletes.
Lionel Messi (Soccer)
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Lionel Messi received part of his signing bonus at Paris Saint-Germain in cryptocurrency. The club included fan tokens as part of Messi’s compensation package in 2021, making his deal one of the highest-profile instances of crypto adoption in sports. Fan tokens are blockchain-based assets tied to Bitcoin’s popularity.
Klay Thompson (NBA)
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Klay Thompson announced in early 2022 that he would take part of his salary in Bitcoin through a partnership with a cryptocurrency exchange. The Golden State Warriors star described Bitcoin as revolutionary, showcasing his enthusiasm for digital assets. Thompson’s move reflected the increasing crossover between sports and cryptocurrency.
Odell Beckham Jr. (NFL)
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Odell Beckham Jr. revealed in 2021 that he would take his entire salary from the Los Angeles Rams in Bitcoin. Through a partnership with a crypto platform, Beckham became one of the most prominent NFL players to embrace cryptocurrency. Despite market volatility, Beckham remained vocal about his belief in Bitcoin.
Aaron Jones (NFL)
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Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones partnered with a cryptocurrency platform in 2021, taking part of his earnings in Bitcoin. Jones also invested in Bitcoin, seeing it as a way to secure his financial future. His decision highlighted how athletes are integrating cryptocurrency into their wealth strategies.
Francis Ngannou (UFC)
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UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou opted to receive half of his UFC 270 fight purse in Bitcoin in 2022. Ngannou’s decision to accept Bitcoin showcased his belief in the currency’s ability to build wealth. His move drew attention to cryptocurrency’s growing appeal in combat sports.
Shohei Ohtani (MLB)
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Shohei Ohtani, MLB’s two-way superstar, received part of his endorsement earnings in Bitcoin through a sponsorship deal in 2021. Ohtani’s embrace of cryptocurrency reflected his interest in the digital economy. His participation marked a significant moment for crypto adoption in baseball.
Kevin Durant (NBA)
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Kevin Durant became involved with Bitcoin through a partnership with a cryptocurrency exchange in 2021. Durant also invested in cryptocurrency-related businesses, demonstrating his belief in its long-term potential. His public support has helped bring attention to Bitcoin within the NBA community.
Spencer Dinwiddie (NBA)
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Spencer Dinwiddie was among the first NBA players to explore Bitcoin, announcing plans in 2019 to tokenize his contract. While the proposal faced regulatory challenges, Dinwiddie remained a vocal advocate for cryptocurrency. He later invested in Bitcoin and encouraged other athletes to explore its financial benefits.
Tom Brady (NFL)
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Tom Brady has embraced Bitcoin through multiple avenues, including an endorsement deal with a cryptocurrency platform. Brady also co-founded an NFT marketplace and invested in cryptocurrency. His public advocacy for Bitcoin has made him one of the most prominent athletes supporting digital assets.