Here they are – the kings of New Zealand’s sporting castles. Your numbers 1 through 5 on the Sporting Rich List – led by an Old Salt and including a Premier League star, a petrolhead, a young man with big hoop dreams and our most capped All Black.
5 Richie McCaw (rugby)
$2.5m
Richie McCaw is not only our most-capped rugby international, he is also ranks as the highest-earning All Black of all time. The All Black captain has a contract with the NZRU worth around $1m, when you include the weekly assembly fee when players are in camp ($7500/wk) and bonuses.
4 Steven Adams (basketball)
$2.8m
Steven Adams was made an instant millionaire last year when he was picked up by the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 12th round of the NBA draft.
The 21-year-old had a listed salary of $2.6 million for his first season, which will increase to $2.7 million next year for the second of his guaranteed seasons. Having drawn a cult following among basketball fans for his beast-like presence on the court and humble nature off it, endorsements are surely coming the young Kiwi's way.
3 Scott Dixon (motorsport)
$11m
One of the biggest names on the Indy Car circuit, Scott Dixon is estimated to earn $11 million annually.
His income is derived from three streams – his driver's salary for Target Chip Ganassi Racing, a 50 per cent share of prize money and sponsorship/endorsement deals.
2 Winston Reid (football)
$12m
New Zealand's highest profile football star, Winston Reid has made a solid impact in the English Premier League and is a key member of the West Ham side.
Unlike in US sports where salaries are publicly listed, player payments in the English Premiership are closely guarded. As a result, reports of Reid's contract with West Ham vary wildly, with estimates ranging between £6 million ($12.5 million) and £15 million per season.
1 Russell Coutts (sailing)
$13m
New Zealand sporting hero or bete noir? Sir Russell Coutts remains one of those rare New Zealanders who we can't figure whether to celebrate or kick. What we do know is that he's rich and getting richer.
For full list and report head to NZ Herald.
