8) Phil Mickelson (Earnings: $51 million)

American professional golfer Philip Alfred Mickelson makes more than $40 million annually from appearances and endorsement partners Barclays, Callaway, Exxon Mobil, KPMG, Amgen and Rolex.

7) Kevin Durant (Earnings: $54 million)

American professional basketball player Kevin Wayne Durant plays with the Oklahoma City Thunder of the NBA. The 2015-16 season is the final year on the $85 million deal this 26-year-old player signed with the team in 2010.

6) LeBron James (Earnings: $65 million)

American professional basketball player LeBron Raymone James returned to Cleveland in July 2014 when he signed a two-year $42.1 million contract after four seasons in Miami.

5) Roger Federer (Earnings: $67 million)

Roger Federer holds the records for most singles Grand Slam wins (17) and career prize money ($90 million). He has signed long term endorsement deals with reputed brands like Rolex, Nike and Credit Suisse. His sponsors pay him more than $40 million every year.