That's the only form of the game where there's great money, ie the equivalent of a premier league footballer. And most of the players still play the long form of the game as well. But you must get a decent crust. Indian cricketers will get tonnes for any form of the game, because it's the biggest sport there and they're minted. Anyway, It's not like it's pitance. I'd say i'm a traditionalist- you want to play the most traditional form of the game.
Top cyclists seem to be getting more and more known today then a decade or so ago, not sure what the financial rewards are though.
In some sports you've got a much better public perception than others. Cycling, rowing, athletics etc. Even if they **** up it's a massive success. If you play football, rugby, or cricket though you're a massive failure most of the time. I'd love to be a footballer of course but I bet it's hard being a top English player, hated by the majority of your country for no one really knows what.
purely from a money point of view it's American Football. In 2012, the top 50 paid athletes were: 14 American Football 8 Baseball 8 Basketball 4 Football (Beckham, Rooney, Messi, Ronaldo) 3 Golf 3 Formula 1 3 NASCAR 3 Tennis 2 Boxing 1 Cricket 1 Motorcycle That means that 60% of them play their sport in the USofA. From an enjoyment point of view I pick formula 1, golf or cricket. You get to lots of great places, stay in great hotels and they are all relatively long careers compared to boxing/footy/gridiron.
If you look at it that way instead of taking 'best' to mean easiest like I did then I would say F1, with simulators, advances in technology and safety and other aids then anybody half-decent at a young age could have a crack at it if they had a rich daddy/backers. A lot of the grid are pay-drivers now.
Even Alonso could be argued as a pay driver, Santander follow him round with their sponsorship which effectively makes him free to teams.
I wouldnt put American Football on the list. They make a lot and are well known but they tend to end up having to walk with a cane and they have to many screws loose from getting hit in the head. My Second Cousin (my moms uncle what ever that makes him) played for the Seattle Seahawks and he ended up broke, fat, had to walk with a cane and was about as bright as a door nail. Baseball maybe if you play for the right team. Yankees, Red Sox and you will end up a legend. Be a star for the royals or something and no one will remember your name eventually. I am sure it is football. Messi is known world wide. How many of you could name 5 hall of famers from the yankees?
Surprisingly we don't pay him that much, we pay him more the more he does for us and compared to what we pay Mcilroy and Mclaren for Lewis and Jensen its not much at all. I work for Santander, only reason i know.
It's the sponsoring Ferrari part that pays his wages isn't it? Similar deal done with them when he went there as the one done with McLaren whilst he was there (only for him to leave early).
