The coronavirus pandemic put a halt to virtually every major sport in the world, but it couldn't stop the sports business from booming -- at least if you're an elite athlete, the best of the best.
In March 2019, Los Angeles Angels outfielder Mike Trout signed the largest contract in professional sports history, worth $426.5 million. Just sixteen months later, despite a virus that has wreaked havoc across the globe, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes has topped Trout.
Now, it's important to remember that Trout's contract is fully guaranteed. Mahomes' is not. If Trout never again steps on the diamond, he's getting all that money. Mahomes has a $140 million injury guarantee.
Patrick Mahomes' deal could surpass half a billion dollars:
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) July 6, 2020
💵 10-year extension worth up to $503 million
💵 Includes $477m in guarantee mechanisms
(via @adamschefter) pic.twitter.com/b8p3wTIXZo
Of course, Mahomes is coming off a 50-touchdown, 5,000-yard season in 2018 and a Super Bowl title in 2019.
More: Breaking down other huge contracts
Without seeing the full contract, it is currently unknown what guarantees and bonuses exist in the contract to allow Mahomes to earn all that money, but in case you're curious, here are the top five contracts on the all-time list, according to ESPN Stats & Information:
If Mahomes gets the full contract, suffice it to say, he'll out-earn his father.