These Are Minnesota’s Highest-Paid Pro Athletes in 2026
Minnesota is home to nearly 160 professional athletes across six major sports franchises, but only a select few are earning truly jaw-dropping salaries. In fact, just 11 players are projected to make more than $300 million combined this year, and the biggest paycheck belongs to a surprisingly young superstar.
How Many Professional Athletes Play for Minnesota's Six Teams?
The Land of 10,000 Lakes can count six different professional sports franchises that make their home here in 2025. There are the Minnesota Vikings (NFL), the Minnesota Twins (MLB), the Minnesota Timberwolves (NBA), the Minnesota Wild (NHL), the Loons of Minnesota United FC (MLS), and the Minnesota Lynx (WNBA).
And, according to Axios Twin Cities, the 11 athletes on the highest-paid athletes in Minnesota are projected to earn a combined approximately $300.5 million during the 2026 season. That's a decrease of roughly $27.5 million from the just under $328 million combined total for the top earners in 2025. But, it's still a LOT of money, am I right?!?
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Who Are Minnesota's Highest-Paid Athletes in 2026?
When you add the active rosters from North Star State's six professional sports teams, you get a total of around 160 pro athletes, all of whom are likely getting paid just a tad bit more than your average Minnesotan.
So just who made the list this year? Axios Twin Cities notes that there are five members of the Minnesota Timberwolves, four Minnesota Vikings, and one player each from the Twins and Wild. And, at the very top of the list, Minnesota's highest-paid pro athlete is only 24 years old. (He's making roughly the same amount of money I made when I was 24... NOT!)
Take a look at which athletes are set to make the most money here in the Bold North this year. Plus, keep scrolling to check out the 25 richest families in the U.S. this year too!
Minnesota's 2026 Top-Earning Sports Stars Ranked
The Highest Paid Athletes in Minnesota in 2026
Gallery Credit: Curt St. John
