Minnesota's Top-Paid Pro Athletes in 2026

Eleven Minnesota professional athletes are projected to earn roughly $300 million combined in the 2026 season, a slight decline from the $328 million total recorded in 2025. The highest-paid player is a 24‑year‑old superstar whose contract tops the list.

The distribution of the top earners includes five members of the Minnesota Timberwolves, four from the Minnesota Vikings, and one each from the Minnesota Twins and Minnesota Wild. Minnesota’s six major sports franchises are the Vikings (NFL), Twins (MLB), Timberwolves (NBA), Wild (NHL), Minnesota United FC (MLS) and Lynx (WNBA).