The latest on Shohei Ohtani's contract has fans confused and in awe.
The newest Los Angeles Dodger signed a 10-year contract worth $700 million - the largest in sports history.
A day after, a new development came. The two-way Japanese superstar's camp said they deferred $68 million of his supposed $70 million annual salary.
The move is meant to help the Dodgers sign better players who can help the team. Ohtani will receive the rest of his salary by 2043.
These terms on Shohei Ohtani's salary are unprecedented, but were they legal?
"The deferrals - which total $680 million - will begin in 2034 and carry through 2043, a source said. In 2034, Ohtani will receive $68 million per year from the Dodgers, ending in 2043.
"This was all agreed upon within the parameters of the Collective Bargaining Agreement, which states that there are no restrictions on how much money can be deferred."
Shohei Ohtani's contract is still out of this world regardless of how and when he will receive his money.
Read more: Juan Soto Trade Details, Salary - Why Yankees Traded for Him and What's the Long-Term Plan.
Here's a rundown of how Ohtani's salary compares to the highest earners in America's professional sports leagues.
NFL
In terms of contract, Kansas City Chief star Patrick Mahomes owns the largest in the NFL through a $450 million, 10-year agreement back in 2020.
On the other hand, Joe Burrow of the Cincinnati Bengals is the highest-earning player after signing the largest deal in its history. He signed a five-year, $275 million extension, which means he will earn around $55 million annually.
NBA
Boston Celtics guard Jaylen Brown also agreed to the largest contract in the NBA this year to the tune of a five-year, $304 million supermax extension he signed last July. The two-time All-Star will earn around $60 million per year in the duration of this latest deal.
However, Brown's $60 million will only start by next season. For 2023, the highest NBA salary is Stephen Curry's $50 million.
NHL
The National Hockey League may be one of the more dangerous sports, but the contracts are not on par with those from the MLB or NBA.
Some still get paid handsomely, though. The largest contract in the history of the NHL is that of Nathan McKinnon of the Colorado Avalanche. In September 2022, he signed an eight-year, $100.8 million contract extension. Other players signed more considerable total amounts but for longer years.
MLS
The Major League Soccer is less lucrative than the NFL or the NBA. It's not that attractive, too, for the sport's top stars.
They must break the bank to get them to play on American soil, just like what Inter Miami did to get the services of unofficial GOAT Lionel Messi.
The Argentinian superstar signed a $54 million, two-year contract with the Florida-based club. That is lower than what a Saudi Pro League club offered him, but he could still earn more than half a billion through a subscription deal he shares with Apple TV.
Related article: Shohei Ohtani Shares Farewell Message to Angels After Move to Dodgers
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