When Tom Brady finally walked away from the gridiron, most people figured he’d just kick back on a beach in Florida or maybe spend his days fine-tuning that TB12 diet of avocado ice cream. But if you actually look at the numbers, he’s probably busier—and definitely making more cash—than he ever did while dodging 300-pound defensive linemen.
So, how much does Tom Brady make in a year? Honestly, it's a staggering amount that makes his old NFL paychecks look like pocket change. We are talking about a guy who spent two decades consistently taking "pay cuts" to help the Patriots build a roster, only to pivot into a post-retirement career that is basically a money-printing machine.
The Fox Sports Deal: A Contract Unlike Anything Else
The biggest chunk of his annual take-home comes from a single source: the broadcast booth. Back in 2022, Fox Sports panicked a little when they realized they needed a massive name to replace the vacuum left by Joe Buck and Troy Aikman. They didn't just find a replacement; they reset the entire market.
Brady is currently in the middle of a 10-year, $375 million contract with Fox.
Do the math quickly—that is $37.5 million per year. To put that in perspective, he’s making more for talking about football once a week than he made in salary during almost any single season of his actual playing career. It’s wild. Most elite quarterbacks are lucky to hit that $40 million mark while risking their ACLs every Sunday. Tom gets it for wearing a suit and telling us why the defense is in Cover 2.
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Endorsements and the "Brady Brand" Power
But that’s just the base. You can’t talk about his income without looking at the logos on his shirts. Even though he’s not throwing touchdowns, brands are still tripping over themselves to be associated with him.
He’s still raking in anywhere from $10 million to $20 million annually from endorsement deals. We’re talking legacy partnerships and newer vibes:
- Under Armour: He’s been the face of their high-end performance gear forever.
- Hertz: You’ve probably seen the "Let’s Go" commercials; they didn't come cheap.
- IWC Schaffhausen: Luxury watches are a staple of the "retired GOAT" starter pack.
- Fanatics: This one is interesting because it's not just a commercial; he’s deeply embedded with Michael Rubin in various ventures, including the new Fanatics Studios projects launching this year.
The Ownership Portfolio: Moving From Player to Boss
2026 is really the year where Tom's "owner" era has taken full flight. He isn't just a guy with a savings account; he’s a guy with equity. His portfolio is spread out like a venture capitalist's dream.
First, there's the Las Vegas Raiders. After a lot of back-and-forth with the NFL’s strict ownership rules, Brady finally secured his minority stake. While the team doesn't necessarily cut him a "salary" check every two weeks, the appreciation of an NFL franchise is better than any interest rate you’ll find at a bank.
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Then you have the Las Vegas Aces (WNBA), Birmingham City (English football), and even a Major League Pickleball team. Between the dividends and the skyrocketing valuations of women’s sports and soccer, these assets are adding millions to his net worth every single year, even if it’s not all "liquid" cash sitting in a checking account.
TB12 and Brady Brand: The Business Side
Then there is the stuff he actually built. TB12 (the wellness company) and the Brady Brand (clothing) have had their ups and downs. Selling $100 hoodies and $50 electrolytes is a tough business compared to just signing a Fox contract.
However, by 2026, these companies have moved more into licensing and lifestyle integration. He’s shifted from trying to run a gym to being a global wellness icon. Combined with 199 Productions, his media company that produces documentaries and unscripted content, these "private" businesses likely contribute another $5 million to $10 million in annual revenue to his personal ecosystem.
Totaling it Up: What’s the Final Number?
If you add the Fox salary ($37.5M), the high-end endorsements (approx. $15M), and the business distributions/dividends (approx. $10M), Tom Brady is likely making around **$62.5 million a year** in 2026.
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It is a bizarre reality. He is 48 years old and making more money than he did when he was winning Super Bowls in his prime.
Why This Matters for the Future of Sports
Brady has basically provided the blueprint for every other superstar. You don't just "retire" anymore. You transition into a media-conglomerate-slash-owner. He’s proved that the "brand" of a player can actually be more valuable than the "labor" of the player.
If you're trying to build wealth like the GOAT, the lesson is pretty simple:
- Diversify early: He didn't wait until his final season to start TB12 or look into ownership.
- Value your "No": He doesn't do every commercial; he does the ones that fit his high-end image.
- Equity is king: Salary is taxed and capped, but owning a piece of the Raiders is a generational wealth move.
The most impressive part? He’s doing all of this while staying relevant in a league that moves on from legends faster than a New York minute. Whether you love him or hate him for those seven rings, you have to respect the hustle. He isn't just playing the game anymore; he's basically buying the stadium.
Next Steps for Tracking Athlete Wealth:
To get a true sense of how these figures compare to the rest of the league, keep a close eye on the NFL's ownership policy updates. As more former players like Brady and Magic Johnson move into the owner's box, the league is expected to adjust how "active" a broadcaster can be while also owning a piece of a rival team. Also, monitor the annual Forbes Highest-Paid Athletes list—usually released in May—to see if Brady's broadcast income keeps him in the top 10 despite being "retired."