What you're talking about is entertainers.

Athletes that make that kind of money are entertaining crowds.

So the same could be said for famous actors, musicians, etc.

But athletes that aren't also entertainers don't make that kind of money.

xeromal 4 days ago | parent | next [-]

I'd posit Messi isn't an entertainer unless you consider him playing soccer entertaining by using his athleticism as an athelete.

	▲	jader201 4 days ago \| parent [-]
		If an athlete’s money comes primarily from their fame and/or ticket sales from spectators, to me that’s the definition of an entertainer.

queenkjuul 2 days ago | parent | prev [-]

So, all professional athletes? They're still athletes, regardless.