This post is part of our Money Face-Offs feature. Let us know who you think comes out ahead in this head-to-head match-up, and check out our other Money Face-Off posts.
Celebrities -- they're more than superior human beings, they're money-making machines. If these celebrities were stocks, which would be the shrewd buy?
Tiger Woods, unarguably the world's greatest golfer, or David Beckham, the world's best-know soccer player -- in which would you invest?
The industry that is Tiger has shown consistent growth in earnings, with PGA winnings in his first 13 years as a pro exceeding $70 million. His presence in a golf tournament boosts television ratings by 50% or more. He almost single-handedly established Nike in the golf equipment world. He holds the #5 place in Forbes' Celebrity 100 and was #2 in press clippings in 2005. Nike (NYSE: NKE), Buick (NYSE: GM), American Express (NYSE: AXP), Accenture, Electronic Arts (NASDAQ: ERTS) and Tag Heuer are among the companies that shovel buckets of cash his way in return for his endorsement.
David Beckham is no slouch in the cash category, either. The Times estimates the soccer star brings in a cool $40+ million for endorsements, including Adidas, ESPN, and Motorola (NYSE: MOT). Even in soccer-lite America, he has 51.9% recognition, more than twice that of NBA MVP Tim Duncan of the San Antonio Spurs.
Beckham also has an invaluable ally in his wife Victoria, formerly Posh Spice of the Spice Girls. The combination of a high-profile soccer career, trophy wife, and his reputation as the alpha metrosexual who sets fashion trends, convinced this country's Major League Soccer league to sign him to a contract worth as much as $250 million, including endorsement tie-ins.
Pretty enticing properties, right? So which would you like a piece of?
For my money, it's Tiger, by a landslide. At 30, he can expect to play at the peak of his game for another 12 to 15 years, then segue to the Senior Tour for another 20 years. As a player in a solo sport, he doesn't run the risk of disappearing in the roster of a bottom-dwelling team (ask Ken Griffey Jr.) Since he endorses products that aren't youth-specific, this income should remain strong. He also handles his fame well, making it seem highly unlikely he would stumble into a scandal.
Beckham, on the other hand, plays in a game unkind to the 35 and older player. He's already suffered through numerous injuries, which played a part in his lack of success with the Real Madrid club the past three years. He and his wife have quickly embraced the Hollywood scene, a two-edged sword -- he might successfully transition from sports star to entertainment star, but he could also suffer star fatigue from the overexposure that comes with the turf. My guess is that, after a couple of years of MLS play, he'll make a stab at acting. If that's a business plan, it's not one I'd put my money on.
Tiger vs. Beckham? Beckham may be able to bend 'em, but Tiger can put them in the hole. Who would you choose?
Vote in our poll for David Beckham or Tiger Woods, and let us know in the comments why your choice has the financial edge in this match-up. Also be sure to check out our other Money Face-Offs.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
9-15-2007 @ 10:18PM
chuck said...
THIS IS EASY, DAVID WHAT HAVE YOU DONE LATELY....NOTHING GO TIGER
9-16-2007 @ 12:24AM
Andy Brown said...
I think this one is a no brainer and I would go with the pick that you have made. Quite clearly when it comes to comparing these two great players and the position they hold in their field it is clear who comes out on top. While Beckham may be a great player he is nowhere near one of the greatest players of his time or in the sport. In terms of sporting achievement, he has no world cup trophy to show for his skill and while that may not hurt his brand image it surely does not catapult him into the higher league.
Tiger Woods on the other hand when he chooses to hang up his boots he will go down in history as the greatest Golfer ever and one of the greatest sportspersons of our times. No wonder then that the stats stack up in his favour. A steady round later today will ensure that he adds another cool check of $10 Million to his bank account and the greatest testament to his brand value is the reported deal between him and Gatorade wherein he is expected to pocket a cool amount of $100 million over the next five years.
He is still the man to beat on the course while on the other hand David Beckham's career is on the wane. Therefore you don't even have to think twice to say that Tiger easily comes up trumps in the money stakes between these two great sport stars.
Andy Brown
http://www.golfswingsecretsrevealed.com
9-17-2007 @ 6:30PM
Ronald said...
Beckham is a washed-up has been who does not deserve the amount of money the Galaxy paid him nor the money he gets from endorsements. Because of him, I think the American public needs to boycott Pro-soccer and the companies that endorse Beckham...... Where-as Tiger Woods is the ideal American Hero and a world class player. He earns his money as an individual when ever he tees it up and he is a great spokesman for the products he endorses.
9-18-2007 @ 4:29PM
ghovers said...
Does anyone really think Tiger will give the Champions Tour a second thought?
9-18-2007 @ 10:05PM
MsManners said...
Beckham is a washed-up has been who does not deserve the amount of money the Galaxy paid him nor the money he gets from endorsements. Because of him, I think the American public needs to boycott Pro-soccer and the companies that endorse Beckham...... Where-as Tiger Woods is the ideal American Hero and a world class player. He earns his money as an individual when ever he tees it up and he is a great spokesman for the products he endorses.
This is everything I would have said. T/Y Ronald
9-18-2007 @ 10:10PM
Evelyn P. Johnson-Rees said...
Go Tiger!!!!
9-19-2007 @ 8:59PM
Tony McNulty said...
Is this some sort of joke? The whole rubbish about Beckham and his projected income of $50million a year is one PR joke! I should know. My cousin works for Simon Fuller. The idiot who keeps filling your screens with some reality TV singing shows like American idol.
Tiger earned $121million in 2007. And has amassed over $700million. Been head and shoulders over his peers by playing golf no one is familiar with. In 3 years he'd be the first billion dollar sports man. You really want to compare this to hype Beckham is?
I only feel sorry for you Americans. We all cheered here in England to celebrate the departure of the media obsessive Beckhams.
9-20-2007 @ 12:21AM
pink2lips said...
Tiger Woods is Americas number 1 athelete,of all times.And has alot more years to go,with his fame,It would be hard for anyone to compare him to,he is the greatest....PEACE
11-06-2007 @ 10:26AM
J. Wilson said...
Tiger Woods is a class act because unlike Beckham he loves the GAME more than he loves the FAME.