From widely publicised breakups to the consequences for family life, the stories of divorce in the sports industry reveal the human aspects of these remarkable individuals and the obstacles that come with fame and achievement in their personal relationships.
Here are some divorces that costed a fortune to athletes:
Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy:
In 2006, following a 17-year marriage of Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy, the couple’s relationship reached an irreparable point, resulting in a divorce settlement of $168 million in Vanoy’s favour. This settlement was the most expensive for any celebrity or athlete in history at that time.
Despite the significant financial impact, Jordan has managed to maintain his financial stability. However, the experience likely influenced his decision to establish a prenuptial agreement with his current wife, Yvette Prietto.
The agreement stipulates that Prietto will receive a pay out of one million dollars for each year of marriage over the next ten years. After the initial decade, the pay out will increase to $5 million for every subsequent year of marriage.
Greg Norman and Laura Andrassy
Australian golfer, Greg Norman, known as “The Shark,” faced a $104 million divorce settlement with his wife of 25 years, Laura Andrassy. Their tumultuous split involved relationships with other athletes; Norman left Andrassy for former tennis star Chris Evert, who was married to Norman’s friend, skier Andy Mill. Norman and Evert married and then divorced 15 months later, marking three divorces among three athletes.
Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren
Tiger Woods experienced a dramatic fall from grace due to his marital infidelities. The fallout not only ended his marriage to Elin Nordegren, with a $100 million settlement, but also cost him several sponsorships and his status as a golfing legend. Woods’ game has never fully recovered.
Mike Tyson and Robin Givens
Former heavyweight boxing champion Mike Tyson’s marriage to actress Robin Givens ended before he reached the peak of his career. At the time of their divorce, Tyson’s net worth was between $300 million and $685 million.
Givens received a $10 million settlement after just seven months of marriage. During the divorce proceedings, Tyson’s net worth was approximately $50 million.
Michael Strahan and Jean Muggli
Michael Strahan, now a familiar face on television, had a tough financial hit in 2006. His divorce from Jean Muggli led to a $15 million settlement and ongoing child support payments of $18,000 per month.
Alex Rodriguez and Cynthia
Yankees legend Alex Rodriguez, or A-Rod, parted ways with his wife Cynthia in 2008 after five years of marriage. Cynthia cited infidelities and emotional abandonment, including a rumoured relationship with Madonna.
Although the settlement details remain private, Cynthia’s petition included their $12 million Coral Gables estate and “equitable distribution” of assets, likely amounting to millions more.
Hulk Hogan and Linda Bollea
Hulk Hogan’s divorce from Linda Bollea cost him over $10 million. Linda received 70% of their liquid assets, 40% ownership of Hogan’s companies, and $3 million in property.