They're Young, Rich and Superstars

A look at the richest celebrities under the age of 25.

ByABC News
December 5, 2007, 11:40 AM

Dec. 5, 2007 Special to ABCNEWS.com — -- In addition to his collection of All-Star MVP and Rookie of the Year titles, LeBron James, the likable forward for the NBA's Cleveland Cavaliers, can cram another honorific on his crowded mantelpiece. King James--as he is known by his army of fans--tops Forbes' 20 Under 25 list of the Top-Earning Young Superstars, thanks to the $27 million he banked between June 2006 and June 2007.

That paycheck could be the low-end of James' earning potential. James, who turns 23 on Dec. 30, is primed to outpace Los Angeles Laker Kobe Bryant, 29, as the highest-paid player in the NBA this year, thanks to a rich new four-year $60 million contract that has the Cavs paying him $13 million his first year. Endorsement deals with Nike, Coca-Cola and Upper Deck, among others, easily eclipse his on-court salary.

Those kinds of lucrative endorsement deals landed athletes in the top four slots of the 20 Under 25 list. Reggie Bush, 22-year-old running back for the NFL's New Orleans Saints, nabbed the No. 2 spot with $24 million, followed by comely tennis ace Maria Sharapova, who pocketed $23 million (only $3.8 million from winnings). The world's highest-paid female athlete, Sharapova edges out golf phenom Michelle Wie, who occupies the No. 4 spot with $19 million.

Click here to see the 20 top-earning young superstars at our partner site, Forbes.com.

Rounding out the top five are former kid stars turned boho fashion icons Mary-Kate and Ashley Olsen, who earn $17 million apiece, largely from their 'tween merchandise empire Dualstar. The petite duo parlayed their instant fame as child stars on ABC's late '80s hit series Full House to peddle straight-to-video kid flicks and tchockes to their loyal fanbase. That operation matured into a massive retail venture with billion-dollar annual sales that peddles $12 jumpers at Wal-Mart to $795 leopard print coats at Neiman Marcus.

Forbes' 20 Under 25 list of the Top-Earning Young Superstars examined earnings from June 2006 to June 2007. We included salaries, winnings, endorsement deals and royalties. No deductions were taken for taxes or management fees.