And established stars are millionaires through performance contracts, endorsements and merchandising.

Jordan has often insisted that he makes his own contribution by earning a fortune through endorsements.

It firmed up the concept of athlete as revenue generator through endorsements, appearances and product sponsorship.

Most other athletes who earned more than $25 million made the bulk of it in salaries, rather than through endorsements.

Beckham was paid $6.4 million in salary by his club, but through endorsements and other deals he earned a total of $37.4 million.

The pair say they left public television primarily because of restrictions on earning money through endorsements and outside appearances.

He also earned more than US$25 million a year through endorsements during his career, fourth in all sports at the time.

The organization also attempted to exert influence through endorsements of Presidential candidates.

A private development company, Caribbean American Corporate Services, has found apartments for the players, and is trying to raise money through endorsements.

The salary would be exclusive of money he would make through endorsements, exhibition races and performance clauses.