Do early-life advantages translate into economic returns in elite sport? Evidence from the world’s highest-paid athletes

This study examines whether early-life advantages translate into economic returns in elite sport by investigating relative age effects (RAE) among the world’s highest-paid athletes. Although RAE has been widely documented in youth participation and elite selection, its implications for ultimate economic success remain unclear. Data were collected from annual lists of the 100 highest-paid athletes worldwide between 2021 and 2025, including salaries, winnings and endorsements. Birth-quarter distributions were analysed using chi-square tests, effect sizes, and odds ratios relative to uniform expectations, and U.S. birth distributions. No significant RAE was identified and U.S. birth patterns reflected general seasonal trends rather than selection bias. The findings suggest that early relative-age advantages do not translate into disproportionate economic returns at the highest level of global sport, where sustained performance and market-related factors appear more influential.