Ryan Braun Net Worth

What Is Ryan Braun’s Net Worth?

Ryan Braun, a former professional baseball player, has an estimated net worth of $8 million. While several sources list this as his net worth, it is important to consider his career earnings and deferred payments which suggest a more complex financial picture.

Ryan Braun’s Career Earnings and Contract Details

Ryan Braun played his entire MLB career with the Milwaukee Brewers from 2007 to 2020. Throughout his career, Braun accumulated significant earnings from his contracts. Spotrac.com estimates his career earnings through 2025 to be $149,873,055. This includes various contracts and extensions he signed with the Brewers.

Here’s a breakdown of some key contract details:

2005 Signing Bonus: Braun signed his first contract with the Brewers in 2005, which included a signing bonus.
2007-2008 Contracts: He had pre-arbitration contracts in 2007 and 2008, earning $380,000 and $455,000 respectively.
2008 Extension: In 2008, Braun signed an 8-year extension worth $45 million, with an average salary of $5,625,000 and a $2.3 million signing bonus.
2011 Extension: A significant deal was the 5-year, $105 million extension signed in 2011. This contract had an average salary of $21 million and included a $10 million signing bonus.

Deferred Payments

Braun’s contract with the Brewers included deferred payments. According to reports, he is set to receive $1.8 million every July 1st until 2031. This arrangement was part of the 5-year, $105 million extension signed in 2011 and includes a total of $18 million in interest-free deferred payments. This structure was designed to provide the Brewers with more financial flexibility during Braun’s active playing years. The deferred payments ensure that Braun continues to receive income well into his retirement.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Ryan Joseph Braun was born on November 17, 1983, in Mission Hills, Los Angeles, California. He attended Granada Hills High School, where he excelled as a four-year letterman on the baseball team, serving as a three-year team captain and MVP. Despite being a top prospect at shortstop, he chose to attend the University of Miami on an academic scholarship, turning down baseball scholarships from Stanford and UC Berkeley.

At the University of Miami, Braun became a two-time All-American and was named “National Freshman of the Year” by Baseball America in 2003. His performance in college led to his selection by the Milwaukee Brewers as the fifth overall pick in the first round of the 2005 MLB Draft, receiving a signing bonus.

MLB Career and Achievements

Braun made his major league debut in 2007 and was named the National League Rookie of the Year. Throughout his MLB career (2007-2020) all with the Milwaukee Brewers, he achieved the following:

6-time All-Star (2008-2012, 2015)
2011 National League MVP
5-time Silver Slugger Award winner (2008-2012)
2012 National League home run leader

Braun was known as a five-tool player, appreciated for his ability to hit for power and average, his baserunning speed, and his fielding and arm strength. In 2012, he was ranked third among all active players in career slugging percentage and first among active left fielders in career fielding percentage.

Controversies and Suspension

Braun’s career was marred by controversy when he was suspected of using performance-enhancing drugs. In July 2013, he was suspended for the remainder of the 2013 season (65 games) for violating MLB’s drug policy. This suspension cost him approximately $3.25 million in salary and significantly damaged his reputation. Several endorsements were affected due to the suspension.

Endorsements and Investments

Ryan Braun had various endorsement deals throughout his career. Before his suspension, sports marketers estimated his endorsement income could grow from $2 million to $5 million per year. He had deals with companies like AirTran Airways, Nike, and an equity stake in Limelite Fusion Energy Drink. However, following his suspension in 2013, several companies distanced themselves from Braun, including Kwik Trip, which dropped him as a spokesman. Nike also terminated his deal. He later signed an endorsement deal with baseball footwear and apparel company 3n2 LLC. Braun was also a shareholder in restaurants, including Ryan Braun’s Graffito and 8-12 in Brookfield (co-owned with Aaron Rodgers).