ESPN released three fascinating lists today.  The 200 best-paying teams in the world, the best-paid athletes from 182 countries, and the best-paid athlete in 30 different sports.

The 3 things you need to know:

1. 5 of the top 10 paying teams are soccer clubs (Barca is #1)
2. A-Rod and Manny Pacquiao are the best paid athletes in the world ($32,000,000/year)
3. 114 out of 182 countries’ best-paid athletes play soccer.  So, if you live in the country of Burkina Faso (or any other third world land) like Charles Kabore, I highly recommend you start playing soccer or you could be making $500/year like his fellow countrymen.

Some other fun facts:

1. If you are female, stay far away from bowling.  It is the lowest paying sport (the best player makes $40,000/year), and you could make more money picking up trash.
2. The Royal Challengers Bangalore (a cricket squad) pays more than the Bucs, Jags, Broncos, and Chiefs COMBINED.
3. If you are Canadian, you should play baseball like Jason Bay.  He is your highest paid athlete ($18,125,000/year) and hasn’t played a single game this season.