Boat expert shares the most expensive yachts owned by celebrity sports stars, with Floyd Mayweather’s $200 million vessel topping the ranking..
Once the reserve of celebrities and the super-rich, yachts and luxury charters are fast becoming the preferred choice for elite athletes, looking for rest, relaxation, and most importantly, privacy. But which sports stars boast the most impressive vessels? Here, Mike Green, CEO of Boats For Sale has ranked the most expensive yachts owned by celebrity athletes today.
Appearing first on the list is boxing legend, Floyd Mayweather Jr. and his behemoth superyacht, reported to have set the 15-time world champion back a knockout $200m. Although little is known about the vessel itself, it is thought to be complete with several bedrooms, a cinema room, and a sizeable swimming pool.
In 2023, Mayweather provided insight into his life on the superyacht while visiting Miami by sharing a series of snaps on Instagram. The photos show the boxing champ basking in the sunshine on the deck of his luxurious craft along with a box of cigars, personalised with “TM”, the initials of the fighter’s nickname “The Money”. The caption read, “I’m the Yacht Master and I ain’t talking about a Rolex” [sic].
Featuring second on the list is basketball icon Michael Jordan who owns, not one, not two, but three luxurious boats. His Airness’s most expensive vessel is a 230ft custom superyacht named Joy, which set the former Chicago Bulls player back a cool $80 million in 2016
With eight luxurious bedrooms connected by a glass elevator, Jordan’s yacht can host up to 12 guests with multiple entertainment options, including a full bar, state-of-the-art gym, on-deck jacuzzi, and even a basketball court, so the former champion can stay on top of his game.
No wonder monthly maintenance costs can reach up to $800,000 per week when being chartered!
The second ship in MJ’s fleet is the creatively named Mr Terrible, which reportedly cost $21 million in 2022. Despite being much smaller than Joy, the vessel comfortably hosts six guests in three luxury suites and boasts plenty of space with split-level living spaces and decadent interiors.
Jordan’s third boat is a Viking sportfish named Catch 32, priced at $7 million. The 80ft sportfishing boat can reach speeds up to 40 knots (46 mph) and has been entered into several professional fishing competitions, most recently the Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament in North Carolina.
Golfing superstar Tiger Woods appears next in the ranking with his custom yacht Privacy, purchased at the height of his fame in 2004. At 155ft, Privacy is classed as a superyacht, boasting a host of luxury features from an on-deck jacuzzi, a gym and even an inflatable decompression chamber for diving.
Woods is a keen diver and reportedly spent a week in 2009 at Fort Bragg military base in North Carolina where he went through Special Forces training with the Marines to become a master scuba diver.
NBA star Tony Parker appears fourth in the ranking with Infinity Nine, a luxury 114ft vessel from the Kando 110 series. The former San Antonio Spurs player, who is reportedly worth $85 million thanks to his successful basketball career, is thought to have purchased the ship for $15 million, as a Thanksgiving gift to himself in 2022.
With six staterooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, the Infinity Nine is designed with opulence in mind, as well as exploration. One of Parker’s non-negotiables was an exploration vessel, capable of travelling the world with his family. The craft is designed to withstand sailing to most parts of the world, even polar regions, despite not being “ice-classed”.
Cristiano Ronaldo appears fifth on the list with his custom-made vessel, based on the Azimut Grande. The 88-foot-long craft boasts five luxury cabins which can accommodate up to ten guests, who can choose from many luxury activities on board, including waterskiing, the on-deck jacuzzi and even an outdoor projector to watch movies under the stars.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady and his boat Viva la Vida appear sixth on the list. Purchased for a reported $6 million in 2021, the Wajer 77 is described as a mini superyacht, measuring 77ft and sleeping up to nine people.
Unlike other vessels featured on this list, the Viva la Vida is unique as it can be driven by owners themselves, without the need for a captain’s licence.
Rafael Nadal’s catamaran, the Great White, appears seventh on the list, with the tennis ace purchasing the twin-hull craft in 2019 for $5.4 million.
The Great White is the only ship on the list which features two hulls, designed not only to provide additional stability and buoyancy but also to create more space for leisure and entertainment. The impressive Sunreef catamaran features a flybridge with a bar and barbeque, a waterfall-fed spa pool and elegant interiors, which the Mallorcan native designed to reflect his own home.
Speaking to Boat International in 2022, Nadal shared the one luxury staple he chose to forgo, stating “I didn’t want a Jacuzzi on the flybridge, because I prefer open spaces. I don’t need features like Jacuzzis on board – I have water around the boat to swim in and enjoy.”
Last, but certainly not least is UFC superstar-turned-actor Conor McGregor and his $3.6 million Lamborghini Tecnomar 63.
Purchased in October 2020, the 63ft vessel, known as the “Supercar of the Sea” is one of only 63 made, with McGregor purchasing the 12th edition in honour of his whiskey brand – Proper No. Twelve.
The fighter declared back in April that “yacht season is coming” after UFC President Dana White announced his comeback, which will see him face off with Michael Chandler in the UFC 303 main event in Las Vegas on 29 June. And there’s certainly plenty to enjoy when yacht season arrives. The compact sport yacht boasts two sleek suites, coated in luxury Alcantara as well as a covered outdoor dining area where guests can enjoy the view with dinner.
Speaking on the ranking, Mike Green from Boats For Sale says:
“Elite athletes often seek the pinnacle of quality and performance, so, when they buy yachts, they’re looking for vessels that match their success and lifestyle, featuring the latest in design, technology, and comfort. These high-profile purchases not only reflect their personal achievements but also set trends in the luxury market.
“By understanding and catering to their unique preferences, we can offer tailored experiences that appeal to other affluent clients, improving our service each time for those seeking the same level of exclusivity and sophistication.”
