Beckhams and Hearn brothers join UK billionaire ranks in 2026 Rich List

David Beckham and his wife Victoria have become Britain’s first billionaire sportspeople, with their collective wealth estimated at £1.185 billion ($1.583 billion) in the 2026 Sunday Times Rich List. The couple ranks second in the United Kingdom’s wealthiest sportspeople category, trailing only the Ecclestone family, whose wealth was valued at £2 billion ($2.7 billion).

Beckham’s financial standing is largely underpinned by his co-ownership of Inter Miami, which the list compilers estimated to be Major League Soccer’s most valuable club at £1.07 billion ($1.4 billion). His portfolio is further bolstered by brand ambassador roles with companies including Adidas and Hugo Boss. Victoria Beckham’s wealth stems primarily from her fashion label, built upon the fame she initially gained as a member of the Spice Girls.

Joining the Beckhams in the billionaire club are boxing promoters Barry and Eddie Hearn. The father-son duo holds a combined wealth of £1.035 billion ($1.38 billion). Barry Hearn serves as the founder and president of Matchroom Sport, a leading promoter in boxing, darts, and snooker, while his son Eddie is the chairman of the organisation.

Other prominent figures in the sports sector also feature heavily on the list. Seven-time Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton ranks fifth with a fortune of £435 million ($582 million), while reigning Masters golf champion Rory McIlroy is seventh at £325 million ($435 million). Boxer Anthony Joshua is placed eighth with £240 million ($321 million), one position above his heavyweight rival Tyson Fury, who is ninth with £162 million ($217 million).

In contrast to the new billionaires, Manchester United co-owner Jim Ratcliffe saw his wealth decline significantly. His fortune shrank by £1.85 billion ($2.5 billion) to £15.194 billion ($20.3 billion) after compilers lowered the valuation of his petrochemicals company, INEOS, to £17 billion ($22.7 billion). The adjustment reflected rising debt, falling revenues, and a reported loss of £515.7 million for the company.

Bayern Munich and England striker Harry Kane and retired former Wimbledon champion Andy Murray share the tenth spot with £110 million ($147 million) each. The 2026 Rich List highlights the diverging financial trajectories within British sport, with new entrants from football and boxing joining established stars, while industrial assets tied to sporting clubs face market corrections.