Noah Lyles, known for his blistering pace and charismatic presence, continues to dominate not just on the track but also in financial circles. As of 2025, the Tokyo Olympic medalist has seen his net worth soar to an estimated $7 million, more than double what it was just two years ago.
His journey to the top of the sport has been well-documented, from his early wins in 2017 to becoming the undisputed face of modern sprinting. But while Lyles is winning medals, he’s also stacking millions from a strong personal brand and lucrative endorsement deals.
Though track events like the Diamond League offer modest prize money (about $10,000 per win and more for finals), it’s sponsorships that truly fuel his fortune. Lyles has aligned himself with powerhouse brands such as Red Bull, Adidas, and Omega, placing him in the rare class of athletes whose influence extends beyond the sport.
Kenny Bednarek: Steady, Silent, and Still in the Race
On the other side of the sprinting rivalry stands Kenny Bednarek, a formidable competitor and Olympic silver medalist who’s affectionately known as Kung Fu Kenny. Although not as publicly visible or vocal as Lyles, Bednarek has carved out his own lane in the sport.
His estimated net worth in 2025 ranges between $1 million and $5 million, largely thanks to a long-standing sponsorship with Nike. Following his breakout moment at the Tokyo Olympics, where he edged out Lyles for silver, Bednarek’s profile rose sharply. He followed that up with endorsements from Mattress Firm and several recovery-focused lifestyle brands, quietly building a respectable financial portfolio.
Despite his more reserved public persona, Bednarek remains one of the most reliable sprinters on the track, even if he doesn’t always take center stage in the media spotlight.
Net Worth Comparison (2025)
| Athlete | Estimated Net Worth | Primary Earning Sources |
|---|---|---|
| Noah Lyles | $5 million – $7 million | Adidas, Red Bull, Omega, Diamond League |
| Kenny Bednarek | $1 million – $5 million | Nike, lifestyle brands, Diamond League |
Although both sprinters compete in the same races and belong to the same athletic circles, Lyles maintains a substantial edge in earnings. The reasons are clear:
- Longevity and Consistency: Lyles has been a fixture on the global stage since 2017, collecting medals and accolades year after year.
- Brand Power: His off-track personality and media presence make him more marketable, leading to higher-value sponsorship deals.
- Win Ratio: Lyles has a dominant 13-2 head-to-head record against Bednarek, further solidifying his position as the sport’s alpha.
In essence, Lyles’ brand is bigger than his sprints, and that’s saying something, considering how fast he is.
How Sprinters Like Lyles and Bednarek Make Their Money
According to Essentially Sports, prize money from competitions such as the Diamond League provides a consistent income stream, but it’s relatively modest, around $10,000 per race win, with bonuses for overall performance.
The real financial muscle comes from endorsements, sponsorships, and media appearances.
Top-tier sprinters often land contracts with sportswear giants like Nike or Adidas, and further boost their earnings by:
- Making paid public appearances
- Creating monetized YouTube content and social media collaborations
- Signing with brands outside of athletics (nutrition, lifestyle, watches)
These deals not only pad their pockets but also keep them relevant beyond just their sprint times.
Final Thoughts
For now, Noah Lyles stands tall as the wealthier and more recognizable figure in American sprinting, both on the track and in the bank.
Kenny Bednarek, however, continues to be a strong challenger, and if history has taught us anything, rivalries in track and field can flip in the blink of an eye.
With both athletes in their prime and the 2025 World Championships looming, fans can expect not only a battle on the track but also a continued rivalry in influence and earnings.
