With MLB player Buster Posey looking for a new long-term deal with the San Francisco Giants, we look back at the longest contracts America has ever seen.
San Francisco are entering talks with catcher Buster Posey over a new contract, which could last for at least 12 years, according to CBSsports.com.
So where would that rank in the all-time top 10 for sports contracts in the USA?
10. Derek Jeter, New York Yankees, 10 years
Derek Jeter signed his contract in 2001, for a total sum of $189m. The shortstop has gone on to become one of the greatest Yankees in the post-war era, and deserved every cent of that contract, having won two World Series and numerous All-Star appearances in that time.
9. Alex Rodriguez, New York Yankees, 10 years
A-Rod is above Jeter simply because of the amount of money his contract is worth. In 2007, the Yankees committed a 10-year deal worth a staggering $275m. While considered one of the best batters of all time, many people have a negative opinion of Rodriguez, stemming from his arrogant persona and past steroid abuse.
8. Todd Helton, Colorado Rockies, 11 years
Helton signed his 11-year deal in 2001, for $141.5m. While he has never won a World series, or even played in one, he has enjoyed a stellar career for the Rockies, including 327 home runs and 2,195 hits to his name.
7. Marian Hossa, Chicago Blackhawks, 12 years
Hossa signed his deal in 2009 with Chicago and and brought instant success to the team as they won that season’s Stanley Cup. Hossa has scored 208 goals in his career thus far, and is living up to his $62.8m contract.
6. Mike Richards, Philadelphia Flyers, 12 years
Once again Richards gets the nod over Hossa on the amount of money his deal is worth. Richards signed a contract worth $69m, but left the team in 2011 for the LA Kings, just three years into the deal, and immediately won a Stanley Cup.
5. Donovan McNabb, Philadelphia Eagles, 12 years
The Eagles put everything into McNabb and trusted him as their long-term starter at Quarterback. While never winning a Super Bowl, he kept the team in constant playoff contention, before he was traded in 2010.
4. Alex Ovechkin, Washington Capitals, 13 years
Ovechkin committed his long-term future to the Capitals with this huge deal, signing away the next 13 years of his career at a price of $124m. Ovechkin is the reason behind the Capitals recent success, and is instrumental to any Stanley Cup hopes.
3. Rick DiPietro, New York Islanders, 15 years
Despite msking a solid start to his NHL career with the Islanders, it seems this lengthy contract became a curse for the goalie. Since 2008 he has never played a full season for the team, and been subsequently relegated to their minor league team at the start of this season.
2. Ilya Kovalchuk, New Jersey Devils, 17 years
Kovalchuk is the franchise player in the New jersey team. Scoring 50 goals in a season twice, he is no doubt deserving of this monster contract. Good times are ahead for both Kovalchuk and the Devils as they look to capture a Stanley Cup title.
1. Magic Johnson, LA Lakers, 25 years
Earvin ‘Magic’ Johnson signed this monster contract in 1981, worth $25m. One of the greatest players of all time was earning $1m a year. This may well be the greatest bargain ever in sport.