The world of sports has seen some of the most high-profile and costly divorces in history, with global icons like Hulk Hogan, Thierry Henry, Michael Jordan, and Tiger Woods among those whose marital splits commanded staggering sums. These separations often involve complex financial settlements reflecting the immense wealth accumulated by these athletes.
Here are some of the most expensive divorces in sports history:
**Hulk Hogan and Linda Claridge: $13 Million**
Wrestling legend Hulk Hogan married model Linda Claridge in 1983, and they had two children. Their marriage ended in 2007 when Linda filed for divorce, citing infidelity. Following legal battles, Linda reportedly received 70% of their marital assets, 40% of profits from Hogan’s companies, and an additional $3 million in cash, totaling approximately $13 million.
**Thierry Henry and Claire Merry: $16 Million**
French football star Thierry Henry, 47, married model Claire Merry in 2003, and they had one daughter. After Henry’s move to Barcelona in 2007, infidelity rumors surfaced, leading to their divorce in 2008. Claire reportedly received around $16 million in the settlement.
**Ryan Giggs and Stacey Cooke: $31 Million**
Welsh football icon Ryan Giggs, 51, married Stacey Cooke in 2007, and they have three children. Their marriage fractured due to multiple infidelity scandals, notably Giggs’ affair with his brother’s wife. The 2017 divorce settlement saw Stacey receive $31 million, nearly half of Giggs’ then-estimated assets.
**Shaquille O’Neal and Shaunie O’Neal: $33 Million**
American basketball legend Shaquille O’Neal, 53, married Shaunie in 2002, and they had four children. Their 2009 divorce resulted in Shaunie receiving $33 million. Despite the separation, they maintained a good co-parenting relationship for their children.
**Tiger Woods and Elin Nordegren: $100 Million**
Former world No. 1 golfer Tiger Woods, 49, married Swedish model Elin Nordegren in 2004, and they have two children. Their marriage concluded in 2010 following Woods’ highly publicized infidelity scandal. Elin received $100 million and custody rights. The couple later maintained a friendly relationship as co-parents.
**Greg Norman and Laura Andrassy: $103 Million**
Australian golf great Greg Norman married Laura Andrassy in 1981, and they had two children. After 25 years of marriage, they divorced in 2006, with Laura reportedly receiving approximately $103 million in the settlement.
**Andre Agassi and Brooke Shields: $130 Million**
American tennis legend Andre Agassi married actress Brooke Shields in 1997. Their marriage lasted only two years, with no children. Reports indicate their assets, valued at up to $130 million, were divided during the separation.
**Michael Jordan and Juanita Vanoy: $168 Million**
American basketball icon Michael Jordan, 62, married Juanita Vanoy in 1989, and they had three children. After 17 years of marriage, the couple divorced, with Juanita receiving a reported $168 million settlement. To this day, it stands as the most expensive divorce in sports history, with both maintaining an amicable relationship for their children’s sake.
