24/7 Wall St.

Being an elite athlete no longer means you are just a sports icon. While sports figures make a name for themselves on the field, their reach goes even further once they get online. When athletes spread their wings on social media, a crowd follows.

Sports are a massive industry in North America. Athletes and fans are part of what is now a more than $60 billion market that is expected to reach $73.6 billion in the next two years. Media exposure is at the forefront of this growth.

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With a society that treasures sports and social media increasing in its reach, it was only a matter of time before sports figures became some of the most influential people in America — even the world.

But influence is used in different ways. Some athletes choose to post advertisements to cash in on big pay days, while others use the platform to engage in social and political conversations. Some speak directly to their fans using the platform, and even on occasion insult them. One athlete even uses his influence to get the attention of an estranged wife.

NBA players make up a large majority of the list, most likely because the game has more of a global reach than other American sports. One of the only sports on the list played in the Olympics, some former basketball stars sign contracts overseas, and international players come to play in the NBA, all of which helps build global interest. Other sport figures on this list come from a variety of fields, including football, boxing, tennis, wrestling, golf, and skateboarding.

While most athletes or former athletes on this list are immensely famous now, several have established themselves in the past and are only just beginning to reap the benefits of their celebrity status on platforms like Twitter and Instagram now.

Click here to see America’s most powerful athletes.

To determine who are the most influential and powerful American athletes, 24/7 Wall St. measured the active and retired American athletes with the most current combined followers on Twitter and Instagram.

Did any of your favorite athletes make the list?

25. Paul George
> Twitter + IG followers: 6.4 million
> Twitter handle: @Yg_Trece
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Active

Paul George, the longtime de-facto leader of the Indiana Pacers made headlines this year when he was traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder during the offseason. This four-time NBA All Star, who was a part of the 2016 Men’s gold-medal winning Olympic team in Rio de Janeiro, uses his star power to share his social life, as well as promote charity events and his signature PG1 shoe.

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24. J.J. Watt
> Twitter + IG followers: 6.5 million
> Twitter handle: @JJWatt
> Sport: Football
> Retired or active: Active

J.J. Watt is well aware of his influence on social media. The face of the Houston Texans uses his impact online to spread motivational messages, but he certainly doesn’t shy away from edgier posts. The three-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year has commented on children in sport, Lavar Ball’s expensive shoe prices, and has even called out teammate DJ Reader for not believing in dinosaurs.

23. Daniel Bryan
> Twitter + IG followers: 6.5 million
> Twitter handle: @WWEDanielBryan
> Sport: Wrestling
> Retired or active: Retired

Bryan Lloyd Danielson, commonly known by ring name Daniel Bryan, used social media to announce his retirement at the age of 34 due to health concerns. The former WWE world Heavyweight Champion and current general manager of WWE’s SmackDown uses his social media reach to share details of his private life, discuss social and political issues, often while staying in character.

22. Russell Wilson
> Twitter + IG followers: 7.0 million
> Twitter handle: @DangeRussWilson
> Sport: Football
> Retired or active: Active

The quarterback behind the Seattle Seahawks’ first-ever Super Bowl win seems to be a family man at heart. When Russell Wilson goes online, it is to post about his wife, step-son, charity events, and his aptly named clothing company GoodMan Brand. Social media needs some G-rated entertainment to keep us balanced, and Wilson delivers. His followers love him for it.

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21. Tiger Woods
> Twitter + IG followers: 7.1 million
> Twitter handle: @TigerWoods
> Sport: Golf
> Retired or active: Active

While the epic rise of Tiger Woods came before the widespread use of social media, his fall did not. As luck would have it, Woods’ decline into mediocrity, intermarital affairs, and drug abuse has been well documented. Despite this, the 11-time PGA player of the year has maintained a loyal following on Twitter, where he posts about his social life and all things golf. He also uses the platform to apologize for his missteps. The athlete who Golf Digest reported as having over $1.3 billion in career earnings, with an estimated 88% coming from endorsements, now has one of the least marketable names in sports.

20. Tony Hawk
> Twitter + IG followers: 7.1 million
> Twitter handle: @tonyhawk
> Sport: Skateboarding
> Retired or active: Retired

You may not know it from his immense popularity, but Tony Hawk retired from professional skateboarding nearly two decades ago. So how has he managed to keep himself relevant? For starters, the professional skateboarder endorsed the Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater franchise, a wildly popular video game series first published in 1999. Hawk has been able to cement his brand by tweeting near daily behind-the-scenes footage, family pictures, and stunt shots to his over 4 million followers on his Twitter account, which he insists on keeping complete control over.

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19. Blake Griffin
> Twitter + IG followers: 7.4 million
> Twitter handle: @blakegriffin32
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Active

Five-time NBA All-Star and 2011 Slam Dunk Champion Blake Griffin uses social media like a regular guy. He posts funny stories and everyday thoughts, and promotes charity events on his various accounts. If you’re looking for an athlete’s comments on current events, fans know to go to Griffin’s account.

18. Randy Orton
> Twitter + IG followers: 8.8 million
> Twitter handle: @RandyOrton
> Sport: Wrestling
> Retired or active: Active

Randy Orton is a tough guy in the ring but a softie on the internet. The youngest ever WWE World Heavyweight Champion uses social media to share pictures of his family, recent travels, and wrestling. Orton has even seen some viral fame, as his signature “RKO” move made its rounds online, contributing to the popularity of his social media accounts.

17. Dwight Howard
> Twitter + IG followers: 9.1 million
> Twitter handle: @DwightHoward
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Active

Big man and brand new Charlotte Hornets center Dwight Howard has had enough of the jokes at his expense. Although he usually spends his time online posting about basketball, news, and religion, he has a new MO — responding to users who crack wise. In a recent spat that made the news, Howard made a demeaning joke to what appears to have been a 16-year old boy.

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16. Paul “Triple H” Levesque
> Twitter + IG followers: 10.1 million
> Twitter handle: @TripleH
> Sport: Wrestling
> Retired or active: Retired

The 14-time WWE World Heavyweight Champion and current executive VP at WWE has accumulated a massive following during his long career in wrestling. His in-ring accomplishments as well as his marriage to the daughter of WWE CEO Vince McMahon makes “The Game” wrestling royalty. His social media presence is almost exclusively focused on the WWE.

15. Mike Tyson
> Twitter + IG followers: 10.3 million
> Twitter handle: @MikeTyson
> Sport: Boxing
> Retired or active: Retired

“Iron” Mike Tyson made his reputation by knocking out people in the ring and becoming the youngest World Heavyweight Champion ever. Most millennials, however, know him for his other ventures. His evolution from prize fighter to convicted rapist to movie star to having his own cartoon show is one of the most compelling tales in modern American history. Today, Tyson uses his widespread social media presence to poke fun at himself, post advertisements, and promote his podcast “Bite the Mic,” where he interviews world-famous guests.

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14. James Harden
> Twitter + IG followers: 10.4 million
> Twitter handle: @JHarden13
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Active

When the owner of the Houston Rockets announced that James Harden would sign a record-breaking contract extension that guarantees him $181.2 million through 2022, the internet couldn’t believe it. Luckily for fans, we’re going to get to see what he does with it. That’s because the five-time NBA All-Star and a 2017 NBA MVP finalist keeps his social media circle entertained by posting almost everyday about parties, his youth camp, his signature shoe, and whatever else crosses his mind.

13. Odell Beckham Jr.
> Twitter + IG followers: 11.2 million
> Twitter handle: @OBJ_3
> Sport: Football
> Retired or active: Active

The highest ranked football player on this list, Odell Beckham Jr. is as impressive online as he is on the field. With 1,300-plus yards and double-digit touchdowns in each of his first three seasons as a wide receiver for the New York Giants, he is a certified superstar. OBJ has also managed to rake in the numbers online, with 8.7 million followers on Instagram to go with over 2,000 posts. With behind-the-scenes shots of life as an NFL youngster — stocked with motivational quotes, philanthropy, dancing, and football — it is no surprise he’s a hit with the younger generation. In fact, OBJ has won an award at the Kids’ Choice Awards three years straight.

12. Kyrie Irving
> Twitter + IG followers: 12.9 million
> Twitter handle: @KyrieIrving
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Active

A three-time NBA All-Star and a key member of the 2016 NBA champion Cleveland Cavaliers, point guard Kyrie Irving has a lot to show for in his young professional career. Off the court, Irving has made a name for himself as “Uncle Drew,” a popular web-series presented by Pepsi. In the series Irving dresses as an old man to beat local players in pickup basketball. The success of this player-to-fan engagement may have contributed to his large online following, where he posts about events, fan appreciation, and more.

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11. Russell Westbrook
> Twitter + IG followers: 12.9 million
> Twitter handle: @russwest44
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Active

As the new 2017 NBA MVP and leader of perennial playoff contender Oklahoma City Thunder, Russell Westbrook went from folk hero to living legend. The triple-double machine is known to fans as a high-energy scorer with a dynamic personality, which translates well for him outside of basketball. Westbrook is frequently featured in GQ as one of America’s most stylish fashion icons. Westbrook takes fans on his journey every step of the way, and what sets him apart is his open personality. The reigning MVP posts a different song and dance on his social media whenever the mood strikes him.

10. Carmelo Anthony
> Twitter + IG followers: 14.2 million
> Twitter handle: @carmeloanthony
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Active

Carmelo Anthony is a social media icon with a cult following. While Anthony uses his global platform for social activism, the 10-time NBA All-Star and three-time Olympic Gold Medal winner raised the bar by trying to get his wife back online. The born and bred New Yorker who plays with the Knicks usually floods his feed with training videos, tribute posts, and family pictures. But recently he has taken up to posting pictures of his separated wife in what can only be an attempt to get her back. Eager fans can’t wait to see what the future Hall of Famer posts next.

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9. Serena Williams
> Twitter + IG followers: 15.1 million
> Twitter handle: @serenawilliams
> Sport: Tennis
> Retired or active: Active

Serena Williams is a tennis legend that has transcended the sport. The seven-time Wimbledon singles champion uses social media as a way to spread social awareness and personal information on her own terms. Williams used her social platforms to announce her engagement to Reddit co-founder Alexis Ohanian — keeping journalists out of the loop. The world’s highest paid female athlete also recently wrote a nearly 1,000 word essay in Fortune magazine to mark Black Women’s Equal Pay Day, an event she promoted on her social media.

8. Kevin Durant
> Twitter + IG followers: 16.5 million
> Twitter handle: @KDTrey5
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Active

What makes Kevin Durant’s appearance on this list so spectacular is that he pulls over 16.5 million followers with only one account. The 2017 NBA Champion and Finals MVP with the Golden State Warriors uses Twitter in some of the best ways possible — to share his sense of humor, remark on celebrities — and more recently to respond to trolls. Let this be a lesson: if you trash talk Kevin Durant online, you may get a response.

7. Dwyane Wade
> Twitter + IG followers: 16.6 million
> Twitter handle: @DwyaneWade
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Active

When Dwyane Wade is not training or on some exotic vacation, he is most likely on his social media platforms. The three-time NBA Champion and future Hall of Famer uses his large following to discuss his investments and social activism, share family photos, and hold impromptu Q&As with his followers. The Chicago Bulls star even takes time out to occasionally respond to his critics too.

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6. John Cena
> Twitter + IG followers: 17.1 million
> Twitter handle: @JohnCena
> Sport: Wrestling
> Retired or active: Active

You can’t see John Cena in the ring these days, but you’ll definitely find him online. The 40-year old WWE legend uses social media to promote charitable work and even to respond to questions. Recently, Cena teamed up with GQ to go “undercover” on a variety of social media to respond to random questions and comments in a humorous way. Despite the jokes, Cena takes charity seriously as he is the Make-A-Wish Foundation’s most requested athlete, with over 500 wishes granted.

5. Kobe Bryant
> Twitter + IG followers: 19.7 million
> Twitter handle: @kobebryant
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Retired

Who would have known that Kobe Bryant, a self proclaimed “anti-social” athlete would have so many fans waiting on his every word? In fact, when the five-time NBA Champion tweeted a link to his retirement letter, the hosting website crashed. Since retirement, the Black Mamba has used social media to post family pictures and to promote his company, Kobe Inc.

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4. Shaquille O’Neal
> Twitter + IG followers: 20.5 million
> Twitter handle: @SHAQ
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Retired

Shaquille O’Neal is a four-time NBA Champion and TNT commentator who provides an example of social media dominance. Whether he’s making funny videos for Lyft that boosted the brand more than expected, or taking part in social media challenges, you’re sure to have a good time on his feed. Just as long as you are on his good side. Just this year, Shaq has found himself entangled in a social media beef with NBA player Javale McGee and even dropped a diss track toward infamous NBA dad LaVar Ball. Shaq is not one to put out flames in a Twitter firestorm.

3. Floyd Mayweather
> Twitter + IG followers: 23.7 million
> Twitter handle: @FloydMayweather
> Sport: Boxing
> Retired or active: Active

If you’ve been paying any attention to the internet in 2017 then you should know about Floyd Mayweather. Winning 15 world titles in five weight divisions in a career spanning over 20 years, “Money” has become one of the richest athletes in the world. Recently unretired, Mayweather uses social media to promote his fights, training videos, and to show off his lavish lifestyle. But Mayweather isn’t afraid to go toe-to-toe with the media — as recent posts about his potential tax evasion and upcoming fight with Conor McGregor have Mayweather explaining to his large fan base that “if it’s not coming directly from me, then it’s not true.”

2. Stephen Curry
> Twitter + IG followers: 27.0 million
> Twitter handle: @StephenCurry30
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Active

A flashy back-to-back MVP on arguably the best basketball team in the world is a surefire recipe for social media success. Steph Curry is a world-famous NBA star and is quickly becoming the new face of the league — and the highest paid player in the NBA with a guaranteed $201 million. Curry’s social media charm is underlined by his fun-loving attitude and posts about his family and wife Ayesha Curry — who also has a large following in the social media world, including over five million followers on Instagram.

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1. LeBron James
> Twitter + IG followers: 69.2 million
> Twitter handle: @KingJames
> Sport: Basketball
> Retired or active: Active

The most influential American athlete in modern history by leaps and bounds — at least on social media — is Lebron James. With over double the follower count of second place Stephen Curry, the three-time NBA Champion and four-time NBA MVP is one of the most followed people in the Twitterverse with over 37.3 million fans. James keeps his feed updated constantly by spotlighting hard work, social activism, and family values, promoting local talent in his home state of Ohio, and everything in between. Social media becomes a dark place when James shuts down all his feeds every year during the NBA playoffs.