Story highlights Michael Jordan highest-paid retired athlete

Basketball legend edges out David Beckham

(CNN) Few people are able to jump as high as Michael Jordan -- and it seems that goes for earnings in retirement too.

The 53-year-old basketball legend remains on top of the Forbes highest paid retired athletes list, comfortably easing out former English soccer player David Beckham and golf star Arnold Palmer in the process.

Jordan earned $110 million in 2015 thanks to sales of Nike's Jordan brand increasing by 14%, according to Forbes. He also maintains lucrative relationships with brands such as Hanes, Gatorade, Five Star Fragrances and Upper Deck and is worth an estimated $1.1 billion despite retiring 13 years ago.

Beckham was the second-highest earning star of the past year, up a place from 2013. The former Manchester United, Real Madrid and LA Galaxy player pulled in a cool $65 million thanks in part to partnerships with fashion brand Kent & Curwen and Chinese real estate firm Luneng.

Ex-England captain Beckham is also seeking to start an MLS soccer franchise in Miami as part of the U.S. league's planned expansion.

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