JB Mauney broke records not just on the back of bulls but also in his bank account. The legendary bull rider turned his 8-second rides into millions of dollars through prize money, sponsorships, and smart business moves.
This article reveals how Mauney built his fortune and where his wealth stands today.
JB Mauney Net Worth
James Burton “JB” Mauney stands as one of the most successful bull riders in history, with a net worth between $6 million and $10 million as of 2024. This range accounts for various financial reports, prize winnings, sponsorship deals, and personal investments over his two-decade career.
Many fans wonder why different websites report different amounts for Mauney’s wealth. The answer lies in how these estimates calculate his assets, property values, and ongoing income streams. Some reports focus strictly on his competitive earnings, while others include his entire financial portfolio.
What makes Mauney’s finances unique among professional rodeo athletes? His ability to transform an eight-second sport into multi-million-dollar success separates him from most competitors. His career earnings exceeded $7.4 million from competitive riding alone—before accounting for lucrative sponsorships and business ventures.
Financial experts point to Mauney’s peak earning period between 2013-2015 when he secured his largest prize purses and endorsement deals. His financial growth shows how top bull riders can earn substantial wealth despite competing in a niche sport.
Career Highlights
Mauney’s path to wealth began in Mooresville, North Carolina, where he started riding bulls at just 13 years old. His professional breakthrough came when he joined the Professional Bull Riders (PBR) circuit in 2005.
His career reached its pinnacle in 2013 when he claimed the PBR World Championship. This victory came with a staggering $1.385 million prize—the largest single payout in bull riding history at that time. The championship cemented his status not just as an elite athlete but as a marketable sports personality.
Mauney captured a second world title in 2015, adding another million-dollar year to his resume. His success wasn’t limited to championships—he consistently ranked among the highest earners on the PBR tour for more than 15 years.
What truly separates Mauney from other bull riders? His remarkable longevity in a sport where careers often end by age 30. Mauney competed professionally until 2022, building wealth over a much longer career timeline than most of his peers.
His career statistics tell the story of his dominance:
- 2 PBR World Championships (2013, 2015)
- Over 500 qualified rides at the elite level
- 78 rides on bulls scoring 45+ points
- Career riding percentage of 55.56%—exceptional in a sport where the average hovers around 25%
These achievements directly translated to financial gain through both immediate prize money and increased market value for sponsorships.
Earnings Breakdown
Mauney’s wealth comes from multiple sources, creating a diversified income portfolio many athletes envy.
Prize Money The foundation of Mauney’s net worth comes from competitive earnings. His 2013 season stands as his most profitable, bringing in $1.8 million in prize money alone. Throughout his career, Mauney consistently earned between $300,000 and $1.8 million annually from competitions—explaining why his career earnings topped $7.4 million.
The prize structure in bull riding heavily rewards championship performances. For example, each year’s World Finals event offers a $1 million bonus to the season champion on top of event winnings. Mauney claimed this bonus twice during his career, significantly boosting his wealth.
Sponsorships Monster Energy served as Mauney’s primary sponsor for much of his career. While exact contract figures remain private, industry experts estimate top bull riders command between $250,000 and $750,000 annually from major sponsors.
Beyond Monster, Mauney secured deals with:
- Wrangler jeans
- Cooper Tires
- Ariat boots
- Various PBR partners
Each sponsorship contract added hundreds of thousands to his annual income during his peak years. His marketability stemmed from both his championship success and his fan-friendly personality.
Post-Competition Income After retiring from active competition, Mauney transitioned to commentary and brand ambassador roles. These positions typically pay former champions between $100,000 and $300,000 annually, depending on their involvement level.
Mauney also earns from appearances at bull riding schools, where his expertise commands premium fees from aspiring riders. These teaching engagements provide both supplemental income and opportunities to mentor the next generation of bull riders.
Investments Like many professional athletes, Mauney invested his earnings in various ventures. While specific investment details remain private, property records indicate he owns substantial real estate in North Carolina. These property investments likely account for a significant portion of his current net worth.
Is JB Mauney Married?
Mauney married Lexie Wiggly in 2016, and their partnership extends beyond personal life. Lexie, herself familiar with the rodeo world, helps manage various aspects of Mauney’s business ventures and public appearances.
Their partnership demonstrates how athletes’ personal relationships often influence their financial success through shared business management and career planning.
Bull Rider
Mauney’s identity as a bull rider extends far beyond his competitive career. His status as one of the sport’s legends allowed him to build his personal brand around authentic cowboy values—toughness, determination, and resilience.
After ending his competitive career in 2022, Mauney expanded his bull riding identity into new profitable ventures. He now serves as a commentator for PBR events, leveraging his expertise and name recognition for continued earnings.
His transition resembles the path taken by other rodeo legends like Ty Murray and Justin McBride, who successfully converted competitive success into lasting financial security through media roles and business ventures.
What makes Mauney’s post-riding career particularly valuable? His reputation for riding the rankest bulls in the sport gives him unique credibility when discussing today’s competitors. This authenticity translates directly to continued earnings potential.
The Business of Bull Riding
Understanding Mauney’s wealth requires context about the business structure of professional bull riding. The PBR operates differently from traditional team sports, with riders functioning essentially as independent contractors.
This structure means riders bear significant costs—travel expenses, entry fees, and medical bills—but also retain complete control over their sponsorship deals and business ventures. For top performers like Mauney, this arrangement proved highly profitable.
The most successful bull riders follow a three-part financial strategy:
- Maximize competitive earnings during peak years
- Secure and maintain major sponsorships
- Develop post-competition income streams
Mauney excelled in all three areas, explaining his place among bull riding’s wealthiest athletes. His ability to capitalize on championship moments with increased sponsorship deals showed particular business savvy.
Legacy
Mauney’s financial success carries significance beyond personal wealth—it demonstrates how bull riding has evolved as a professional sport. When Mauney began his career, seven-figure earnings seemed impossible for rodeo athletes. His career helped establish new financial benchmarks.
His earning power influenced subsequent generations of riders, showing how elite performers could command premium sponsorships and prize money. Many current top riders cite Mauney as both athletic and business inspiration.
From a historical perspective, Mauney’s career spans bull riding’s transition from regional attraction to national sport with broadcast deals and corporate sponsorships. This evolution directly impacted athletes’ earning potential and explains the significant growth in top riders’ net worth over the past decade.
How JB Mauney’s Net Worth Compares
Among professional bull riders, Mauney ranks near the top in career wealth. His estimated net worth exceeds most of his contemporaries, with only a handful of riders in the same financial bracket.
For context, the average professional bull rider earns between $50,000 and $150,000 annually—making Mauney’s multi-million dollar career exceptional. Even among world champions, his financial success stands out.
Compared to mainstream sports athletes, Mauney’s net worth might seem modest. However, within Western sports, his financial achievements represent remarkable success in a specialized field with historically limited earning potential.
Future of JB Mauney’s Wealth
What lies ahead for Mauney’s financial future? Several factors suggest his net worth will likely increase in coming years:
- His commentary role with PBR provides steady income
- His name recognition continues to attract sponsorship opportunities
- His investments, particularly in real estate, may appreciate over time
Many retired athletes struggle financially after competition ends, but Mauney’s diverse income streams position him for continued financial stability. His business decisions during his active career created a foundation for lasting wealth.
Financial experts project Mauney’s net worth could reach $12-15 million by 2030 if he maintains his current business trajectory and investment strategy. This growth would further cement his status as one of bull riding’s greatest financial success stories.
Lessons From JB Mauney’s Journey
Mauney’s wealth-building strategy offers lessons for both athletes and fans:
- Success in niche sports can generate substantial wealth through sponsorships
- Career longevity dramatically impacts lifetime earnings
- Transitioning to media roles provides sustainable post-competition income
- Developing a personal brand increases marketability beyond active competition
His career demonstrates how athletic success translates to financial opportunity when properly leveraged. By maximizing both prize money and commercial potential, Mauney built wealth that will likely outlast his competitive career by decades.
Final Thoughts
JB Mauney’s net worth—estimated between $6-10 million—represents more than just a financial figure. It symbolizes how an athlete from a specialized sport built lasting wealth through excellence, marketability, and business acumen.
The various estimates of his worth highlight the complexity of evaluating athletes’ finances, especially those with diverse income streams spanning competitions, sponsorships, and investments.
What makes Mauney’s financial story particularly compelling? His rise from small-town North Carolina to multi-millionaire status through an intensely demanding sport few master. His eight-second rides translated into decades of financial security—proving exceptional talent, properly marketed, can create exceptional wealth in any athletic field.
As bull riding continues evolving as a professional sport, future champions will measure their financial success against the benchmark Mauney established. His career earnings of over $7.4 million from competition alone set a standard few riders will match—cementing his legacy not just as a champion athlete but as a financial pioneer in Western sports.