Baseball star Mike Trout has officially signed a new long-term contract with the Los Angeles Angels that is believed to be the most lucrative deal in sporting history.
The Angels confirmed overnight that the vaunted centre fielder had inked a lengthy 12-year extension in Anaheim worth a reported total of $426.5million with an annual salary of $35.54m, per the Los Angeles Times.
"This is where I wanted to be all along," two-time MVP Trout said. "I have enjoyed my time as an Angel and look forward to representing the organization, my teammates and our fans for years to come."
Owner Arte Moreno added: "This is an exciting day for Angels fans and every player who has ever worn an Angels uniform.
"Mike Trout, an athlete whose accomplishments have placed him among the greatest baseball players in the history of the game, has agreed to wear an Angels uniform for his entire career.”
That eye-popping figure would eclipse the $365m five-year, 11-fight deal that middleweight boxing supremo Saul 'Canelo' Alvarez penned with streaming service DAZN in October and the $330m free-agent agreement - spread over 13 years - made between right fielder Bryce Harper and Major League Baseball's Philadelphia Phillies earlier this month.
Manny Machado agreed terms on a 10-year, $300m deal with the San Diego Padres in February and Giancarlo Stanton was handed a 13-year, $325m contract by the Miami Marlins in 2014 before later being acquired by the New York Yankees.
Trout, who will appear at a press conference before the Angels meet the Dodgers on Sunday, previously signed a $144.5m, six-year contract with the Angels in the same year.
10 richest sporting contracts
| Name | Sport | Team | Contract length | Contract value |
| Mike Trout | Baseball | Los Angeles Angels | 12 years | $426.5m |
| Canelo Alvarez | Boxing | N/A | Five years, 11 fights | $365m |
| Bryce Harper | Baseball | Philadelphia Philies | 13 years | $330m |
| Giancarlo Stanton | Baseball | Miami Marlins (now New York Yankees) | 13 years | $325m |
| Manny Machado | Baseball | San Diego Padres | 10 years | $300m |
| Alex Rodriguez | Baseball | New York Yankees | 10 years | $275m |
| Nolan Arenado | Baseball | Colorado Rockies | Eight years | $260m |
| Alex Rodriguez | Baseball | Texas Rangers | 10 years | $252m |
| Miguel Cabrera | Baseball | Detroit Tigers | Eight years | $248m |
| Robinson Cano | Baseball | Seattle Mariners (now New York Mets) | 10 years | $240m |
| Albert Pujols | Baseball | Los Angeles Angels | 10 years | $240m |
