The winner will have to pay federal (and possibly state) taxes on the Mega Millions payout. But even after that, if there is one winner, they’ll be richer than some of the biggest names in sports and entertainment.
The winner of Friday night’s whopping $1.28 billion Mega Millions lottery–if there is only one winner–will be richer than a number of the nation’s most recognizable celebrities and entertainers, some of whom have worked years to accumulate their own wealth.
Among those who will be bested by the Mega Millions Millionaire: singer Beyoncé (est. net worth $450 million), tennis champs Serena Williams ($260 million) and Maria Sharapova ($220 million), actress Sandra Bullock ($225 million), and Kardashians’ mom-ager Kris Jenner ($230 million).
But the winner won’t be a billionaire, despite the advertised jackpot. Most lottery winners opt for the lump sum cash payout, which as of Friday at noon Eastern time Mega Millions said was $747.2 million (its “cash option”). The winner then has to pay federal taxes on the stash–after which they’d be left with about $470 million.
