JB Mauney ranks among the wealthiest bull riders in professional rodeo history with a net worth between $6 and $8 million. His career earnings reached an incredible $7,419,475, making him the highest-paid professional bull rider ever.
The year 2016 marked a historic moment as Mauney became the first bull rider to surpass $7 million in career earnings. His most profitable year came in 2013 with earnings of $1.8 million. The champion claimed two PBR World titles in 2013 and 2015, while also earning substantial income from partnerships with Monster Energy and YETI. Mauney started his amazing journey in 2005 and retired in 2023 after a serious competition injury. His legacy stands tall as one of professional bull riding’s most successful athletes.
Early Life and Path to Professional Bull Riding
James Burton Mauney was born in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 9, 1987. His love for bull riding started when he was very young. His parents worked hard to support the family – his father Tim worked night shifts at a lumber mill while his mother Lynne was hired by the local school system.
Growing up in North Carolina
The Mauney family had deep roots in the area. Their ancestors came from Alsace-Lorraine and started their farm in Iredell County back in the 1820s. The region changed from pure cow country to industrial textile mills, but young Mauney’s passion for riding never wavered. He started riding sheep at just three years old, though he quickly outgrew what he called “stupid” mutton busting events.
Young Mauney rode family steers and won Junior Southern Rodeo Association events by age nine. He faced his first “big” bull at 13 under Michael Laws, his first bull instructor. Laws had unique training methods. He made Mauney practice balance on a shaved-down two-by-four plank to build core strength that became a great asset later.
Mauney’s love for bull riding grew stronger during his high school years. He was skinny – just 120 pounds as a freshman – but showed incredible strength and determination. He spent more time at cattle sale barns learning about bulls than attending agriculture classes.
First rodeo earnings at age 15
Mauney became a rodeo star at 15 when he won the Southern Rodeo Association junior all-around title in 2002. Money drove his early career choices. He picked International Professional Rodeos and Southern Rodeo Association events over high school rodeos because “they paid money and high school rodeos didn’t.”
North Carolina summers were perfect for competitions. Open bull riding events offered USD 500 prize money almost every day. These early competitions helped shape his professional career. Mauney joined the PBR Velocity Tour right after turning 18 and earned USD 66,616.50 in his promising rookie season of 2006.
His toughness showed early on. A serious injury at 18 left him with a lacerated liver but couldn’t stop him. Doctors told him to rest for eight months, but he got back on bulls after just four months. This steadfast dedication would later make him a legend in the sport.
Record-Breaking Career Earnings
J.B. Mauney’s stellar career saw his earnings reach incredible heights. He became PBR’s only Seven Million Dollar Man. His amazing trip through professional bull riding shows how he redefined success in the sport with his impressive financial growth.
Major championship winnings
Mauney’s biggest financial win came in 2013. He grabbed his first World Championship and earned a massive $1,807,710.75 that year. His success didn’t stop there. He claimed another World Championship in 2015 and added $1,541,942.49 to his bank account. Between these wins, he secured fourth place at the 2014 World Finals and earned $497,597.98.
Breaking the $7 million milestone
Mauney wrote his name in PBR history books on November 5, 2016. He became the first bull rider to break the $7 million mark. This huge moment happened after his thrilling 90.25-point ride on Red Dawn during Round 4 of the 2016 PBR World Finals. The ride earned him $30,000 and helped him reach this amazing milestone.
Prize money progression
Mauney started his PBR trip in 2006 and earned $66,616.50 in his rookie season. His earnings grew steadily each year and always hit six figures. From 2007 to 2012, he earned between $210,621.42 and $772,207.59 annually.
Today, Mauney leads the all-time earnings list with $7,419,475. This is a big deal as it means that he’s well ahead of his closest rivals. Silvano Alves holds second place with $6,792,340, and Jose Vitor Leme sits in third with $6,445,836.
The big gap between Mauney and other top earners shows just how amazing his career has been. His total earnings from PBR and PRCA competitions topped $7.6 million, and earned him the nickname “The Dragonslayer”. His financial success and 32 event victories made him the first bull rider to build real wealth through competition earnings alone.
Building a Bull Riding Empire
Mauney’s success goes well beyond the competitive arena. He built a business empire that spans multiple industries and shows his deep understanding of brand value and market opportunities.
Strategic brand partnerships
Monster Energy became the life-blood of Mauney’s portfolio after they signed him as their premier athlete when they joined PBR in 2013. His connection with Monster Energy turned out to be a smart move since PBR events maintain a 95% sponsor renewal rate.
YETI chose Mauney as their brand ambassador when they launched their program in 2015. His strong influence in the rodeo community helped him land more partnerships. American Hat Company added him to their elite group of 35 sponsored bull riders.
Merchandise business growth
Mauney’s merchandise empire reaches customers through multiple retail platforms. His product line has an extensive collection of branded items you can find at major retailers:
- T-shirts, hoodies, and caps through Amazon and Rodeo Time
- Custom straw and felt cowboy hats via specialized retailers
- Exclusive gear through partnerships with Dale Brisby’s Rodeo Time
His large social media following drives the success of his merchandise business. These platforms work as powerful marketing channels where he promotes everything from bull kelp bed rolls to WSM Auctioneers merchandise.
Real estate investments
Mauney showed his financial skills outside the rodeo circuit with smart real estate investments. His property portfolio has a spacious home in North Carolina and a working ranch in Texas. These real estate choices add to his overall net worth by providing bases for his business ventures and long-term value growth.
PBR’s amazing growth helped Mauney’s business success. The organization hosts more than 200 events yearly across countries like Australia, Brazil, Canada, and Mexico. This worldwide expansion created many opportunities for brand exposure and business growth, especially through high-profile events like the PBR Global Cup.
Life After Professional Bull Riding
September 2023 became a turning point when Mauney announced his retirement from professional bull riding after a severe neck injury at the Lewiston Roundup. All the same, this setback created new opportunities for the legendary rider.
Transition to coaching
Life took an unexpected turn as Mauney became the head coach for the Oklahoma Wildcatters, one of two expansion teams in the 2024 PBR Team Series. His coaching philosophy puts mental toughness at its core. He strongly believes that “toughness is what separates a great bull rider from a good bull rider”.
Mauney started his coaching journey cautiously and admits he “probably held back more than I should have”. His pursuit of excellence led him to implement mandatory practice sessions at his Stephenville property. His approach to coaching mirrors his career philosophy: “If you’re going to be a bull rider for a living, you’d better be a damn cowboy”.
Business ventures
Mauney’s retirement opened doors to several ventures in the sport. He became a part-owner of Ultimate Bullfighters (UBF) in 2020 and maintains a strong presence in the industry. He also provides color commentary at PBR events regularly.
The Stephenville ranch keeps Mauney busy with bull work, and he plans to add event lighting for nighttime bull riding competitions. His property holdings include two Stephenville properties where he lives with his wife Samantha, a PRCA barrel racer, and their son Jagger.
Mauney’s love for the sport shines through in his decision to purchase Arctic Assassin, the bull from his final competition. After hearing about the bull’s retirement, he reached out to Matt Scharping, the stock contractor, to buy the animal.
The Wildcatters showed promise under Mauney’s leadership in his first season as head coach, performing better than the other 2024 expansion team. His expectations remain high for the future. He puts it bluntly: “Next year, one of two things is gonna happen: They’re either gonna win everything, or they’re not gonna like me very much”.
Conclusion
JB Mauney’s dedication and raw talent prove what’s possible in professional bull riding. His trip started at age three riding sheep, and he became PBR’s first Seven Million Dollar Man. This achievement reshaped the sport’s financial scene.
His amazing 18-year career saw him dominate the arena and build a business empire. He formed strategic collaborations with Monster Energy, YETI, and other major brands. His earnings went beyond competition wins to cover merchandise sales, real estate investments, and several business ventures.
There’s another reason to admire this legendary athlete’s story after retirement. Mauney leads the Oklahoma Wildcatters as head coach and owns part of Ultimate Bullfighters. He keeps shaping the sport’s future and shares his experience with rising stars. When he bought Arctic Assassin, his final competition bull, it showed his lasting bond with the sport that made him famous.
True champions don’t just leave the arena – they find new paths to success. Mauney’s shift from star athlete to respected coach and successful businessman shows future bull riders how this tough sport can create lasting success.
