How big is Wednesday night’s Powerball payday? So big, even filthy rich professional athletes are giving it a shot.
Assuming there’s a winner, Wednesday’s Powerball drawing will bring a record payout of roughly $1.5 billion, easily the highest total the lottery contest has ever handed out. And while the odds are long — 1 in 292 million to hit the winner — some sports stars are wishing on their lucky stars that their numbers are pulled Wednesday night.
New York Knicks superstar Carmelo Anthony, who makes $24 million per season, told reporters he already bought some tickets for Wednesday’s drawing.
“I don’t think I’m going to ever get hit by an asteroid,” Anthony said, per ESPN.com. “I don’t think I’m ever going to be president. I might have a better chance to win Powerball.”
If he does win, Anthony said, he plans to “share it all.” What a guy.
Also joining the fun is Washington Capitals star forward Alexander Ovechkin. The Russian sniper is hoping to build on what’s already been a good week after scoring his 500th career goal Sunday night. Adding more than $1 billion on top of the NHL’s richest contract (13 years, $124 million) would be icing on the cake for No. 8.
Ovechkin was spotted by a fan buying a ticket Saturday, and he told reporters he plans on buying even more tickets.
“But there’s no chance you’re going to win. But if I win, I’ll let you guys know,” he said, per ESPN.com.
If you’re worried about ‘Melo or Ovie winning the Powerball, don’t get too bent out of shape. We already mentioned the astronomical odds, and as MLB already pointed out, there’s a better chance of Bartolo Colon hitting an inside-the-park home run than there is of you (or Ovechkin or Anthony) winning the drawing.
Thumbnail photo via Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports Images
