How big is Wednesday night's Powerball payday? So big, that 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, I don't think I'm ever going to be president. I might have a better chance to win Powerball," Anthony said, according to ESPN.com.

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.

Thumbnail photo via Kevin Hoffman/USA TODAY Sports Images