Top 10 Highest-Paid Female Athletes

Maria Sharapova stands as one of the select few female athletes, alongside Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka, to have held the title of the world’s highest-paid female athlete.

Sharapova dominated this position for an impressive eight consecutive years until Serena Williams assumed the top spot in 2016. However, with both Williams retired and Osaka on hiatus in 2023 due to injury recovery and childbirth, the landscape of the highest-paid female athletes has witnessed a changing of the guard, introducing a new No. 1.

The dominance of tennis in the realm of top-earning female athletes is evident, with nine out of the top 10 hailing from this sport. Tennis not only offers substantial prize money but also provides extensive marketing opportunities for female athletes, contributing to their financial success and global recognition.

Iga Świątek is the highest-paid female athlete in the world with an earning of $23.9 Million.

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10 Highest-Paid Female Athletes 2023 – 2024

In the fiscal year 2023, the accomplished 22-year-old Polish tennis sensation, Iga Świątek, garnered an estimated $23.9 million in earnings, predicated on preliminary calculations before tax deductions and agent commissions. Here is a complete list of the 10 highest-paid athletes of 2023:

Note: The list for 2024 will be updated promptly upon the availability of new data. The existing list is derived from Forbes’ compilation of ‘The World’s Highest-Paid Female Athletes 2023’ and encompasses earnings from the calendar year 2023. On-field earnings encompass various components, including base salaries, bonuses, stipends, and prize money, rounded to the nearest $100,000. Off-field earnings estimates, rounded to the nearest $500,000, are meticulously determined through consultations with industry experts. These estimates encompass annual income derived from endorsements, licensing, appearances, memorabilia, and returns from any businesses in which the athlete holds a significant stake.

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Top Highest-Paid Female Athletes 2023

1. Iga Świątek

Earnings: $23.9 Million

In the culmination of her notable achievements in 2023, Świątek clinched a title at the WTA Finals and secured the prestigious year-end No. 1 singles ranking, culminating in her second consecutive WTA Player of the Year Award. Despite being just 22 years old, she has now held the No. 1 position for a remarkable 82 weeks, marking the 10th-highest duration in WTA history. Furthermore, Świątek currently ranks 14th on the tour’s all-time career prize money list, amassing nearly $25 million.

Beyond the tennis court, Świątek strategically expanded her endorsement portfolio in the past year, forging partnerships with notable brands such as Visa, On shoes and apparel, Oshee sports drinks, and the information technology company Infosys. These collaborations complement her existing four partnerships, underscoring her growing influence both on and off the court.

2. Eileen Gu

Earnings: $22.1 Million

Hailing from San Francisco but proudly representing China in competitions, Gu stands out as an Olympic athlete whose business ventures consistently thrive between Games. The accomplished freestyle skier and model boasts enduring global sponsorships with prestigious brands such as Mengniu Dairy and Anta in China, as well as Louis Vuitton and Victoria’s Secret in the Western markets. Notably, Gu has defied the conventional trend, maintaining a robust business profile even outside the Olympic spotlight.

Despite overcoming a recent knee injury, Gu made a triumphant return to the slopes in December, showcasing her prowess by clinching victories in halfpipe events held in both China and Colorado. This marked her comeback to World Cup action after an impressive hiatus of 11 months, reaffirming her resilience and skill on the international stage.

3. Coco Gauff

Earnings: $21.7 Million

A pivotal moment in Gauff’s career awaits at the U.S. Open in September, where a potential Grand Slam breakthrough could catapult her to new heights as a brand ambassador. However, her prowess as a pitchwoman was already evident, having secured lucrative marketing deals this year with notable entities such as Baker Tilly, Bose, and UPS.

Beyond her tennis accomplishments, the 19-year-old Gauff, renowned for her avid interest in Marvel superheroes, featured prominently in an advertisement for the 2023 film “The Marvels.” Notably, she graced a limited-edition cover of an Invincible Iron Man comic book, showcasing her appeal beyond the sports arena. On the court, Gauff’s remarkable year has elevated her to a career-high No. 3 singles ranking, propelled by her victories in four WTA tournaments. With a blend of athletic prowess and marketability, Gauff continues to make significant strides both in the world of tennis and as a compelling figure in brand partnerships and marketing.

4. Emma Raducanu

Earnings: $15.2 Million

Raducanu swiftly established one of the most coveted endorsement portfolios in tennis following her triumphant win at the 2021 U.S. Open at the age of 18. Recognising her potential as a long-term star, brands eagerly associated themselves with emerging talent. However, since her historic victory, Raducanu has confronted a series of injuries and illnesses, causing her world ranking to plummet to No. 299 from a peak of No. 10 in 2022.

Notably, Raducanu has raised eyebrows due to her decision to part ways with five coaches in approximately two years. In response to criticism, she addressed the matter in a recent interview with the BBC, stating, “On certain occasions, they haven’t been able to keep up with the questions I’ve asked, and maybe that’s why it ended.” Her candid remarks shed light on the complexities of her journey, illustrating the challenges and choices that come with rapid success and evolving aspirations.

5. Naomi Osaka

Earnings: $15 Million

Osaka, who welcomed a daughter in July 2023, has been absent from competitive tennis since September 2022. However, she is poised for a comeback, gearing up for the Brisbane tournament as a crucial tune-up for the upcoming Australian Open next month. During this hiatus from the court, Osaka has strategically expanded her presence into new marketing domains, securing sponsorship agreements with Bobbie Baby Formula and Crate & Kids. In addition, her media company, Hana Kuma, successfully raised $5 million in April as it transitioned into an independent entity, separating from the SpringHill Co. These ventures underline Osaka’s multifaceted endeavours both within and beyond the realm of professional tennis.

6. Aryna Sabalenka

Earnings: $14.7 Million

Sabalenka has experienced a pinnacle in her career, marked by winning the Australian Open, attaining a two-month stint as No. 1 in women’s singles, and clinching the International Tennis Federation’s World Champion Award. Notably, while athletes from Russia and Belarus have faced challenges in securing sponsorships amid the conflict in Ukraine, Sabalenka has recently forged partnerships with Maestro Dobel Tequila and Leaf Trading Cards, showcasing her marketability and global appeal.

Beyond her tennis achievements, Sabalenka has diversified her portfolio as an investor in wellness brands, including Beekeeper’s Naturals and Olipop Soda. Her entrepreneurial ventures extend to being featured in Netflix’s tennis docuseries, “Break Point,” further solidifying her presence beyond the court. Sabalenka’s strategic moves highlight her success not only as a formidable tennis player but also as a savvy and multifaceted businesswoman.

7. Jessica Pegula

Earnings: $12.5 Million

Pegula, recognised on the 2024 Forbes 30 Under 30 list, achieved a career milestone this year by securing the most significant singles title of her career in Montreal. Further bolstering her tennis prowess, she reached the championship match at the WTA Finals in November and briefly held the No. 1 ranking in doubles alongside her partner, Coco Gauff. Beyond her on-court achievements, Pegula has been making noteworthy strides in her off-court endeavours.

In a strategic move, she recently added Dyson headphones, De Bethune watches, and Gorjana jewellery to her sponsorship portfolio. This diversification underscores Pegula’s marketability and appeal in the realm of endorsements. Additionally, she received the esteemed WTA’s Jerry Diamond ACES Award for her commendable efforts in promoting women’s tennis, solidifying her impact both as an athlete and an advocate for the sport.

8. Venus Williams

Earnings: $12.2 Million

While Williams’ competitive appearances have become infrequent—participating in just seven tournaments and playing 10 matches this year—her influence as a marketing powerhouse endures. The seven-time Grand Slam singles champion has recently expanded her brand portfolio through strategic partnerships with Dove and Nestlé’s Purina PetCare. Simultaneously, she introduced a jewellery line in collaboration with Reinstein Ross and made a strategic investment in the Los Angeles Golf Club, a team set to compete in the upcoming TGL league developed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy’s TMRW Sports.

Beyond her ventures in sports and lifestyle, Williams is extending her impact as an executive producer on “Behind the Racquet,” a docuseries shedding light on the mental health challenges faced by tennis players. This multifaceted approach underscores Williams’ significance not only as a sports icon but also as a dynamic entrepreneur and advocate for mental health awareness in the realm of professional athletics.

9. Elena Rybakina

Earnings: $9.5 Million

Rybakina, originally born in Russia, has represented Kazakhstan since 2018, and achieved a remarkable feat by winning Wimbledon in 2022. Building on this success, she had an outstanding 2023 season, securing victories in two WTA 1000 tournaments and concluding the year at an impressive No. 4 in the singles rankings. Throughout her ascent, the 24-year-old rising star has strategically expanded her brand associations, forging partnerships with notable entities such as Red Bull and Yonex.

10. Leylah Fernandez

Earnings: $8.8 Million

Similar to Emma Raducanu, Fernandez continues to reap the rewards of her notable run to the 2021 U.S. Open final, maintaining partnerships with prominent brands like Lululemon, Morgan Stanley, and Google Pixel phones. However, akin to Raducanu, Fernandez has encountered challenges in meeting the expectations set by her early success on the court. In a recent interview with RDS, she candidly acknowledged struggling to retain her tennis identity, grading her season a modest 4 out of 10.

Despite these challenges, Fernandez found glimpses of success, securing a tournament title in Hong Kong in October and contributing to Canada’s triumph in the Billie Jean King Cup in November. These victories should instil a sense of optimism as she approaches the challenges and opportunities that 2024 may bring.