The richest female athletes of all time are getting recognition due to the impressive numbers they are amassing, while engaging in different sports and making their influence count in their other endeavours.
The world of sports has witnessed remarkable achievements by female athletes, with many amassing incredible wealth through their careers. Among them, tennis players dominate the list of the richest female athletes of all time, thanks to lucrative endorsement deals and prize money.
In summary, Sportsbuddy.ng discovered the fact that female athletes from individual sports are more successful in wealth accumulation because they have nore control on their careers, and whatever goes on around it.
From Annika Sorenstam at the bottom of the chart to Serena Williams at the top of it, we take a look at ten the richest female athletes of all time.
The Richest Female Athletes of All Time
10. Annika Sorenstam Net Worth in 2024 is $40 million
Annika Sorenstam, one of the greatest female golfers of all time, has amassed an estimated net worth of around $40 million, making her one of the richest female athletes of all time.
Renowned for her extraordinary career in the LPGA and LET, Sorenstam notched 72 LPGA wins, including 10 major championships, before retiring from active competition in 2008. Her 22-year career redefined women’s golf, and she remains a symbol of excellence in the sport.
Off the course, Sorenstam expanded her wealth through endorsements with major brands such as Rolex, Lexus, and Callaway, and her entrepreneurial ventures.
Earnings, Investments and Endorsements
She founded the ANNIKA Foundation, promoting women’s golf and fitness, and also launched ANNIKA Academy in 2007, providing golf training for players at all levels.
Annika Sorenstam net worth is also boosted by her interest in winemaking, which led her to establish ANNIKA Vineyards, a boutique winery that adds a unique dimension to her business ventures.
In recent years, Sorenstam has stayed active in golf’s senior circuit and continues to influence the sport through her foundation and academies, continuing to grow her wealth and keeping status as one of the richest female athletes of all time.
Her impressive legacy and contributions beyond competitive golf underscore her status as a true pioneer in the world of sports and business. She is the No.1 amongst the richest female athletes of all time.
9. Li Na Net Worth is $60 million in 2024
Li Na, a groundbreaking tennis star from China, ranks ninth in the list of the richest female athletes of all time. The 42-year-old has an estimated net worth of $60 million.
Career Earnings
Li Na’s professional journey began in the early 2000s, but she gained global prominence after winning her first Grand Slam title at the 2011 French Open and then again at the 2014 Australian Open.
These victories boosted her career earnings, to estimated at over $16 million in prize money.
Endorsement Earnings
Li Na’s commercial success transcends her on-court achievements. Her partnerships with major brands like Nike, Mercedes-Benz, and Rolex helped build her wealth and visibility as a global sports icon.
Post-Retirement Endeavours and Investments
After retiring in 2014, Li Na continued to influence the sports world, particularly in China, where she remains a prominent figure in promoting tennis and sports participation.
Today, Li Na net worth reflects both her athletic success and her role as a trailblazer for Asian athletes on the world stage. She is one of the richest female athletes of all time, the number one in Asia.
8. Anna Kournikova Net Worth in 2024 is $60 million
As of 2024, Anna Kournikova net worth is estimated to be around $60 million and it is enough to see the former Russia-American tennis player rank in the top ten of the richest female athletes of all time.
Although she never won a WTA singles title, Kournikova gained international fame through her doubles victories and high-profile endorsements, becoming one of the most marketable athletes of her time.
Early Career and Earnings
Kournikova burst onto the tennis scene as a teenage prodigy, making her U.S. Open debut at just 15 years old. She achieved significant success in doubles, notably winning two Australian Open titles alongside partner Martina Hingis in 1999 and 2002.
Throughout her professional career, she earned approximately $3.5 million in prize money, which is considerably low compared to the stars of her time.
However, her income largely came from endorsements, securing deals with major brands like Adidas, Omega, and Berlei, which bolstered her earnings considerably. She ranks eighth amongst the richest female athletes of all time.
Life and Earning Streams After Tennis
Following her retirement in 2003 due to reoccurring injuries, Kournikova transitioned into a successful career as a model and television personality.
Her ongoing popularity keeps her relevant in the sports and entertainment industries, and she continues to profit from various business ventures and endorsements.
The 43-year-old resides in Miami with her partner, singer Enrique Iglesias, and their three children.
The Richest Female Athletes of All Time – Top Seven
7. Danica Patrick Net Worth in 2024 is $80 million
Danica Patrick’s net worth is estimated at approximately $80 million sees her rank seventh amongst the richest female athletes of all time. This impressive figure stems from her successful career as a race car driver, notable endorsement deals, and entrepreneurial ventures.
Racing Career Highlights
Danica Patrick made history in motorsports, becoming the first woman to lead laps in the Indianapolis 500 and winning the Indy Japan 300 in 2008, marking her as the first female to win a major-league open-wheel race in North America.
In NASCAR, she achieved the highest finish for a woman in a Cup Series race, solidifying her legacy in a male-dominated sport.
Endorsements and Earnings
During her racing career, Patrick earned around $10 million annually from her salary and endorsements with major brands like GoDaddy, Chevrolet, Coca-Cola, and Tissot.
Her marketability helped her secure lucrative partnerships, contributing significantly to her net worth.
Post-Retirement Ventures
After retiring from professional racing, Patrick shifted her focus to business. She founded Warrior by Danica Patrick, a successful clothing line launched in 2018, and ventured into the wine industry with Somnium, her winery in Napa Valley.
These endeavors not only diversified her income but also showcased her entrepreneurial skills.
Real Estate Investments
Danica has made strategic real estate investments, owning luxury properties, including a significant home in Scottsdale, Arizona, and a former Malibu residence bought for $28 million, number according to THE LIST.
The ability to manage and grow assets has played a crucial role in building Danica Patrick net worth.
Her journey from race car driver to businesswoman also exemplifies her versatility and acumen, making her one of the richest female athletes of all time.
Danica’s $80 million net worth reflects not only her racing success but also her strategic investments and successful ventures beyond the racetrack.
6. Caroline Wozniacki Net Worth in 2024 is between $80 – 90 million
Caroline Wozniacki net worth is estimated to be around $80 to $90 million, making her one of the richest female athletes of all time, a figure reflects the Dane’s successful tennis career, lucrative endorsements, and business ventures.
Career Highlights
Wozniacki, a former world No. 1, is renowned for her consistency and competitive spirit. She won 32 WTA singles titles, including the 2018 Australian Open, which was her first Grand Slam victory after years of near misses, including two finals at the US Open.
Over her career, majority of which she has been coached by her Dad, Piotr Wozniacki, she amassed over $37 million in prize money, showcasing her success on the court.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
A significant portion of Wozniacki’s wealth comes from her numerous endorsements with major brands such as Adidas, Rolex, and USANA. Her endorsement earnings are estimated to be around $40 million, demonstrating her marketability beyond the sport.
Furthermore, the 34-year-old has engaged in various business ventures, including media appearances and analysis roles, further diversifying her income sources.
Personal Life
Born on July 11, 1990, in Odense, Denmark, Wozniacki comes from a family with a strong sports background. She is married to former NBA player David Lee, and they have two children together.
Since her retirement in 2020, she has made a notable comeback, competing in significant tournaments, including the US Open.
The Richest Female Athletes of All Time – Top Five
5. Venus Williams Net Worth in 2024 is $95 million
As of 2024, Venus Williams net worth is estimated at approximately $95 million, making her one of the richest female athletes of all time.
Her financial success can be attributed not only to her illustrious tennis career but also to her entrepreneurial ventures.
Career Achievements
Venus Williams turned professional at the young age of 14 and has since achieved remarkable success on the tennis court.
She has won seven Grand Slam singles titles, including five at Wimbledon, and secured four Olympic gold medals—one in singles and three in doubles alongside her sister, Serena Williams.
Her achievements have not only made her a tennis icon but also a powerful role model for aspiring athletes worldwide.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Beyond her tennis winnings, Venus has secured lucrative endorsement deals with major brands like Wilson, Wilson Sporting Goods, and Pepsi.
Her business acumen is evident in her successful clothing line, Eleven, which focuses on stylish yet functional sportswear.
In addition, she has invested in various business ventures, including real estate and her recent work in the wellness industry, which includes a focus on healthy living.
Philanthropy and Advocacy
Venus Williams is also known for her philanthropic efforts, particularly in promoting gender equality in sports and advocating for women’s financial literacy.
Her initiative, the “Venus Williams Foundation,” supports various causes, including education and health awareness.
Overall, Venus Williams exemplifies how talent, perseverance, and smart business strategies can create a lasting legacy beyond sports.
Her net worth reflects her hard work both on and off the court, making her a significant figure in both the athletic and entrepreneurial worlds.
The sister of Serena ranks fifth amongst the richest female athletes of all time.
4. Alexis DeJoria Net Worth in 2024 is $100 million
Ranked as one of the richest female athletes of all time is Alexis DeJoria, a prominent figure in the world of drag racing, boasts an impressive net worth estimated at around $100 million.
This wealth stems not only from her successful racing career but also from her family background, as she is the daughter of billionaire John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of the Paul Mitchell hair care brand.
Racing Career and Achievements
DeJoria began her racing journey at the age of 16 and quickly made a name for herself in the National Hot Rod Association (NHRA). She became the first woman to record a sub-four-second run in NHRA history, showcasing her skill and determination in a traditionally male-dominated sport
Investments and Business Ventures
Beyond racing, DeJoria has ventured into real estate investments. In 2024, she and her father purchased a historic estate for over $11 million, highlighting her growing interest in property.
This blend of a successful racing career and strategic investments contributes significantly to her substantial net worth.
In summary, Alexis DeJoria exemplifies the intersection of talent and opportunity, leveraging her passion for racing into a lucrative career while maintaining ties to her family’s wealth.
The Richest Female Athletes of All Time – Top Three
3. Steffi Graf Net Worth in 2024 is $145 million
Steffi Graf, one of the most accomplished tennis players in history, boasts a net worth of around $145 million, making her rank in the top three of the richest female athletes of all time.
Her wealth is largely attributed to her illustrious career in tennis, where she dominated the sport for over a decade between the 80s and 90s.
Graf held the world No. 1 ranking for a record 377 weeks and secured 22 Grand Slam singles titles, making her one of the most successful female athletes in history
During her career, Graf accumulated over $21 million in prize money—equivalent to roughly $40 million today. However, Steffi Graf net worth was largely bolstered by partnerships with global brands like Adidas, Citibank, and Opel, allowing her to maintain financial stability even after retirement in 1999.
Graf’s iconic “Golden Slam” in 1988—winning all four Grand Slam tournaments plus the Olympic gold in the same year—cements her in the record books and as a highly marketable athlete.
Although her career faced setbacks, including tax controversies involving her father in the 1990s, she continued to thrive professionally.
Post-Retirement Activities
Since retiring, Graf, alongside her husband, Andre Agassi, have been active in philanthropy, notably through her organization, Children for Tomorrow, which supports children affected by trauma and violence.
Today, Graf resides in Las Vegas with Agassi and their two children, balancing family life with various charitable endeavors and endorsements, underscoring her legacy on and off the court. She ranks third amongst the richest female athletes of all time.
2. Maria Sharapova Net Worth in 2024 is $220 million
Former world No. 1 tennis player, Maria Sharapova net worth stands at $220 million as of 2024, an impressive figure as result of her successful tennis career and lucrative endorsement deals.
Sharapova became a global sensation after winning Wimbledon in 2004 at just 17, quickly amassing a fortune through both prize money and off-court ventures.
Career Earnings Breakdown
Throughout her career, Sharapova earned substantial sums from tournaments, peaking with annual earnings around $38 million during her prime.
Her career earnings from tennis alone are impressive, but the bulk of her wealth stems from endorsements with high-profile brands such as Nike, Porsche, and Head.
Additionally, she founded her own candy line, Sugarpova, which further contributes to her income.
Endorsements and Business Ventures
Sharapova consistently ranked as one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world. Her marketing appeal extended beyond tennis, as she has remained a prominent figure in lifestyle and fashion, appearing in campaigns that resonate with a wide audience.
The launch of Sugarpova not only showcases her business acumen but also her ability to leverage her brand post-retirement.
The former No.1 ranks No.2, amongst the richest female athletes of all time.
Richest Female Athletes of All Time
1. Serena Williams Net Worth in 2024 is is $340 million
Serena Williams net worth estimated at $340 million, making her the richest female athlete of all time and by some distance.
This figure represents a significant increase from her net worth of $260 million in 2022, following her retirement from professional tennis.
Williams earned approximately $95 million in career prize money, establishing herself as one of the highest-earning athletes in history.
Caeer Earnings and Endorsements
Williams’ wealth is largely derived from her illustrious tennis career, which includes 23 Grand Slam titles and a record 319 weeks as the world’s No. 1 player.
Beyond prize money, her endorsements have played a crucial role in her financial success, bringing in an estimated $45 million annually. Major partnerships include long-term deals with Nike, Lincoln, and Michelob Ultra, along with various other brands.
Business Ventures and Investments
Post-retirement, Serena Williams has embraced entrepreneurship and investment. She launched Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm that focuses on startups, with a notable emphasis on supporting underrepresented founders.
Her recent business ventures include Wyn Beauty, a cosmetics line, and Will Perform, a brand focusing on health and wellness products.
Serena Williams net worth reflects not only her achievements in tennis but also her savvy business acumen and commitment to philanthropy.
Momma Smash as she was famously called during her days on the court continues to influence the sports and business world, serving as an inspiration for future generations of athletes and entrepreneurs alike.
Who is the Richest Female Athlete of all time ?
Serena Williams is the richest female athlete of all time. The American, with a net worth of $350 million, owns wealth earned from her successful career than any other female athlete.
Who is the richest female soccer player of all time ?
Alex Morgan is the richest female footballer of all time but the American come short in riches when compared to successful female athletes from other sports.
The former Arsenal star has built a net worth of about $13 million, which includes earnings from her accomplishments with the U.S. national team and sponsorships.
