Ronda Rousey
Ronda Rousey made history as the highest-paid female MMA fighter, earning a minimum of $3 million per fight in the UFC and later $2 million a year performing for WWE. Her popularity and success in the fighting world have helped her secure lucrative endorsements from companies like Reebok and Monster Energy.
Serena Williams
Retiring from the sport in 2022, Serena Williams has earned over $90 million in career prize money and consistently ranks among the highest-earning female athletes. The 23-time Grand Slam champion has an estimated net worth exceeding $200 million, largely due to lucrative endorsement deals with brands like Nike and Gatorade.
Simone Biles
Simone Biles, widely regarded as one of the greatest gymnasts in history, has amassed millions of dollars through her remarkable gymnastics achievements and lucrative endorsement deals. Her endorsement portfolio includes partnerships with global giants like Nike, where she’s had her own line of leotards, as well as deals with Kellogg’s and Beats by Dre.
Laila Ali
Laila Ali, the daughter of boxing legend Muhammad Ali, achieved considerable success in her professional boxing career. While her highest prize for a single fight was $600,000, her total career earnings from the ring exceeded millions. Beyond boxing, Ali expanded her earnings through television appearances, including Dancing with the Stars and Chopped All-Stars. She also has an exclusive endorsement deal with Nike.
Naomi Osaka
Naomi Osaka’s meteoric rise in tennis has translated into significant financial success. Making $57.3 million in 2022 alone, her earnings soared further due to high-profile endorsements. Osaka’s partnerships with esteemed brands like Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Nissan have resulted in annual earnings reaching tens of millions of dollars.
Lindsay Vonn
Lindsey Vonn, an alpine skiing legend with over 80 World Cup victories, amassed substantial wealth during her skiing career. Her career prize money earnings and endorsement see her with a net worth of around $12 million. Vonn’s skiing prowess saw her secure lucrative endorsement deals with renowned brands such as Under Armour and Red Bull.
Danica Patrick
Danica Patrick, a legend in auto racing, amassed an impressive fortune throughout her career. Breaking barriers and records along the way, her earnings from both NASCAR and IndyCar combined exceed $50 million. In addition to her racing success, Patrick secured substantial income through high-profile endorsements with companies like GoDaddy and Chevrolet.
Annika Sörenstam
Swedish golf sensation Annika Sörenstam has achieved remarkable success both on the golf course and in endorsement deals. Her storied career included 10 Major Championships, and she earned over $22 million in prize money, rivalling many male golfers. Off the course, Sörenstam’s endorsements included deals with top brands such as Callaway Golf and Rolex.
Ashleigh Barty
Australian tennis star Ashleigh Barty’s impressive career is marked by numerous titles and achievements. Winning her native Australian Open in 2022, she decided that then was the right time to retire. Her total career earnings have amounted to over $23 million thanks to her dominance on the court and brand deals with Jaguar and Vegemite.
Rachael Blackmore
Irish jockey Rachael Blackmore has defied the norms in the traditionally male-dominated sport of horse racing. Blackmore’s historic victories include being the first woman to triumph in the Grand National and Champion Hurdle. She etched her name in history by winning the 2023 Cheltenham Gold Cup, a remarkable feat never before achieved by a female rider. Her career earnings now exceed $8 million.
