Serena Williams holds the title of the richest female athlete of all time, with an estimated net worth of $400 million, according to Forbes. This figure places her far ahead of every other woman in sports history. Despite not playing a full competitive season in years, the gap between her and the rest of the field continues to widen.
Coco Gauff, currently the highest-paid active female athlete, earns an estimated $33 million per year, yet her accumulated wealth still trails Williams' historic total.
Top 10 Richest Female Athletes of All Time
The rankings below are based on estimated total net worth, which includes prize money, endorsements, business ventures, and investments. Figures are sourced from Forbes, with corroborating reporting from Sportico and Bloomberg, and reflect the most current data available at the time of publishing.
- 10. Ronda Rousey (MMA/Wrestling) – $25 million
- 9. Lindsey Vonn (Alpine Skiing) – $28 million
- 8. Coco Gauff (Tennis) – $28 million
- 7. Simone Biles (Gymnastics) – $30 million
- 6. Annika Sörenstam (Golf) – $40 million
- 5. Naomi Osaka (Tennis) – $45 million
- 4. Danica Patrick (Motor Racing) – $80 million
- 3. Venus Williams (Tennis) – $95 million
- 2. Maria Sharapova (Tennis) – $175 million
- 1. Serena Williams (Tennis) – $400 million
Notable Athletes and Their Wealth
Ronda Rousey, the first female fighter to headline a UFC pay-per-view event, built her $25 million fortune through MMA, WWE, and Hollywood appearances, along with endorsement deals from Reebok and Monster Energy. Lindsey Vonn, the most decorated American alpine skier, amassed $28 million through long-term partnerships with Red Bull, Under Armour, and Rolex.
Coco Gauff, at just 21 years old, topped Forbes' 2025 list of highest-paid female athletes with $33 million in earnings. She earned $8 million on court, partly due to her French Open victory, and $25 million off court through endorsements from New Balance, Bose, and Baker Tilly.
Serena Williams' Financial Empire
Serena Williams' $400 million net worth includes $94.8 million in career prize money, the highest in WTA history, from 858 singles wins and 73 titles. Her 23 Grand Slam singles titles include seven Australian Opens, three French Opens, seven Wimbledon titles, and six US Opens.
In the last 12 months, she earned an estimated $50 million before taxes and fees, holding 10 long-term sponsorships including Audemars Piguet, Lincoln, Nike, and Wilson. As CEO of Serena Ventures, she raised $111 million for her first fund, backed 16 companies, and holds minority stakes in the Miami Dolphins, Angel City FC, and the WNBA's Toronto Tempo.
The list spans a net worth range of $400 million to $25 million, with endorsements representing 70% of total income for top-earning women, compared to just 35% for top-earning men. Only five women in sports history have earned more than $30 million in a single year: Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, Coco Gauff, Maria Sharapova, and Aryna Sabalenka.
