With female athletes’ development in sports over the previous few decades, it’s no surprise that sponsors and professional leagues are eager to pay top dollar to female athletes who excel.
So, despite they earn less than their male counterparts, the world’s wealthiest female athletes can afford almost whatever they want.
Kindly read further to learn about the world’s top 12 richest female athletes.
1. Serena Williams – $130 million
Arguably the most accomplished female tennis player of all time, Serena Williams is still the world’s No. 1 and recently won her 19th Grand Slam singles championship by winning the Australian Open.
Serena has acquired wealth from sponsorships and her clothing company, giving her a current net worth of $130 million.
2. Alexis Dejoria – $100 million
Despite being the billionaire’s daughter, drag racer Alexis Dejoria has gained her own celebrity. The pretty girl with a wealthy father started drag racing in 2005 and won the Sportsman Nationals less than a year later.
She is worth $100 million, taking second place on our list of the world’s top 12 richest female athletes.
3. Maria Sharapova – $90 million
Currently rated No. 2 globally, Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova has remained one of the greatest players of all time. Sharapova went on to win four more Grand Slam titles, including each of the major tournaments.
With sponsors like Nike and Porsche, she’s earned over $90 million throughout her career.
4. Venus Williams – $75 million
The eldest of the Williams sisters, Venus Williams, has established herself as one of the most formidable and skilled players on the women’s tour.
Venus has also won seven singles wins to go along with her 13 Grand Slam doubles titles. She currently has a net worth of $75 million, thanks to a few sponsors and other award money.
5. Anna Kournikova – $50 million
Given her lack of ATP Tour titles, it’s hard to imagine Anna Kournikova ranking in the top five.
Nonetheless, as one of the most marketable athletes ever, the Russian earned $50 million in sponsorship deals.
6. Li Na – $42 million
Recently retired, former tennis ace Li Na may not have received the acclaim she deserved, but she had an impressive career.
Na has two Grand Slam singles titles on her record and has been ranked as high as No. 2 in the world on several occasions, earning $40 million over her career to deserve a spot on our top 12 richest female athletes list.
7. Annika Sorenstam – $40 million
Annika Sorenstam, the greatest female golfer ever, not only outperformed her peers but she also helped transform the game for young girls, much like Tiger Woods did for men’s golf.
Sorenstam earned $22 million throughout her Hall of Fame career, giving her a net worth of $40 million.
8. Steffi Graf – $30 Million
With 22 Grand Slam singles titles, Steffi Graf is a strong contender for the title of the greatest female tennis player ever.
Graf’s career earnings amount to $21.8 million, plus $8.2 million in sponsorships, giving her a $30 million net worth.
9. Martina Hingis – $25 million
Martina Hingis, another former world No. 1 tennis player, retired after winning five Grand Slam singles titles and another four in doubles competitions.
Hingis, who was named one of the sport’s legends by Time Magazine in 2011, is believed to be worth $25 million for her accomplishments on the court.
10. Caroline Wozniacki – $20 million
In recent years, Caroline Wozniacki, a former world No. 1, may be best known for her failed relationship with golfer Rory McIlroy.
Still, she has demonstrated the ability to detach herself from everything and return to being one of the world’s top women’s players.
Caroline, who is currently ranked No. 5 in the world, is still waiting for her first Grand Slam singles trophy but is well on her way to achieving it.
11. Danica Patrick – $18 million
Danica Patrick’s career may be surrounded by publicity due to her appearance and endorsement deals, but that does not imply it has been unsuccessful.
While Danica is still searching for her first triumph, she has already accomplished feats never seen by a female.
Danica Patrick, who has an estimated net worth of $18 million, is one of the most successful check cashers on the track.
12. Karrie Webb – $15 million
Karrie Webb is one of the greatest female golfers of all time, with a successful career spanning two decades.
The Australian is the active leader in that category, having won 56 professional races, including 41 on the LPGA Tour.
And with seven major championships, there’s no doubt she’ll be a potential Hall of Famer when she retires.
