The remarkable financial power of women's sport has been laid bare with the revelation that the world's 15 highest-earning female athletes collectively banked a staggering $249 million in 2025. Topping this elite list is American tennis prodigy Coco Gauff, whose total earnings underscore a dramatic surge in the commercial value of female sporting stars.
Tennis Stars Dominate the Financial Rankings
According to the data from Sportico, the minimum entry point for the top 15 soared to $10.1 million this year, a significant jump from the $6.7 million threshold in 2024. The sport of tennis paved the way, claiming 10 of the 15 spots, a dominance fuelled in part by prize money parity with male players at major tournaments.
Leading the charge is 21-year-old Coco Gauff, a two-time Grand Slam champion. She eclipsed her fierce on-court rival, world number one Aryna Sabalenka, to claim the number one position. While Gauff earned a formidable $8 million in prize money from her on-court performances, it was her off-court portfolio that propelled her to the summit. Her endorsement deals with brands like Bose, New Balance, and Carol’s Daughter contributed a colossal $23 million, bringing her total annual income to $31 million.
Sabalenka, whom Gauff defeated in the 2025 Roland Garros final, secured second place with a uniquely balanced income. The 27-year-old is the only athlete on the list whose prize money and endorsement earnings were exactly equal, each contributing $15 million to her $30 million total. Former world number one Iga Swiatek completed a tennis clean sweep of the top three positions.
Endorsement Power Beyond the Court and Slope
The list reveals that for many athletes, brand partnerships far outstrip their sporting salaries. In fourth place was Chinese freestyle skier Eileen Gu, whose earnings came entirely from $23 million in endorsements. Despite a serious training injury in August, the 22-year-old Olympic champion, who represents China, maintains a glittering array of deals with companies including Cadillac, Tiffany's, and Victoria's Secret.
This trend was starkly illustrated by WNBA rookie sensation Caitlin Clark. The basketball star, who missed much of the 2025 season injured, ranked sixth with $16 million in earnings. Her on-court salary was a mere $114,000, with the vast majority of her income generated by off-court ventures. Similarly, gymnastics icon Simone Biles, who has not competed since the Paris 2024 Olympics, still earned $11 million in endorsements while taking a break from the sport in 2025.
Notable Inclusions and Surprise Entries
The rankings featured athletes from seven different nationalities, with seven of the top 15 under the age of 25. Golf's Nelly Korda placed seventh with $13.8 million, despite not winning an event in 2025, while Thai golfer Jeeno Thitikul squeezed into 15th place after a breakout season with $7.6 million in prize money.
One of the most surprising entries was 45-year-old tennis legend Venus Williams. Despite earning only $219,000 in prize money after a shock return to the tour, her enduring marketability secured her $10 million in endorsements, landing her the final spot in the top 15. The list demonstrates the powerful and lasting commercial appeal of female sporting superstars, both active and veteran.
