The 10 Highest-Paid Female Athletes of 2024: A Transformative Year for Women's Sports
The year 2024 marked a transformative moment in women’s sports, with a record-breaking 11 female athletes earning over $10 million each, surpassing the previous record of eight. This milestone underscores not only the growing financial rewards but also the increased visibility and respect for women athletes across a range of disciplines.
While tennis continues to dominate the top earners’ list, athletes from gymnastics, golf, basketball, freestyle skiing, football, and even badminton made significant strides. Sponsorships and endorsements remain the key drivers of earnings, with brands recognizing the global appeal and marketability of female athletes.
Here’s an expanded look at the top 10 highest-paid female athletes of 2024, celebrating their achievements and financial success.
1. Coco Gauff – Total Earnings: $34.4 Million
Coco Gauff’s star power soared to new heights in 2024. At just 20 years old, Gauff solidified her status as one of the most influential athletes in the world. Her standout moment came at the Paris Olympics, where she served as a co-flag bearer for Team USA, a symbolic recognition of her stature in global sports.
On the court, Gauff demonstrated her prowess by winning two major tournaments: the China Open and the WTA Finals in Saudi Arabia. The latter earned her a staggering $4.8 million in prize money, making it one of the most lucrative wins of her career.
Off the court, Gauff’s endorsement portfolio expanded significantly. Her partnerships with Fanatics, Carol’s Daughter, and Naked Juice highlight her marketability across diverse industries. Gauff’s combination of athletic brilliance and commercial appeal has made her a defining figure in women’s tennis and a role model for the next generation.
2. Iga Swiatek – Total Earnings: $23.8 Million
Polish tennis sensation Iga Swiatek faced a challenging 2024, but her financial success remained resilient. After dominating the sport with an impressive 50-week reign as world number one, Swiatek experienced a shift, losing her top ranking to Aryna Sabalenka. The year also saw a professional split with her coach and a one-month suspension in November due to a positive doping test.
Despite these challenges, Swiatek’s marketability remained strong. She secured high-profile sponsorships with Lego and Lancome, adding to her robust endorsement portfolio. Swiatek’s competitive spirit and global appeal continue to make her a valuable asset to brands and a beloved figure in the world of tennis.
3. Eileen Gu – Total Earnings: $22.1 Million
Eileen Gu’s dominance in freestyle skiing reached historic levels in 2024. With her 16th World Cup victory, she tied the record for the most World Cup wins in freestyle skiing history. Gu’s ability to excel under pressure has made her a trailblazer in her sport.
Born in San Francisco but competing for China, Gu navigated criticism about her nationality with poise, emphasizing her commitment to representing both her heritage and global unity. Her partnerships with Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Porsche reflect her unique blend of athletic and cultural influence, positioning her as a global ambassador for women’s sports.
4. Qinwen Zheng – Total Earnings: $20.6 Million
Qinwen Zheng continued her meteoric rise in women’s tennis in 2024. The Chinese star achieved significant milestones, including advancing to the Australian Open final and winning gold in singles at the Paris Olympics. Her on-court success has cemented her reputation as one of the sport’s most promising talents.
Zheng’s rise has not gone unnoticed by sponsors. She inked major deals with Audi and Lancome, enhancing her visibility and financial profile. Her journey from an emerging talent to a global star exemplifies the growing opportunities for female athletes in Asia and beyond.
5. Aryna Sabalenka – Total Earnings: $18.7 Million
Belarusian powerhouse Aryna Sabalenka had a career-defining year in 2024. With Grand Slam victories at the Australian Open and the US Open, Sabalenka ascended to the world number one ranking, dethroning Iga Swiatek. Her exceptional performance earned her the WTA Player of the Year Award and $9.7 million in prize money, the highest on the tour this year.
Beyond the court, Sabalenka’s endorsements flourished. She partnered with Master & Dynamic Headphones and luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet, adding to her existing deals with Nike and Leaf Trading Cards. Sabalenka’s dominance in tennis and her growing commercial appeal make her one of the most influential athletes of 2024.
6. Naomi Osaka – Total Earnings: $12.9 Million
After taking a break in 2023 for the birth of her first child, Naomi Osaka made a remarkable return to competitive tennis in 2024. She competed in 19 tournaments, improving her singles ranking from 833 to 58.
Osaka’s ventures off the court remained equally impressive. She co-founded Hana Kuma, a Japanese production company that is currently developing an anime series featuring her as a voice actor. Her partnerships with Louis Vuitton, Nike, and TAG Heuer continue to solidify her status as one of the most marketable athletes in the world.
7. Emma Raducanu – Total Earnings: $12.9 Million
Emma Raducanu has yet to replicate her sensational 2021 US Open victory, but her financial success remains strong. Injuries and inconsistent performance have hindered her progress, yet her marketability has endured, thanks to high-profile partnerships with British Airways, Dior, and HSBC.
Raducanu’s appeal lies in her ability to connect with fans and brands alike. While she works to regain her competitive edge, her presence in the world of endorsements highlights her enduring influence in tennis.
Related: The World’s Highest-Paying Sports: Leagues, Teams, and Salaries
Related: Footballs Richest Players - Euro 2024
8. Nelly Korda – Total Earnings: $12.5 Million
Nelly Korda had a record-breaking year on the LPGA Tour, winning seven titles, including an unprecedented streak of five consecutive victories. Her prize money totaled $4.4 million, the highest in LPGA Tour history at the time.
Korda’s sponsorships expanded in 2024, with a notable partnership with luxury luggage brand Tumi. As the world’s top-ranked female golfer, Korda continues to set the standard for excellence in women’s golf.
9. Venus Williams – Total Earnings: $12.1 Million
At 44, Venus Williams remains a symbol of longevity and excellence in tennis. Though she competed sparingly in 2024, her legacy as a seven-time Grand Slam champion ensures her continued financial success.
Williams expanded her entrepreneurial ventures with the launch of Palazzo, an AI-driven interior design platform. She also modeled for a Barbie collection celebrating the toy’s 65th anniversary. Williams’ diverse pursuits underscore her versatility and influence beyond the tennis court.
10. Simone Biles – Total Earnings: $11.2 Million
Simone Biles returned to gymnastics in spectacular fashion, winning three gold medals and one silver at the Paris Olympics. Her comeback story, chronicled in the Netflix docuseries Simone Biles Rising, captivated audiences worldwide.
Biles also led the Gold Over America Tour, celebrating her status as one of the greatest gymnasts of all time. Her ability to inspire and connect with audiences has made her a beloved figure in sports and beyond.
