The top-earning female athletes of 2023 include Naomi Osaka, Serena Williams, and Sam Kerr. Naomi Osaka topped the list with record-breaking earnings of $51.1 million, while Serena Williams earned an estimated $41 million. Eileen Gu earned $20.1 million.
These women athletes’ earnings come from a variety of sources, including prize money, brand ambassadors, endorsements, advertisements, etc.
- Naomi Osaka became the highest-paid female athlete in history, breaking the previous record held by Maria Sharapova.
- Despite being in the latter stages of her career, Serena Williams remains a major contender in the earnings race.
Highest Paid Female Athletes of 2023 by Forbes
In 2023, Forbes magazine reported Naomi Osaka as the top-earning female athlete globally. The Japanese tennis sensation not only broke records on the court but also surpassed Serena Williams as the highest-paid female athlete. Osaka’s earnings, a total of $37.4 million from 2019 to 2022 through winnings and endorsements, outpaced Serena Williams by $1.4 million this year. Below is the list of highest-paid female athletes of 2023 by Forbes:
- Naomi Osaka – Tennis Player
- Income: $37,500,000.
- Serena Williams – Tennis Player
- Income: $36,000,000.
- Angelique Kerber – Tennis Player
- Income: $12,000,000.
- Simona Hale – Tennis Player
- Income: $11,400,000.
- Sloane Stephens – Tennis Player
- Income: $10,200,000.
- Caroline Wozniacki – Tennis Player
- Income: $8,000,000.
- Maria Sharapova – Tennis Player
- Income: $7,500,000.
- Karolína Plisková – Tennis Player
- Income: $6,700,000.
- Elina Svitolina – Tennis Player
- Income: $6,300,000. (Tie)
- Venus Williams – Tennis Player
- Income: $6,300,000. (Tie)
- Alex Morgan – American Soccer Player
- Income: $6,000,000.
Highest Paid Female Athletes from 2011-2023 by Statista
For a long time, Tennis legend Maria Sharapova topped the highest-paid female athletes list until Serena Williams took over that position, and now Naomi Osaka is taking the lead. Here is a list of the highest-paid female athletes around the world from 2011 to 2023, according to Statista.
Find more statistics at Statista
Female Athletes With Highest Net Worth
As of 2023, Naomi Osaka’s net worth is estimated to be $60 million, according to Forbes. Her earnings come from Nike, Nissan, and Louis Vuitton endorsement deals. In addition to her endorsements, Osaka has won several major tennis tournaments, including four Grand Slam titles, contributing to her net worth.
Despite being only 24 years old, Osaka has quickly risen to become one of the highest-earning female athletes in the world, with a bright future ahead of her both on and off the court.
The Impact of Endorsements on Female Athletes’ Earnings
Endorsements play a significant role in female athletes’ earnings. Naomi Osaka has several lucrative endorsement deals, including partnerships with Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Beats by Dre. Serena Williams also has many notable endorsement deals, including partnerships with Nike, Beats by Dre, and Lincoln.
Personal branding and social media play an important role in securing endorsement deals and increasing the earning potential of female athletes.
- Endorsements have helped female athletes earn significant wealth beyond their salaries and winnings.
- Female athletes building strong personal brands and social media followings can command higher endorsement fees.
- Female athletes’ most lucrative endorsement deals typically come from fashion, beauty, and lifestyle brands.
The Rise of Women’s Soccer and Its Impact on Athletes’ Earnings
Women’s soccer has grown in recent years, increasing earnings and opportunities for female athletes. Female soccer players’ salaries and endorsements have increased recently, particularly in Europe and the United States. Investment and support from organizations and sponsors have played a significant role in driving the growth of women’s soccer.
The Sports in Which Women Earn More Than Men
When we think about the gender pay gap in sports, we typically think of women earning less than men. However, there are some sports in which women earn more than their male counterparts.
| Sport | Earnings |
|---|---|
| Women’s Tennis | Varies, but some tournaments offer equal prize money to men’s tournaments |
| Women’s Golf | Varies, but top women’s golfers can earn similar amounts to male golfers |
| Women’s Basketball | The average salary in the WNBA is $120,000 annually, with top players earning over $500,000 annually. |
The Future of Earnings for Female Athletes
The future looks bright for female athletes regarding earning potential, with more investment and opportunities for women in sports. The growth and success of women’s sports offer hope and inspiration for the future.
Female athletes can maximize their earning potential and build a successful career in sports by continuing to push boundaries and advocate for change.
