Ranking The 20 Highest-Paid Female Athletes in 2024 – from Lowest to highest
Women’s sports continue to grow in popularity and financial power, with top female athletes earning millions through prize money and lucrative sponsorship deals. While their salaries often pale in comparison to their male counterparts, endorsements play a crucial role in boosting their total earnings.
In 2024, tennis remains the dominant sport when it comes to earnings, but stars from golf, basketball, football, gymnastics, and skiing have also secured impressive financial deals. We’ve taken a closer look at the 20 highest-paid female athletes of the year, ranking them based on their total income from both winnings and endorsements.
20. Candace Parker – 4.100.000£
Candace Parker, a legendary figure in women’s basketball, earned approximately 160.000£ from her salary and winnings, while endorsements contributed the remaining 3.940.000£. Her sponsorship deals with brands like Adidas and Gatorade continue to be a major source of her income. Despite being at the later stages of her career, Parker remains a marketable star in women’s sports.
19. Alex Morgan – 4.570.000£
Alex Morgan, one of the most recognizable names in women’s football, brought in 355.000£ in salary and prize money. However, her real financial power comes from endorsements, which amounted to 4.215.000£. Morgan’s partnerships with companies like Nike, Coca-Cola, and Volkswagen ensure she remains one of the top earners in women’s football.
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18. Megan Rapinoe – 4.620.000£
Despite retiring from international football, Megan Rapinoe still commands significant earnings. Her salary and winnings accounted for just 315.000£, but sponsorships from brands such as Nike and Victoria’s Secret made up the remaining 4.305.000£. Rapinoe’s influence on and off the pitch ensures she remains a prominent figure in the sports industry.
17. Brooke Henderson – 4.770.000£
The Canadian golf star earned 1.640.000£ in prize money in 2024, with the majority of her 4.770.000£ total earnings coming from endorsements worth 3.130.000£. Henderson is one of the most marketable figures in women’s golf, with major sponsorships from TaylorMade and Mastercard helping to boost her financial success.
16. Minjee Lee – 4.930.000£
Minjee Lee continues to be one of the top earners in women’s golf, with 1.790.000£ coming from prize money and an additional 3.140.000£ from endorsement deals. The Australian golfer has lucrative partnerships with brands like Rolex and Callaway, cementing her status as a leading figure in the sport.
15. Lydia Ko – 5.240.000£
Lydia Ko remains one of the biggest stars in women’s golf, earning 2.500.000£ in prize money. However, her 2.740.000£ in sponsorship earnings, supported by deals with Lululemon and Rolex, pushed her total income to 5.240.000£. Ko’s consistency on the LPGA Tour keeps her financially competitive with other top female athletes.
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14. Elena Rybakina – 6.180.000£
Elena Rybakina, a rising force in women’s tennis, made 3.050.000£ from her tournament winnings. The remaining 3.130.000£ came from endorsements, including her partnerships with Yonex and Adidas. Rybakina’s growing success on the court has significantly increased her marketability and earnings.
13. Jessica Pegula – 6.410.000£
Jessica Pegula, one of the most consistent players on the WTA Tour, earned 3.280.000£ in prize money. Sponsorship deals with Adidas, Yonex, and other brands brought in an additional 3.130.000£, boosting her total earnings to 6.410.000£. Pegula’s steady performances ensure she remains among the highest-paid athletes.
12. Jeeno Thitikul – 7.110.000£
The Thai golfer earned an impressive 5.550.000£ in prize money on the LPGA Tour, making her one of the highest-paid golfers in 2024. Her endorsements, totaling 1.560.000£, helped bring her total earnings to 7.110.000£. Thitikul is quickly becoming one of the most marketable athletes in golf.
11. Jasmine Paolini – 7.810.000£
Jasmine Paolini had a breakthrough year in tennis, earning 5.070.000£ in winnings. Her growing profile also secured 2.740.000£ in endorsements, bringing her total earnings to 7.810.000£. With her rising success, Paolini is expected to attract even more lucrative deals in the coming years.
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10. Caitlin Clark – 8.670.000£
Caitlin Clark, a rising star in women’s basketball, made only 78.000£ from her salary. However, her huge marketability saw her secure 8.590.000£ in endorsement deals with companies such as Nike and Gatorade. Clark’s influence on the game continues to grow, making her one of the most financially successful athletes.
9. Simone Biles – 8.670.000£
Gymnastics icon Simone Biles remains one of the biggest stars in sports, despite earning just 105.000£ in winnings. Her enormous sponsorship deals with brands like Athleta and Visa contributed 8.565.000£ to her total earnings of 8.670.000£. Biles’ global appeal ensures her continued financial dominance.
8. Nelly Korda – 11.270.000£
Nelly Korda is among the highest-paid female golfers, earning 3.440.000£ in prize money. Her endorsement deals, worth 7.830.000£, with companies like TaylorMade and Rolex, pushed her total income to 11.270.000£. Korda’s status as one of golf’s elite players ensures her strong financial standing.
7. Emma Raducanu – 11.490.000£
Emma Raducanu, despite struggling with injuries, remains a major endorsement star. She earned just 525.000£ in prize money, but her deals with brands like Dior and Nike brought in 10.965.000£. With her star power, Raducanu continues to be one of the highest-earning female athletes.
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6. Naomi Osaka – 12.420.000£
Naomi Osaka made a modest 680.000£ in winnings, but her endorsement empire remains unmatched. With partnerships with brands such as Nike, Louis Vuitton, and Mastercard, Osaka secured an additional 11.740.000£ in sponsorships, bringing her total earnings to 12.420.000£.
5. Aryna Sabalenka – 13.830.000£
Aryna Sabalenka had a highly successful year in tennis, earning 7.580.000£ in prize money. Her endorsements with companies like Nike and Wilson added 6.250.000£, making her total earnings 13.830.000£. As one of the dominant figures in women’s tennis, Sabalenka continues to grow her financial success.
4. Zheng Qinwen – 16.050.000£
Zheng Qinwen’s rise in tennis has also translated to financial success. She earned 4.370.000£ in prize money, while her endorsement earnings skyrocketed to 11.680.000£. With deals from major Chinese and international brands, Qinwen is one of the most financially promising young athletes.
3. Iga Świątek – 16.690.000£
The world’s top-ranked tennis player, Iga Świątek, earned 6.550.000£ in prize money. Her endorsement portfolio, worth 10.140.000£, includes partnerships with On Running and Rolex. Świątek’s dominance on the court and her marketability make her one of the sport’s top earners.
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2. Eileen Gu – 17.230.000£
Freestyle skiing sensation Eileen Gu earned just 48.000£ in winnings but secured a massive 17.180.000£ from sponsorships. As one of China’s biggest sports stars, Gu has deals with Louis Vuitton, Red Bull, and Tiffany & Co., making her one of the highest-paid female athletes globally.
1. Coco Gauff – 23.670.000£
Coco Gauff tops the list with 7.310.000£ in prize money and a staggering 16.360.000£ from endorsements. The American tennis star has partnerships with New Balance, Rolex, and Barilla, making her the highest-paid female athlete of 2024. Gauff’s combination of on-court success and marketability solidifies her place at the top.
