Have you ever stopped to think about what it takes to be one of the highest-paid athletes in the world? Aside from talent and athletic ability, these unique individuals possess a combination of branding, endorsements, and marketability that allows them to earn incredible amounts of money. From record-breaking contracts to incredible sponsorship opportunities, the world of sport is just as exciting financially as it is competitively! The question remains: who are the highest-paid female athletes?
This article has all the answers behind what makes the highest-paid female athletes earn what they do.
Highest Paid Female Football Players
1. Aitana Bonmatí – $1.1 Million
Aitana Bonmatí plays for FC Barcelona and the Spanish national team. She is a midfielder. She led Spain to win the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. She also won the 2024 UEFA Women’s Nations League. Aitana has won two Ballon d’Or awards. She also won the FIFA Best Women’s Player twice. Barcelona extended her contract to 2028. She now earns $1.1 million every year. She is the top earner in women’s football. She ranks among the highest-paid athletes in the world.
2. Alexia Putellas – $800,000
Alexia Putellas is also a midfielder for FC Barcelona. She has played a key role in the club’s success. She helped them win their first Champions League title in 2021. She also played for Spain during their World Cup and Nations League wins. Alexia has won two Ballon d’Ors and the FIFA Best award. Her salary is $800,000 per year. She stands proudly among the highest-paid athletes in football.
3. Sam Kerr – $565,000
Sam Kerr plays for Chelsea FC and the Australian national team. She is a striker and a global star. She won the top scorer titles in Australia, the United States, and England. She led Australia to the World Cup semi-finals in 2023. Kerr earns $565,000 a year. Her strong performances put her among the highest-paid athletes in women’s football.
4. Sophia Smith – $500,000
Sophia Smith plays for the Portland Thorns and the U.S. national team. She scored the most goals in the NWSL in 2022. She won the U.S. Soccer Female Player of the Year award. Sophia earns more than $500,000 per year. Her deal runs through 2025, with an option for 2026. She ranks among the highest-paid athletes in the American League.
5. Keira Walsh – $473,000
Keira Walsh plays for FC Barcelona and the England national team. She became the most expensive female player in 2022. Barcelona paid $489,000 for her transfer from Manchester City. Walsh has helped the club win many titles. Her salary is now $473,000 per year. She is one of the highest-paid athletes in the women’s game.
Highest Paid Female Basketball Players
1. Diana Taurasi – $228,094
Diana Taurasi plays for the Phoenix Mercury. She is a WNBA legend. She has led her team to three championships. Taurasi has played for the Mercury since 2004. She earns $228,094 per season. She also plays overseas, where she earns even more. She is one of the highest-paid athletes in women’s basketball.
2. Jewell Loyd – $231,936
Jewell Loyd plays for the Seattle Storm. She joined the team in 2015. She helped them win two WNBA titles. In 2022, she signed a two-year deal worth $463,030. She now earns $231,936 per season. Loyd also plays in Spain during the offseason. She remains one of the highest-paid athletes in the WNBA.
3. Breanna Stewart – $228,094
Breanna Stewart plays for the New York Liberty. She previously played for the Seattle Storm. Stewart won two WNBA titles and an MVP award. She earns $228,094 per season. She also plays in Russia to increase her earnings. Her performance keeps her among the highest-paid athletes in basketball.
Highest Paid Female Tennis Players
1. Venus Williams – $42.6 Million
Venus Williams is a seven-time Grand Slam champion. She also won four Olympic gold medals. She has earned $42.6 million in prize money. She endorses Wilson, K-Swiss, and has her own brand, EleVen. Her career earnings put her among the highest-paid athletes in tennis.
2. Simona Halep – $40.2 Million
Simona Halep is a two-time Grand Slam winner. She won the French Open in 2018 and Wimbledon in 2019. She has earned $40.2 million from prize money. Her sponsors include Nike and Hublot. She ranks high on the list of the highest-paid athletes in tennis.
3. Victoria Azarenka – $38.2 Million
Victoria Azarenka won the Australian Open in 2012 and 2013. She reached the top of the WTA rankings. Her prize money totals $38.2 million. She works with Nike and Red Bull. She stays in the group of highest highest-paid athletes in her sport.
4. Petra Kvitová – $37.3 Million
Petra Kvitová won Wimbledon in 2011 and 2014. She has earned $37.3 million in her career. She endorses Nike and Wilson. Her achievements and endorsements place her among the highest-paid athletes in tennis.
5. Caroline Wozniacki – $36.4 Million
Caroline Wozniacki won the Australian Open in 2018. She earned $36.4 million in prize money during her career. Wozniacki partnered with Adidas, Rolex, and Babolat. She is still one of the highest-paid athletes even after her retirement.
The increase in earnings for the highest-paid female athletes shows that people are starting to recognize their talent, appeal, and impact, marking a positive change in professional sports.
Final Thoughts
Women athletes are proving that talent and hard work pay off. From Aitana Bonmatí to Venus Williams, they have earned global respect and massive paychecks. These women are leaders who inspire a new generation and continue to push boundaries. As pay gaps shrink, expect to see even more women climb the list of the highest-paid female athletes in the world.
