Top 10 Highest-Earning Female Athletes in 2024: Coco Gauff Leads, Sha’Carri Richardson Misses the List
For the second consecutive year, Coco Gauff has solidified her place at the pinnacle of female athletes’ earnings, amassing an impressive $30 million in combined prize money and endorsements. This achievement not only underscores her dominance on the tennis court but also her growing influence as a global sports icon. Remarkably, Gauff joins the exclusive ranks of Naomi Osaka and Serena Williams, becoming only the third female athlete in history to surpass $30 million in annual income.
A Meteoric Rise in Earnings
In 2023, Gauff earned approximately $22.7 million, a figure that has now surged by over $7 million. This increase is attributed to her stellar performances on the WTA tour, including a Grand Slam victory at the US Open, and a series of lucrative endorsement deals. Brands such as New Balance, Rolex, and Barilla have aligned themselves with Gauff, recognizing her marketability and appeal to younger audiences.
Meanwhile, Chinese tennis star Zheng Qinwen has made a striking entry into the fourth position, with earnings reaching $20.6 million. This significant jump reflects the global appeal of tennis, particularly in Asia, where rising stars like Zheng are drawing considerable attention and sponsorship deals.
The Dominance of Tennis Players
Interestingly, the 2024 list is heavily dominated by professional tennis players, reflecting the sport’s strong commercial infrastructure. In addition to Gauff and Zheng, other tennis players who made it to the top 10 include Iga Świątek, who holds the third position with $21.4 million. Świątek, known for her consistency and dominance on clay courts, experienced a slight dip from last year’s $21.9 million but remains a formidable force both on and off the court. Her endorsements with brands like Asics, Tecnifibre, and Red Bull continue to contribute significantly to her earnings.
The prominence of tennis on this list is no surprise. Women’s tennis has long enjoyed a relatively high profile compared to other sports, thanks to its global tournaments, wide fan base, and media coverage. The Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) has also been proactive in promoting gender equality and securing high-profile sponsorships for its players, creating a fertile ground for top athletes to thrive financially.
Non-Tennis Stars: Eileen Gu and Caitlin Clark
While tennis players dominate, other sports are beginning to make their presence felt. Skiing sensation Eileen Gu, who holds the second position with $22.1 million, exemplifies this trend. The freestyle skier has become a cultural icon, particularly in China, where she represents a blend of athletic excellence and media charisma. Her endorsement portfolio is diverse, featuring partnerships with major brands like Louis Vuitton, Red Bull, and Anta Sports.
Caitlin Clark, the rising star in women’s basketball, has also cracked the top 10 with $11 million in endorsement income. Clark’s journey reflects the growing visibility of women’s basketball, especially in the United States. Her performances in college basketball have drawn national attention, paving the way for endorsements and a promising future in the WNBA. Her inclusion in the list marks a significant milestone, indicating that basketball is gaining traction in the commercial landscape of women’s sports.
The Absence of Track and Field Stars
Despite their remarkable athletic feats, track and field athletes continue to be conspicuously absent from the highest-earning lists. Sha’Carri Richardson, one of the most recognizable names in sprinting, did not make the top 10. This absence highlights a persistent issue within athletics: the lack of commercial opportunities compared to other sports.
Track and field have traditionally struggled with limited sponsorships and media visibility. Athletes often face financial challenges despite their global recognition and Olympic success. The situation is further complicated by the sport’s fragmented structure, with fewer high-profile events and less corporate investment. Even top athletes who dominate international competitions find it challenging to secure lucrative deals.
However, there are signs of change on the horizon. The 2024 Paris Olympics introduced new stars like Julien Alfred from Saint Lucia, who claimed the 100m gold medal, defeating Richardson. Alfred’s triumph has made her a national hero, and she has already signed several endorsement deals. While her earnings are modest compared to tennis players, her story offers hope that track athletes from smaller nations can leverage their success into greater commercial opportunities.
Future Prospects: Initiatives to Boost Track and Field Earnings
The financial landscape for track and field athletes might soon improve, thanks to several promising initiatives. One notable development is the upcoming Athlos Track Meet, founded by Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams’ husband. This series aims to elevate the profile of track events, offering higher prize money and greater media exposure.
Additionally, legendary sprinter Michael Johnson’s Grand Slam Track series is set to launch, promising better financial rewards for athletes. Coupled with the World Athletics Ultimate Championships planned for 2026, these initiatives are expected to inject new life into the sport. By offering improved earnings and greater visibility, they could help bridge the gap between track and field and more commercially successful sports like tennis and basketball.
Conclusion: A Shifting Landscape in Women’s Sports
Coco Gauff’s continued dominance as the highest-earning female athlete in 2024 reflects both her exceptional talent and the commercial appeal of women’s tennis. However, the broader landscape of women’s sports is gradually evolving. While tennis remains at the forefront, stars from skiing, basketball, and other disciplines are beginning to make their mark.
For track and field athletes, the path to financial success remains challenging but not insurmountable. With new initiatives and a growing emphasis on marketing, the future holds promise. As more sportswomen leverage their visibility and achievements into commercial opportunities, the playing field could become more balanced, reflecting the true breadth and talent of female athletes across the globe.