Coco Gauff Named Highest-Paid Female Athlete Again

Tennis sensation Coco Gauff has once again claimed the top spot as the highest-paid female athlete, according to Sportico’s latest rankings released on December 3rd. This marks the third year in a row that the young star has achieved this impressive financial milestone, solidifying her status as a powerhouse in both sports and business.

Dominating On and Off the Court

In 2025, Gauff raked in an astounding $31 million. What’s particularly noteworthy is that a significant portion of this income, $23 million, came from off-court endeavors. Her impressive portfolio of brand partnerships includes major names like New Balance, Baker Tilly, Bose, Rolex, and Chase Bank, showcasing her broad appeal beyond the tennis court.

Gauff also launched Coco Gauff Enterprises in April, a move to manage her burgeoning career, following a seven-year stint with Roger Federer’s Team8 agency. This strategic business decision further highlights her ambition and business acumen at such a young age.

Tennis Leads the Way in Gender Pay Equity

Gauff’s ranking, placing her ahead of fellow top WTA players Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek, underscores a significant trend: tennis is a leader in closing the pay gap between male and female athletes. While prize money on the WTA Tour may generally trail the ATP, earnings are equalized at prestigious Grand Slam and Masters 1000 events. This parity is further reflected in endorsement deals, where six women earned over $10 million from sponsorships in 2025, compared to four active male athletes.

Tennis players also heavily dominated Sportico’s overall list of the top 15 highest-paid athletes, with only five athletes from other sports making the cut. This dominance highlights the financial power and global reach of top-tier tennis talent.

Other Notable High Earners

The report also highlighted other successful female athletes. Naomi Osaka, after a comeback in 2025 that included reaching the U.S. Open semifinals, earned $12.5 million. Simone Biles, still on a break from gymnastics, garnered $11 million from endorsements and released her fifth Athleta collection, alongside launching a new restaurant, Taste of Gold. Venus Williams, despite competing in only three events, saw her prize money reach its highest level since 2021 and continues to build her brand with endorsements.

Coco Gauff’s continued success demonstrates not only her athletic prowess but also her savvy business sense, setting a powerful example for aspiring athletes and entrepreneurs worldwide.