As the popularity of women’s sports continues to rise, numerous positive effects have emerged. One significant benefit is the increased earning potential for female athletes. Sportico examined the financial figures and released a ranking of the 15 highest-paid female athletes, with Nelly Korda placing in the top 10, alongside Jeeno Thitikul and Lydia Ko. Sportico […]
As the popularity of women’s sports continues to rise, numerous positive effects have emerged. One significant benefit is the increased earning potential for female athletes. Sportico examined the financial figures and released a ranking of the 15 highest-paid female athletes, with Nelly Korda placing in the top 10, alongside Jeeno Thitikul and Lydia Ko.
Sportico considered both endorsement income and competition earnings (salaries or winnings) for its list. Collectively, the top 15 attracted $221 million, representing a 27 percent increase compared to the top 15’s total in 2023. Tennis star Coco Gauff secured the top position with earnings of $30.4 million.
Korda secured the No. 8 spot on the list as the sole golfer in the top 10, with total earnings of $14.4 million. Her remarkable 2024 season, which included seven victories, five of which were consecutive, featured pivotal moments that showcased her influence beyond golf. She graced the Met Gala and will appear in the 2025 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition, highlighting her status as a universal icon.
On the golf course, Korda generated $4.4 million. However, her substantial off-course earnings propelled her into the top 10, with Sportico estimating her endorsement income at $10 million. Major sponsors include Nike, Goldman Sachs, Cisco, and TaylorMade.
Ranking at No. 12 is Thailand’s Jeeno Thitikul, who claimed one title on the LPGA tour this year, the CME Group Tour Championship—the season’s final event. The prize money was a record-setting $4 million, bringing her on-course earnings to $7.1 million. Sportico noted endorsement deals totaling $2 million.
Ko took the No. 15 position in earnings, with on-course revenues of $3.2 million during a season that featured three LPGA victories, including the major AIG Women’s Open, and a gold medal at the Olympics. Sportico estimates that Ko generated $3.5 million from endorsements.
Among the top 10 earners on the Sportico list, six are tennis players—freestyle skier Eileen Gu is an exception at No. 2 ($22 million), while gymnast Simone Biles and WNBA’s Caitlin Clark are tied at No. 9 ($11.1 million).
