Women’s sports are experiencing significant growth, with more female athletes breaking barriers and earning substantial salaries. In 2024, a record number of women surpassed the $10 million mark in earnings, signaling a positive shift in the financial landscape of women’s sports. Tennis legend Serena Williams and former champion Naomi Osaka have long been top earners, but the 2024 list also includes rising stars like Coco Gauff, who has earned $34.4 million this year. She now ranks third in the all-time earnings list, following in the footsteps of Osaka and Williams.
One notable figure is Caitlin Clark, the young basketball phenom from the WNBA, who earned $8.1 million in 2024. Clark helped set attendance and viewership records for the league, becoming one of the most recognizable names in women’s basketball. Similarly, in the world of golf, Nelly Korda earned an impressive $12.5 million, bolstered by both prize money and endorsements. Thai golfer Jeeno Thitikul also made history, earning $4 million at the CME Group Tour Championship, the highest single-event prize in women’s golf.
The overall earnings for the top 20 female athletes in 2024 exceeded $258 million, a 15% increase from the previous year. However, there remains a notable disparity between the earnings of female and male athletes. While women athletes’ earnings are rising, the total still represents less than 12% of what their male counterparts earn, with men collectively earning around $2.23 billion in 2024. Female athletes are typically more reliant on endorsement deals, with many earning more off the field than on it. In contrast, the majority of top male athletes make the bulk of their income from their salaries and prize winnings.
Despite the ongoing challenges in terms of revenue, several leagues are starting to see positive changes. For instance, the WNBA is set to receive a significant financial boost through a new media deal, and the LPGA has raised its purse offerings. Furthermore, women’s professional sports are becoming more diverse, with athletes from sports like skiing, badminton, and gymnastics joining tennis and golf stars in the rankings. In 2024, the top 20 female athletes came from a broader range of sports, reflecting the growing financial viability and popularity of women’s sports across different disciplines.
As these athletes continue to shine on and off the field, the future looks promising. With the median age of the top 20 highest-paid female athletes at just 26, many of these women are still in the early stages of their careers. This suggests that the next few years could see even greater earnings and milestones for women in sports. Whether through breaking records, forging new partnerships, or growing fanbases, these athletes are undoubtedly paving the way for the future of women’s sports.
