With Women’s History Month underway, it’s time to celebrate the achievements of the athletes who have broken barriers and made history in the world of sports. Over the years, women have tirelessly fought for equal recognition and opportunity in sports, paving the way for today’s rising stars.
Some of the athletes of the past who have made their mark include Billie Jean King, who defeated Bobby Riggs in the 1973 “Battle of the Sexes” tennis match, and Wilma Rudolph, who overcame polio to become a tennis legend. athletics. her winning three gold medals at the 1960 Olympics.
Women with the highest income in 2022
Today, Naomi Osaka stands out as the highest-earning woman in sports, according to Forbes. In 2022, Osaka earned an impressive $51.1 million, the majority of which came from endorsements with leading brands like Nike, Nissan and Louis Vuitton.
With four Grand Slam titles to her name, Osaka has proven to be a formidable force on the court and a powerful advocate for social justice and mental health awareness.
Following closely behind Osaka is Serena Williams, who earned $41.3 million almost entirely from off-court endorsements with companies like Nike, Gatorade and JPMorgan Chase. Williams has a storied career, including 23 Grand Slam singles titles, four Olympic gold medals, and many other notable achievements.
Her influence extends far beyond tennis, with her activism and advocacy inspiring future generations of women to pursue their dreams.
Eileen Gu, a professional golfer from China, rounds out the top three earning women in sports with $20.1 million, most of which also came from endorsements. Gu’s career includes several major wins, including the 2019 Japan Women’s Open.
Other notable women on the list include Emma Raducanu, the 2021 US Open champion who has become a highly marketable athlete, with endorsement deals from Tiffany & Co. and Beats by Dre. Coco Gauff, who reached the final of the French Open in 2022 at just 18 years old, is another rising star to watch, along with four-time Olympic gold medalist Simone Biles.
Tennis rules the roost
It’s worth noting that the majority of the top-earning women in sports are tennis players, with their income coming primarily from off-court endorsements. This highlights the ongoing disparities in pay and sponsorship opportunities for women in other sports. However, it is important to recognize the incredible potential of female athletes and the need for continued investment and support in women’s athletics.
Women’s History Month is a time to celebrate the incredible achievements of women in all areas of life, including sports. From Osaka and Williams to Raducanu and Biles, these women have shown their talent and drive, breaking barriers and inspiring others to follow in their footsteps.
Women’s sports are an essential part of our world, and we must continue to support and encourage female athletes on and off the field.
