Serena Williams, arguably one of the greatest female tennis players, has a $145 million net worth. Here she is during Day Twelve of the 2015 US Open. (Getty).
Serena Williams is in the business of shocking people—most recently with her almost-nude pose showing off her strong body in the latest Pirelli Calendar. Serena has also shocked the world with her tennis-abilities and natural rhythm for the sport, as if the racket is an extension of her arm.
.@Pirelli‘s 2016 calendar portrays new vision of female allure #Pirelli2016 #PirelliCalendar t.co/47o0GWgOV8
She shocked everyone even more when she went for the tennis Grand Slam at the U.S. Open this summer and missed the chance to make history due to a loss to Roberta Vinci. Following the match Williams said, “It wasn’t a loss for me, it was a win and a learning experience.”
But don’t worry she’s a 21-time grand slam champion and she has certainly come a long way since she started playing with her sister Venus at the age of three. Now she’s one of the highest-paid athletes with a brag-worthy net worth of about $145 million, according to The Richest.
Here’s what you need to know about her money:
1. Her Prize Money is Two Times as Much as Maria Sharapova’s
Serena Williams reacts against Roberta Vinci of Italy during their Women’s Singles Semifinals match on Day Twelve of the 2015 U.S. Open. (Getty)
Williams, ranked number one, and Maria Sharapova, ranked fourth, have had some major gaps in the amount of money they earn on and off the court.
Williams’ $74 million in career prize money is double Sharapova’s estimated $36.5 million (which is still more than Venus’ $32.6 million) but Williams can’t match Sharapova’s endorsements, according to Forbes.
Williams has 21 Grand Slams titles, four times as much as Sharapova’s five titles, but the Russian player beats Williams in endorsements. In 2014 Williams made $11 million in endorsements while Sharapova earned $22 million in endorsements alone, according to Forbes.
Sharapova’s good looks are thought to be part the reason for this gap, along with the fact that tennis is just not as popular as sports like football and baseball in the United States, according to Forbes.
Either way, Sharapova’s endorsement earnings double those of Williams, but Williams on-court record and money shatters Sharapova.
2. Her Clothing Line Was Featured at New York Fashion Week Twice
Serena Williams hugs Venus Williams after defeating her in their Women’s Singles Quarterfinals match on Day Nine of the 2015 US Open. The sisters have been playing since they were three. (Getty)
When not on the court, the Williams sisters are known for being fashionistas. Both have their own fashion lines. Serena introduced new additions to her line, Signature Statement, at New York Fashion Week this year in September, shortly after losing the U.S. Open semifinals.
Williams didn’t let the loss get her down and showed what she can do in the fashion world on the runway.
“It’s been keeping me busy and keeping me happy because I love fashion. Everyone knows I love fashion, so it’s been really great,” according to Fortune.
My fashion show tomorrow at 3pm. Really proud and excited. #theshowmustgoon #riseup @hsn t.co/GVawEJFABX
Her line is part of the Home Shopping Network (HSN) and features casual pants, leggings, skirts, dresses, shirts, cardigans and sweatshirts. Check out her runway show at NYFW here. This is the second time her line has been featured at this fashion event.
And her sister, Venus, also has an interest in fashion. Her athletic clothing line, EleVen, features everything from tennis skirts to sports bras, which Venus hopes will, “get people moving, healthy and feeling damn good about how they look and feel,” according to her website.
3. Williams Owns a Stake in the Miami Dolphins Along With Her Sister
Serena Williams attends the 2015 Glamour Women Of The Year Awards. (Getty)
In 2009 the Williams’ sisters bought a stake in the Miami Dolphins, meaning they are limited ownership partners. Jennifer Lopez and Gloria Estefan are also stakeholders with the Dolphins but Serena and Venus were the first African American females to have ownership in a NFL franchise, according to People.
The sisters, who live in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, have grown up in the area and been Miami fans for awhile. Serena expressed how excited she was in an interview.
“I am so excited to be part of such a renowned organization. Having spent so much of my childhood in the area, being involved with a staple of Miami culture is a huge honor. We look forward to many championships and much success together with the Miami Dolphins.”
But this isn’t just a business transaction, the Williams’ sister are contributing to history by setting the tone for entrepreneurship in the black community. Mike Dee, Chief Executive Officer of the Miami Dolphins, told People in 2009:
“We are focused on diversifying our fan base and broadening our reach. Having these high profile celebrities owning some of the team will help us get more people to the games and add excitement around the event. And it doesn’t hurt that they all love football.”
4. She Signed a 5 Year, $40 Million Contract With Nike in 2013
Serena Williams returns a shot to Roberta Vinci during the 2015 U.S. Open. (Getty)
Nike‘s hefty contract with Williams benefits both parties. While Williams is guaranteed Nike’s endorsement for five years to the tune of $40 million, Nike hopes the deal will up its presence in the women’s athletic-apparel market.
The contract will also include sales royalties and performance incentives, according to the Wall Street Journal.
Some of Williams’ other endorsement worth mentioning include one with Gatorade, who painted a giant mural in Brooklyn during the time of the U.S. Open this past September.
The mural’s artists were from the New York based company, Vault49, who painted the mural on the corner of Kent Ave and Grand Street. Part of Gatorade’s “Serena 21” art series campaign, this mural features several depictions of Serena along with tennis symbols and quotes to commemorate different milestones in her career. There are 21 paintings altogether that make the larger mural come to life.
5. Her New Home in Palm Beach Gardens Cost $2.5 Million
Serena Williams during the U.S. Open. (Getty)
Williams’ newly built Florida home in Palm Beach Gardens had a large price tag of $2.5 million. The 1.25-acre lot also has a pool, spa, and a canal running behind it, according to Biz Journals.
Williams also has another property in Jupiter, Florida, a 2.4-acre property she bought in 2014 for just over $4 million.
The Williams sister own a property together as well. The mansion is over 10,000 square feet.
