When we hear “rising star in women’s sports,” we often think of youth, potential, and future earnings. But some of these athletes are already commanding surprising net worths, thanks to endorsements, media deals, and NIL (Name, Image, & Likeness) contracts. Recognizing these players now gives you insight into both the evolution of women’s sports and the new financial opportunities in play. Below are eight up-and-coming women athletes whose current net worths may surprise you (and hint at what’s possible).
1. JuJu Watkins
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JuJu Watkins has exploded onto the scene as a guard for USC, showing poise, scoring ability, and star power. According to recent NIL valuations, her worth is estimated in the ballpark of $739,000 as of 2025. Her rising profile draws endorsement interest and social media influence that amplify her earnings beyond just on-court performance. What’s exciting is how she’s leveraging her personality, brand, and university platform to monetize early. For fans, watching her climb means watching not just athletic growth but business acumen too.
2. Jada Williams
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Jada Williams, a standout at Arizona (and formerly Iowa State), is already seeing NIL valuations in the upper six figures (about $421,000 in some reports). She’s using her on-court excellence and marketable image to build income apart from just scoring buckets. Williams demonstrates how rising women athletes can shape their brand before even turning pro. Her net worth reflects not only talent but also early entrepreneurial strategy. It signals a shift: athletic promise is increasingly accompanied by business savvy.
3. Flau’jae Johnson
Flau’jae Johnson, known for her skills on the basketball court at LSU, also has a music career that boosts her marketability. Her NIL valuation reportedly reaches $1.5 million, making her one of the top names in female college sports. Her ability to straddle athletics and entertainment shows how multidimensional rising women athletes are becoming. That dual path magnifies her exposure, increases sponsorship appeal, and diversifies her income streams. Johnson’s net worth underscores the power of being more than “just an athlete.”
4. Coco Gauff
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While Coco Gauff is no longer exactly “rising” in the sense of unknown, she still perfectly embodies a young star whose net worth surprised many early on. Her 2024 earnings reportedly hit $30.4 million, combining prize money and endorsements. Though she was a teenager when her influence exploded, her current position reminds us how quickly net worths can climb in elite women’s sports. Gauff’s career trajectory offers a roadmap: dominance on court, global brand appeal, and financial success. She sets a benchmark for newer rising stars to aim at.
5. Eileen Gu
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(@eileengu)Eileen Gu competes in freestyle skiing and has become one of the most marketable athletes in multiple countries. Her 2024 earnings reportedly reached $22.1 million, largely driven by endorsements rather than prize winnings. Her cross-cultural appeal (Chinese and American) allows her to capitalize on global brand deals. Her success reveals how niche sports can also produce major net worths when leveraged properly. She shows rising women athletes that market reach matters just as much as medal count.
6. Iga Świątek
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Iga Świątek, currently among the top in women’s tennis, continues to build both performance and net worth. Her 2024 combined earnings were estimated at $21.4 million, blending prize money and sponsorship revenue. Her consistent dominance and media presence make her a favorite for brands. For rising players, Świątek’s success proves that steady excellence can build financial stability. Her example encourages young athletes to think long-term. Performance + brand = net worth growth.
7. Sha’Carri Richardson
In track and field, Sha’Carri Richardson has become one of the fastest female sprinters and an engaging personality. Her net worth is estimated at around $4 million, riding success on the track and off via endorsements. Richardson’s bold style, expressive identity, and media presence amplify her earning potential. For rising women athletes in individual sports, she’s a case study in turning performance into brand equity. Her financials prove you don’t have to be in a “big revenue sport” to earn big.
8. Faith Kipyegon
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Faith Kipyegon, one of the world’s top middle-distance runners, is slowly emerging not just as a track legend but as a rising net worth presence. Her net worth is estimated to be about $5 million as of 2025, pulling from race winnings, endorsements, and her growing reputation. In a sport where prize money is often lower than in others, Kipyegon’s earnings show how dominance plus consistency can build value. Her case underscores a truth: even in less glamorous disciplines, rising women athletes can build strong financial futures. She’s proof that performance in lesser-celebrated venues still pays.
What Their Success Signals for the Future
The net worths of these rising women athletes tell us something important: the gap between talent and earnings is shrinking. As NIL, endorsements, media, and social platforms evolve, more rising women athletes can monetize earlier and more diversely. Their stories teach aspiring athletes that performance must pair with brand strategy. The future of women’s sports will be shaped not just by records and championships, but by who builds lasting financial foundations.
So tell me: which of these rising athletes surprised you the most? Or do you know another rising woman athlete with a net worth story worth sharing? Drop your picks and thoughts in the comments below!
What to Read Next
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The post 8 Rising Stars in Women’s Sports and Their Surprising Net Worths appeared first on Plunged in Debt.
