Maria Sharapova Tops The Chart As Forbes Releases List Of World's Highest Paid Female Athletes For 2014

Maria Sharapova and Serena Williams have been fierce rivals on the court over the past decade since they first squared off in Miami in 2004. Williams won that first meeting before Sharapova prevailed in their next two matches, including the 2004 Wimbledon final. Williams has won almost double the career prize money and holds a 62-31 edge in career titles, but she can’t touch Sharapova when it comes to
sponsorships. Sharapova’s massive endorsement haul pushes her to the top of our list of the world’s highest-paid female athletes for the 10th straight year with earnings of $24.4 million between June 2013 and June 2014.
China’s Li Na is nipping at Sharapova’s heels to be the top paid woman in sports after winning the Australian Open in January for her second career Grand Slam title. The win triggered a massive bonus from sponsor Nike, as well as bonuses from her other endorsement partners. Li earned $23.6 million, including $5.6 million from prize money, between June 2013 and June 2014

Kim Yuna is the top-paid female athlete outside the world of tennis. The figure skating star banked an estimated $16.3 million and ranks fourth overall. She won a silver medal at the Sochi Olympics in February, although many felt she deserved the gold in ladies’ singles.

See Forbes Official Top 10 Below:

1. Maria Sharapova
Total earnings: $24.4 million
Prize money: $2.4 million
Endorsements: $22 million

2. Li Na
Total earnings: $23.6 million
Prize money: $5.6 million
Endorsements: $18 million

3. Serena Williams
Total earnings: $22 million
Prize money: $11 million
Endorsements: $11 million

4. Kim Yuna
Total earnings: $16.3 million
Prize money: $340,000
Endorsements/Appearances: $16 million

5. Danica Patrick
Total earnings: $15 million
Salary/winnings: $7 million
Endorsements/licensing: $8 million

6. Victoria Azarenka
Total earnings: $11.1 million
Prize money: $3.6 million
Endorsements: $7.5 million

7. Caroline Wozniacki
Total earnings: $10.8 million
Prize money: $1.3 million
Endorsements: $9.5 million

8. Agnieszka Radwanska
Total earnings: $6.8 million
Prize money: $3.8 million
Endorsements: $3.0 million

9. Ana Ivanovic
Total earnings: $6.4 million
Prize money: $1.4 million
Endorsements: $5.0 million

10. Paula Creamer
Total earnings: $5.5 million
Prize money: $1.0 million
Endorsements: $4.5 million