SERENA WILLIAMS—$200 MILLION

Professional tennis player Serena Williams, who was, just recently, ranked as the number 1 female tennis player in the world, is reportedly worth $200 million. And, what many might be surprised to know is that, despite all her success in tennis, Williams’ prize money only accounts for a small fraction of her net worth. Indeed, the bulk of Williams’ earnings come from the dozen or so million-dollar endorsement deals she’s bagged through the course of her career.

Williams is one of the most popular recognized athletes in the world. She earns 15-20 million US dollars every year from tennis endorsement companies such as Nike and Kraft Foods. In 2004, Williams and Nike reached a $40 million deal to produce a fashion collection. Williams was also able to use all the money she’s earned to make a slew of investments with her sister Venus, including a stake in the Miami Dolphins and 34 other start-up companies.