Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul of the LPGA Tour rank among the 15 highest-paid female athletes in the world in 2025.
2025 has been a landmark year for women’s sports, and as the season draws to a close, attention turns to a number that fascinates and provokes in equal measure: athlete earnings. One ranking in particular garners global attention—the list of the world’s highest-paid female athletes, compiled by U.S. outlet Sportico. Traditionally dominated by tennis stars, the 2025 edition features two standout names from the world of golf: Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul.
LPGA Tour: Korda and Thitikul Break Into Top 15
While tennis continues to dominate the earnings leaderboard, Korda and Thitikul have carved out a place for golf in the top 15. Both LPGA Tour players surpassed the $10 million mark in annual income, a testament to their growing influence and the LPGA’s rising profile.
Nelly Korda: Big Stage, Bigger Sponsors
Despite not winning a title in 2025, Nelly Korda had a strong season with nine top-10 finishes. Financially, she excelled—earning a total of $13.8 million, placing her seventh on the list. The bulk of her income, $11 million, came from endorsement deals with major brands like Nike, TaylorMade, T-Mobile, and Goldman Sachs. Her on-course earnings totaled $2.8 million.
Jeeno Thitikul: Perfect Timing Pays Off
Jeeno Thitikul once again proved her knack for delivering at the right moment. For the second year in a row, she won the LPGA Tour’s season finale—the CME Group Tour Championship—netting $4 million from that event alone. Her total prize money reached $7.6 million, supplemented by $2.5 million in endorsements, bringing her to $10.1 million and 15th place on the list. Thitikul continues to rise as a leading figure in the LPGA’s new generation.
While tennis still dominates the top of the earnings chart—led by Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka—the LPGA Tour is gaining ground. In its 75th anniversary year, the tour awarded a record $133 million in prize money, reflecting its growing visibility and commercial appeal. With two golfers in the global top 15, the LPGA’s momentum is undeniable.