Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul of the LPGA Tour rank among the 15 highest-paid female athletes in the world in 2025.
It was a record-breaking year for women’s sports. As the season winds down, attention turns to a figure that fascinates and often sparks debate: 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, the list is typically dominated by stars from the tennis world.
That tennis continues to lead the earnings charts is no surprise. But in 2025, two names from a different corner of professional sports once again break into the top 15: Nelly Korda and Jeeno Thitikul. As the only LPGA Tour representatives, both surpassed the $10 million mark in annual income.
Nelly Korda: Big Stage, Bigger Sponsors
Despite not winning a single LPGA Tour event in 2025, Nelly Korda remains one of the sport’s top earners, thanks to nine top-10 finishes and strong off-course earnings. With a total income of $13.8 million, she ranks seventh among the highest-paid female athletes. The majority—$11 million—came from endorsements with brands like Nike, TaylorMade, T-Mobile, and Goldman Sachs. On the course, she earned $2.8 million.
Jeeno Thitikul: Perfect Timing Pays Off
Jeeno Thitikul once again proved her knack for perfect timing. As in 2024, she won the LPGA Tour’s season finale—the CME Group Tour Championship—worth $4 million, the richest prize in women’s golf. That victory accounted for more than half of her $7.6 million in prize money. Combined with $2.5 million in endorsements, Thitikul reached a total of $10.1 million, placing her 15th on the list and cementing her role as a face of the LPGA’s new generation.
The list highlights the strong link between tennis and financial success, with Coco Gauff leading the rankings and Aryna Sabalenka close behind. Ten tennis players made the top 15. Still, the LPGA Tour is gaining visibility in 2025: more prize money, more tournaments, and greater exposure. Two golfers among the world’s top 15 highest-paid female athletes sends a powerful message. In its 75th anniversary year, the LPGA distributed over $133 million in prize money—a new record.