Maria Sharapova’s New Chapter
For countless tennis enthusiasts accustomed to seeing the bright blonde Maria Sharapova triumph on Centre Court, her appearance at Bloomberg’s Power Players Conference in New York last month as a brunette was likely surprising.
The Evolution of Athlete Success
In 2025, athletes no longer depend solely on their game earnings for financial security. Success today requires a wide array of brand endorsements and other ventures to ensure long-term stability beyond a short athletic career.
The Blueprint for Post-Career Success
Sharapova, with an estimated net worth of $220 million according to Forbes, exemplified a model for achieving diverse success and is a leading figure in redefining lucrative retirement for athletes.
Endorsements and Earnings
During her career, Sharapova set unprecedented standards for endorsements, being recognized as the highest-paid active female tennis player for 11 straight years. It is estimated that she earned an impressive $300 million off the court during that span.
A Transition to Business
Despite a setback from her 2016 sanction for a banned substance, Sharapova has successfully leveraged her brand, securing post-career endorsement deals with leading companies like Stella Artois, Aman Hotels, and others.
Diverse Investment Portfolio
In addition to her impressive property holdings, including high-value estates in California and Manhattan Beach, Sharapova has taken significant strides in investing, including her early investment in Supergoop!, a sunscreen brand that reached a valuation of $750 million after being acquired by Blackstone.
Future Endeavors and Strategic Roles
Sharapova is also recognized as a strategic advisor for wellness brand Therabody and has served on various boards, including the Moncler Group. Despite some ventures that didn’t pan out, her focus remains on impactful investments, such as supporting female athletes through innovative solutions like egg-freezing initiatives.
