From the Field to the Boardroom: Female Athletes Winning in Business

Female athletes aren't just breaking records on the field—they’re building empires off it. The traits that define them in sports—discipline, resilience, leadership—translate powerfully into the business world. More than ever, women who once dominated stadiums and arenas are now leading companies, launching brands, and investing with precision.

Here’s a look at some standout examples and what sets them apart.

1. Serena Williams – Venture Capitalist & Brand Builder

Serena Williams may be known for her 23 Grand Slam titles, but her business game is equally fierce. Through Serena Ventures, she’s invested in over 60 companies, with a focus on underrepresented founders. She’s also built a fashion line and collaborated with major brands like Nike and Wilson. Her strategy? Betting on overlooked talent—just as she once was.

2. Venus Williams – Interior Design & Wellness Entrepreneur

Venus took her love of design into the business world with V Starr, an interior design firm, and EleVen, a lifestyle and activewear brand. She also studied business during her career, signaling early that she wasn’t planning to just be an athlete. Her ventures blend aesthetics with purpose, showing that style and substance aren’t mutually exclusive.

3. Alex Morgan – Soccer Star Turned Co-Founder

U.S. soccer legend Alex Morgan co-founded TOGETHXR, a media company focusing on women’s stories in sports, culture, and activism. It’s more than a brand—it’s a platform for visibility. She also holds equity in companies like Hyperice and has signed smart endorsement deals that give her ownership stakes.

4. Maria Sharapova – From Tennis to Tech & Candy

After retiring, Sharapova focused on her premium candy company Sugarpova, turning it into a global brand. She’s also invested in companies like Therabody and Tonal, and serves as an advisor to tech startups. Her business moves are deliberate: building a strong brand and making calculated long-term bets.

5. Candace Parker – Commentator, Investor, Role Model

WNBA star Candace Parker has balanced broadcasting with business. She’s been a vocal advocate for player equity and smart with her partnerships. She’s invested in real estate, startups, and has endorsement deals that align with her values. Her brand is about longevity—not just fame, but legacy.

6. Napheesa Collier – Building a New Kind of League

Napheesa Collier isn’t just thinking about her playing career—she’s actively building the future of women’s basketball. Alongside fellow WNBA player Breanna Stewart, she co-founded Unrivaled, a new women’s professional basketball league set to launch in 2025. It’s designed to give athletes more control, visibility, and earning potential. Collier is betting on women’s sports—and taking the reins in shaping its next evolution.

7. Breanna Stewart – Athlete, Advocate, Entrepreneur

Stewart, one of the most dominant players in WNBA history, isn’t just focused on wins—she’s focused on equity. With Collier, she’s leading Unrivaled, aiming to keep top players stateside during the off-season and grow the women's game on their own terms. Stewart has also been vocal about player rights, pay equity, and motherhood in sports. Her business acumen is rooted in empowerment and innovation.