Maria Sharapova built a $220 million fortune after tennis by turning Grand Slam fame into Sugarpova, major endorsements, strategic investments and entrepreneurship | International Sports News
Maria Sharapova’s financial journey didn’t end when she retired from professional tennis in 2020. The five-time Grand Slam champion had already amassed a large commercial profile during her playing career, with endorsements and business ventures supplementing her tennis earnings. Sharapova made $325 million before taxes during her career, which included endorsement income, Forbes reported.The most obvious example of her leap into entrepreneurship was her candy company, Sugarpova, which she founded in 2012. The venture gave Sharapova hands-on experience in branding, product development and business operations, and established the foundation for her later investing activities.
Maria Sharapova built her $220 million fortune beyond tennis success
Sharapova has built her wealth not just from professional tennis, but from a number of different income streams. Her Grand Slam wins have helped increase her global profile and partnerships with companies such as Nike, Evian, Porsche and TAG Heuer have generated significant commercial opportunities.
| Wealth source | Key details |
| Tennis career | Five-time Grand Slam champion |
| Career earnings | $325 million before taxes, according to Forbes |
| Sugarpova | Founded in 2012 |
| Endorsements | Nike, Evian, Porsche and TAG Heuer |
| Investments | Consumer, wellness, fitness and technology businesses |
Sugarpova was a big step in that Sharapova went from being a sponsored athlete to a business owner. The company eventually shut down, but the experience helped her develop an understanding of entrepreneurship and investment.
Maria Sharapova turned endorsements into long-term business opportunities
With her tennis career, Sharapova’s commercial portfolio expanded. One of her most significant partnerships was with Nike, while brands such as Porsche, Evian and TAG Heuer helped boost her global commercial profile.Her work with Supergoop! was another on her path. Sharapova invested in and fronted the skincare company, blending her public profile with an ownership stake instead of simply using traditional endorsement deals.
| Company or brand | Sharapova’s connection |
| Nike | Long-term endorsement |
| Evian | Brand partnership |
| Porsche | Brand partnership |
| TAG Heuer | Endorsement partnership |
| Supergoop! | Investor and spokesperson |
That meant Sharapova could learn about branding, product development and commercial strategy, all the while still capitalizing on her reputation as an elite athlete.
Maria Sharapova expanded wealth through strategic startup investments
Since retiring, Sharapova has shifted her focus more toward investment and advisory opportunities. She has worked with companies across wellness, fitness, beauty and fintech, including Therabody, Tonal, Supergoop!, Bala Bangles, Public.com and MoonPay.Her connection with Therabody was more than just a sponsorship. Sharapova became an investor and member of the company’s advisory board, bringing her professional athlete background to the wellness-focused business.She also appeared on Shark Tank and then partnered with Mark Cuban for an investment in Bala Bangles. Sharapova has also taken a seat on the board of luxury fashion group Moncler, adding corporate leadership to her entrepreneurial portfolio.These ventures mark a shift for Sharapova, from making money primarily. One of the most well-rounded athletes in the world, with a model that includes all through tennis and endorsements to a model that includes business ownership, investments and strategic advisory roles.
