Serena Williams, famed for her incredible tennis career, has proven her prowess extends beyond the realm of sports. While her remarkable achievements on the court, including 23 Grand Slam singles titles and a staggering 319 weeks at world No. 1, are widely celebrated, her accomplishments in the business world are equally noteworthy. The 43-year-old icon has managed to build a formidable empire of successful business ventures that have significantly bolstered her earnings from her tennis career.
The cornerstone of Williams’ business success is Serena Ventures, a venture capital fund she established in 2014 in partnership with Alison Rapport Stillman. The fund’s mission is to invest in and support companies spearheaded by under-represented founders. A testament to their commitment, 79% of the companies in their portfolio are led by such founders, including 54% led by women, 47% by Black founders, and 11% by Latino founders. Through Serena Ventures, Williams has invested in over 85 companies, 14 of which have achieved ‘Unicorn’ status, signifying a valuation of over $1 billion.
Williams’ passion for sports has naturally led her to make significant investments within the sports industry. In 2009, she and her sister Venus made history by becoming the first African-American women to own a stake in an NFL team, the Miami Dolphins. Although the exact size of their stake is unknown, it is evident that their investment has paid off, with the team’s valuation increasing from $1.1 billion at the time of purchase to a staggering $5.7 billion by January 2024.
In 2020, Williams extended her reach into women’s soccer by investing in Angel City, a team now competing in the NWSL, the premier women’s soccer league in the United States. Among the high-profile investors in Angel City’s launch were fellow tennis legend Billie Jean King, Academy Award-winning actress Natalie Portman, and Williams’ husband, Alexis Ohanian. The team’s value skyrocketed to £250 million following an investment by Disney CEO Bob Iger in 2024, making it the most valuable women’s sports team globally.
Williams’ most recent investment is in Toronto Tempo, a basketball team set to make its debut as the first non-American team in the WNBA in 2026. Expressing her excitement at this venture, Williams said, “I am thrilled to announce my ownership role in the first Canadian WNBA team, the Toronto Tempo. This moment is not just about basketball; it is about showcasing the true value and potential of female athletes — I have always said that women’s sports are an incredible investment opportunity.”
Beyond her investments, Williams has also founded several companies, including WYN Beauty, a makeup brand launched in April 2024, and the body care brand Will Perform, initiated in December 2022. She has also ventured into the fashion industry, launching clothing brands Serena and Aneres.
As of 2025, Williams’ estimated net worth stands at an impressive $340 million, with a significant portion of her wealth stemming from her recent business ventures. While she earned nearly $95 million from her tennis career, it’s believed that her business investments have earned her between $100 million and $175 million. Her estimated net worth has seen a significant increase from the estimated $260 million in July 2023, less than a year after her retirement from professional tennis.
Serena Williams, therefore, stands as an icon not just in the world of sports, but also in the sphere of business, embodying the potential and value of under-represented and female entrepreneurs. Her business ventures and investments serve as a testament to her vision, savvy, and commitment to diversifying the business landscape.