Simone Biles Among the Top 10 Highest-Paid Female Athletes, Exposing Financial Inequities in Gymnastics
The slogan “Everyone watches Women’s sports,” which originated in basketball, gained significant traction during the 2024 Olympics. It now embodies more than a catchy phrase, as Sportico’s list of the 15 highest-paid female athletes demonstrates a growing acknowledgment of women in sports. Among the standout names is Simone Biles, who made her way into the top 10 with impressive earnings of $11.1 million in 2024. Her comeback at the Paris Olympics, which included three gold medals, not only solidified her legacy but also highlighted disparities in financial rewards within gymnastics.
Simone Biles’ 2024 Earnings and Financial Reality
Biles’ total earnings of $11.1 million this year are a combination of sponsorships, endorsements, and her achievements at the Olympics. This figure places her alongside basketball star Caitlin Clark. However, this income also underscores the relatively low pay for elite gymnasts compared to athletes in other sports. The U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC) awards $37,500 per gold medal and $22,500 per silver medal. With three gold medals and one silver, Biles earned $135,000 in prize money from her Olympic success, with the remaining $11 million generated through endorsements and appearances.
Biles’ estimated net worth, reported at $25 million in September 2024 by Celebrity Net Worth, reflects her consistent earnings since turning elite in 2011. Over her 13-year career, this averages out to about $1 million annually. While this is a notable achievement, it pales in comparison to other top athletes on Sportico’s list.
The Bigger Picture: A Contrast with Tennis and Skiing
follows:
| Rank | Athlete | Salary/winnings | Endorsements | Total |
| 1 | Coco Gauff | $9.4m | $21m | $30.4m |
| 2 | Eileen Gu | $62k | $22m | $22.1 |
| 3 | Iga Swiatek | $8.4m | $13m | $21.4 |
| 4 | Zheng Qinwen | $5.6m | $15m | $20.6m |
| 5 | Aryna Sabalenka | $9,7m | $8m | $17.7m |
| 6 | Naomi Osaka | $870k | $15m | $15.9m |
| 7 | Emma Raducanu | $671k | $14m | $14.7m |
| 8 | Nelly Korda | $4.4m | $10m | $14.4m |
| 9 | Simone Biles | $135k | $11m | $11.1m |
| 10 | Caitlin Clark | $100k | $11m | $11.1m |
The financial disparity becomes stark when comparing Biles to athletes in sports like tennis and skiing. For instance, tennis player Coco Gauff topped the list with $30.4 million in earnings, including $9.4 million in salary and winnings and $21 million from endorsements. Gauff’s victory at the WTA Finals alone earned her $4.8 million. Similarly, skier Eileen Gu earned $22 million, nearly all from endorsements. These figures highlight the vast earning potential in other sports compared to gymnastics.
Here is a summary of the top 10 earners on the list:
Six of the top 10 earners are tennis players, further emphasizing the financial dominance of the sport. Biles’ inclusion in the top 10 represents an outlier for gymnastics, but also highlights the need for a shift in how gymnasts are compensated.
The Push for Change in Gymnastics
Despite Biles’ historic achievements and status as the most decorated gymnast of all time, the financial rewards in her sport remain limited. This disparity has prompted efforts like the Global Impact Gymnastics Alliance (GIGA) to create a professional gymnastics league. Such initiatives aim to improve financial opportunities for gymnasts and address the pay gap compared to other sports.
As gymnastics remains a top-ranked Olympic sport, the question arises: will organizations like GIGA succeed in elevating the financial landscape for future generations? For now, these challenges persist, leaving much room for progress in recognizing and rewarding the immense talent and dedication of elite gymnasts.