Sharapova is richest woman in sport

Russian tennis ace Maria Sharapova is the world’s highest-earning female celebrity under 25. That’s according to Forbes magazine. With an estimated fortune of $US 26 million, the 21-year-old is also the world’s richest sportswoman.

Overall, Sharapova came in at number three in the Forbes’ list of rich young celebs. Interestingly, the top two slots were also given to sports stars. First place was given to basketball superstar LeBron James with $US 38 million.

Forbes examined different sorts of income from June 2006 to June 2007, including official salaries, winnings bonuses, endorsement deals and advertisement royalties.

Sharapova entered the list by signing several lucrative endorsement contracts after winning Wimbledon. Her major contracts include Sony, Pepsi, Colgate-Palmolive, Nike and Motorola.

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