Just In: Steffi Graf Inks $20 Million Per Year Deal with ESPN, Becomes Highest-Paid Female Tennis Player

 

 

 

**Just In: Steffi Graf Signs $20 Million Per Year Deal with ESPN, Becomes Highest-Paid Female Tennis Ambassador**

Tennis icon Steffi Graf has secured a groundbreaking $20 million-per-year contract with ESPN, catapulting her to the top of the earnings list among female tennis players and ambassadors. The historic deal, which positions Graf as the face of ESPN’s global tennis coverage, further cements her legacy as one of the sport’s most influential figures. This lucrative agreement marks a significant moment in sports broadcasting, highlighting the lasting value of one of tennis’s greatest champions long after her retirement from professional competition.

### A Historic Contract

The $20 million annual contract represents a new high for female athletes in tennis, making Graf the highest-paid female tennis ambassador in the world. Despite stepping away from competitive tennis more than two decades ago, Graf’s name continues to hold unparalleled influence, thanks to her exceptional 22 Grand Slam titles and dominant reign during her career.

The agreement is set to make Graf the face of ESPN’s tennis programming, promoting major events like Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and other Grand Slam tournaments. She will also engage in media appearances, brand promotion, and content creation that targets tennis fans worldwide. By associating with a global icon like Graf, ESPN hopes to attract a wider audience and bolster its standing as the premier network for tennis coverage.

### Graf’s Role as ESPN Ambassador

As part of this landmark deal, Steffi Graf will take on multiple roles within ESPN’s tennis ecosystem. In addition to being the network’s global tennis ambassador, Graf is expected to participate in key events, provide expert commentary during high-profile tournaments, and lend her voice to promotional campaigns. She will also be involved in special tennis-related projects aimed at growing the sport’s visibility, especially in regions where tennis has untapped potential.

Given Graf’s history of global success, ESPN is betting on her ability to draw in new fans and elevate their tennis broadcasts with her unique insights. Her role may also extend beyond tennis, as ESPN looks to integrate her into broader sports content and initiatives aimed at encouraging youth participation in athletics.

### Steffi Graf’s Enduring Legacy

Steffi Graf’s accomplishments on the court are well-documented. She remains one of the most successful tennis players of all time, with a record 377 weeks as the world’s No. 1-ranked player and 22 Grand Slam singles titles. Her crowning achievement came in 1988 when she became the only player to complete the “Golden Slam” — winning all four major titles and an Olympic gold medal in a single calendar year.

Despite her retirement in 1999, Graf’s legacy has only grown stronger over