Aryna Sabalenka has been named the world’s most marketable athlete in 2026, topping SportsPro’s annual ranking and becoming the first tennis player to lead the list since Naomi Osaka in 2021.
The female world No. 2 finished ahead of Carlos Alcaraz, who ranked fifth, while Alexander Zverev was eighth. Five other tennis players also made the top 50, with Iga Swiatek, Naomi Osaka, Coco Gauff, Jannik Sinner and Novak Djokovic.
The Belarusian is the fourth woman and third tennis player to claim the top spot since the ranking debuted in 2010. The result represents a major rise for Sabalenka, who occupied 27th place in the 2025 edition.
The four-time Grand Slam champion has partnerships with major brands including Nike, Wilson, Gucci, Emirates, Audemars Piguet, Whoop and Stella Artois. SportsPro estimated that she earned around $30 million in 2025 through prize money and off-court income.
Sabalenka leads tennis stars in SportsPro marketability ranking
SportsPro’s 17th annual list, powered by NorthStar Solutions Group, assesses athletes across 70 sports using a 100-point marketability score. The model considers three main areas: Brand Equity, worth 45 points; Momentum, worth 40; and Commercial Trajectory, worth 15. It evaluates an athlete’s established brand, current visibility and potential for future commercial growth rather than focusing solely on results or social media following.
Sabalenka’s rise from No. 27 to No. 1 is one of the most notable changes in this year’s tennis rankings. Her success on the court has helped establish her as one of the leading figures in the women’s game, while her outspoken personality and distinctive presence have strengthened her appeal to sponsors and a wider audience.
Alcaraz is the highest-ranked man from tennis, placing fifth overall behind Sabalenka, freestyle skier Eileen Gu, basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo and footballer Erling Haaland. The Spaniard’s position at No. 5 also puts him ahead of Zverev, who occupies eighth place and is the third tennis player in the top 10.
Swiatek is the next tennis player on the list at No. 17, followed by Osaka at No. 21. Gauff ranks 32nd, Sinner is 35th and Djokovic completes the tennis representation at No. 46. In total, tennis accounts for eight of the 50 athletes selected, making it one of the most represented sports in the ranking.
The full tennis order in the 2026 list is:
| Rank | Player | Tour |
| 1 | Aryna Sabalenka | WTA |
| 5 | Carlos Alcaraz | ATP |
| 8 | Alexander Zverev | ATP |
| 17 | Iga Swiatek | WTA |
| 21 | Naomi Osaka | WTA |
| 32 | Coco Gauff | WTA |
| 35 | Jannik Sinner | ATP |
| 46 | Novak Djokovic | ATP |
The ranking considered an expanded pool of 1,202 athletes from 70 sports, with 247 receiving a full assessment. The methodology draws on 27 marketability drivers, hundreds of data points per athlete and more than 3,000 brand partnership records. Its evidence covers the period from July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Sabalenka’s Grand Slam record strengthens her profile
Sabalenka’s commercial recognition comes against the backdrop of a career that has established her among the leading players of her generation. She won her first Grand Slam title at the 2023 Australian Open, successfully defended the trophy in 2024 and then captured consecutive US Open titles in 2024 and 2025.
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Her record in major finals has also included several difficult defeats, including losses to Coco Gauff at the 2023 US Open and the 2025 French Open, as well as to Madison Keys at the 2025 Australian Open.
| Year | Event | Opponent | Score | Result |
| 2023 | Australian Open | Elena Rybakina | 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 | Win |
| 2023 | US Open | Coco Gauff | 6-2, 3-6, 2-6 | Loss |
| 2024 | Australian Open | Qinwen Zheng | 6-3, 6-2 | Win |
| 2024 | US Open | Jessica Pegula | 7-5, 7-5 | Win |
| 2025 | Australian Open | Madison Keys | 3-6, 6-2, 5-7 | Loss |
| 2025 | French Open | Coco Gauff | 7-6(5), 2-6, 4-6 | Loss |
| 2025 | US Open | Amanda Anisimova | 6-3, 7-6(3) | Win |
| 2026 | Australian Open | Elena Rybakina | 4-6, 6-4, 4-6 | Loss |
| 2026 | US Open | Elena Rybakina | 4-6, 7-5, 2-6 | Loss |
Sabalenka’s first-place finish in SportsPro’s 2026 ranking highlights how her influence extends beyond the results she produces in tournaments. With Alcaraz, Osaka, Sinner and Djokovic also featuring, tennis has a strong presence among the world’s most marketable athletes.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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