While Hollywood boasts couples like Blake Lively and Ryan Reynolds, politics
has its power duo in Barack and Michelle Obama, and the music industry
features the likes of Beyoncé and Jay-Z, sports-tech has Serena Williams and
Alexis Ohanian at its forefront.
Serena Williams, renowned as one of the greatest tennis players in history,
commands a net worth exceeding US$260 million, primarily fueled by a career
prize money total surpassing US$94 million, a figure unmatched by any other
female tennis professional. Complementing her financial success, Alexis
Ohanian contributes his own estimated net worth of US$70 million, culminating
in a combined wealth of US$330 million for the power couple.
Dive into the intricacies of how this dynamic duo navigates their financial
landscape...
The Prosperous Journey of Serena Williams in Tennis, Brand Partnerships,
and Diverse Ventures
Tennis legend Serena Williams models new custom apparel from Nike that
features the latest in cooling technologies only days before the start of
the US Open, in New York, US, in 2004. Photo: AP
Serena Williams' financial prowess stems from her lucrative tennis career, a
multitude of brand endorsements, and various projects. Endorsement deals with
industry giants such as Nike, Beats by Dre, Gatorade, and Audemars Piguet,
among others, have contributed significantly to her wealth.
Serena Williams (left) and other famous tennis players pose for
photographers during the Rally For Relief at Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne,
Australia, in January 2020. Photo: EPA-EFE
Last year alone, Williams, the second highest-paid woman in sports after Naomi
Osaka, amassed a staggering US$45.9 million, with the majority coming from
off-court earnings. Beyond sports, Williams delves into entrepreneurship with
her own clothing line, the Serena Williams Signature Statement collection at
HSN, and serves on the board of SurveyMonkey since May 2017.
Serena Williams debuts her HSN collection in New York City, US, in 2014.
Photo: Corbis
Will Smith (centre) in King Richard. Photo: TNS
Additionally, she flexes her creative muscles as an executive producer for the
film "King Richard" (2021), starring Will Smith as her father, and spearheads
Serena Ventures, a venture capital firm that raised US$111 million in its
inaugural fund, partnering with Alison Stilman.
Tennis champion Serena Williams speaks to CNBC with her venture capital
firm partner Alison Stilman (right). Photo: @CNBC Television/YouTube
Alexis Ohanian: Architect of Reddit's Success and Tech Visionary
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian arrive at the Oscars in Los Angeles,
California, in March 2022. Photo: AP
Alexis Ohanian, the tech luminary who founded Reddit, entered Serena's life in
2015. Ohanian, having created Reddit in 2005 and later selling it to Condé
Nast for at least US$10 million, has been an instrumental force in the tech
industry.
Alexis Ohanian was already a millionaire in his early twenties. Photo:
@alexisohanian/Instagram
His Reddit venture proved immensely lucrative, and he rejoined as an executive
chairman in 2014. After leaving Reddit, Ohanian founded Initialized Capital,
an early-stage venture capital firm with over US$700 million in assets under
management. In 2020, he initiated a new venture, 776, and has played pivotal
roles in companies like Breadpig and Hipmunk.
Alexis Ohanian, then-fiancé of Serena Williams, watches Williams play her
sister, Venus, in the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis
championships in Melbourne, Australia, in January 2017. Photo: AP
Their story unfolded at the Rome Cavalieri in 2015, leading to a whirlwind
romance that culminated in a grand proposal and opulent wedding. Despite
coming from diverse backgrounds, Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian have
forged a union that not only showcases their individual successes but also
exemplifies the potent synergy of their combined talents.
Alexis Ohanian and Serena Williams began dating in the summer of 2015
after a chance encounter in Rome. Photo: @alexisohanian/Instagram
Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian attend the 2019 Met Gala for
“Celebrating Camp: Notes on Fashion” at Metropolitan Museum of Art in New
York City, US, in May 2019. Photo: AFP
Following their initial date in Paris, Ohanian and Williams witnessed the
French Open together, marking the beginning of their romantic journey. Later,
in a poignant moment at the Cavalieri, where their paths first crossed,
Ohanian proposed on December 10, 2016, presenting an engagement ring valued at
over US$2 million.
Serena Williams holds her trophy after defeating her sister Venus
during the women’s singles final at the Australian Open tennis
championships in Melbourne, Australia, in January 2017. Photo: AP
In the early months of 2017, the couple received joyous news of Williams'
pregnancy. Despite being eight weeks pregnant, she exhibited her
unparalleled tennis prowess, clinching her 23rd Grand Slam title at the
Australian Open and earning a notable US$2.7 million.
Serena Williams married Alexis Ohanian in November 2017. Photo:
@alexisohanian
Approximately a month after welcoming their daughter, Olympia, into the
world in 2017, Ohanian and Williams celebrated their union in a lavish
Louisiana wedding. The ceremony was adorned with opulence, with Williams
donning an estimated US$3.5 million worth of jewelry, changing dresses
three times, and even sporting sparkly Nike shoes during the reception,
which featured a carousel at its center.
Meghan Markle’s friend, US tennis player Serena Williams and her
husband US entrepreneur Alexis Ohanian arrive for the wedding
ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, in May 2018. Photo:
AFP
In a whirlwind of opulent events, less than a year later, the couple
attended another extravagant affair: the royal wedding of Prince Harry
and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle in England. The duo continued to be
a beacon of glamour and romance on both personal and global stages.
Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr is Ohanian and Williams’ daughter
Serena Williams, of the United States, talks to her daughter
Olympia and husband Alexis Ohanian after defeating Danka Kovinic
during the first round of the US Open tennis championships in
New York, US, in August 2022. Photo: AP
Alexis Olympia Ohanian Jr, the daughter of Ohanian and Williams, is
making her mark as a burgeoning fashion icon, effortlessly combining
Burberry dresses with Nike sneakers. Notably, she indulges in yachting
adventures adorned in sailor's outfits and proudly sports tennis gear
gifted by Wilson, one of Williams' key partners. Olympia achieved the
remarkable feat of becoming the youngest individual ever to grace the
cover of Vogue at just three months old.
Displaying their commitment to sports, Williams and Ohanian purchased
a stake in the Angel City football team in LA, a portion of which is
registered under Olympia's name, officially making her the youngest
owner of a professional sports team.
Where Do the Couple's Luxurious Expenditures Go?
Gold medallists Serena Williams (right) of the United States
and Venus Williams of the United States celebrate during the
medal ceremony for the Women’s Doubles Tennis at the London
2012 Olympic Games in London, England, in August 2012. Photo:
Getty Images
Curious about the couple's indulgences? American football holds a
special place in their hearts, with Williams and her sister, Venus,
becoming partial owners of the Miami Dolphins in 2009. On the other
hand, Ohanian, a collector with interests ranging from comics to video
games, invested in field-level season tickets for Washington's
football franchise after selling Reddit.
Alexis Ohanian, Serena Williams and Olympia’s former
multimillion-dollar mansion in California. Photo: Nest
Seekers
Their real estate ventures have seen them reside in a luxurious
Beverly Hills home, listed at US$6.7 million at one point, and they
now primarily inhabit a stunning property in Palm Beach Gardens,
Florida, featuring an art gallery. Additional residences include homes
in Paris and Bel Air.
Williams, serving as Aston Martin's chief sporting officer, has chosen
the US$300,000 Vanquish as her luxury car. Despite their hectic
schedules, family and adventure remain a priority, exemplified by
their recent trip to Greece.
Beyond their opulent lifestyle, the couple actively engages in
philanthropy. Williams established the Serena Williams Fund to
advocate for equity, and she actively supports causes such as Colin
Kaepernick's activism. Ohanian, echoing his support for Kaepernick,
pledged US$1 million to the Know Your Rights Camp using his Reddit
stock gains. His advocacy extends to digital rights, and he
contributes to tech training initiatives.
Growing Their Family: Embracing the Next Chapter
Despite their glamorous lives, family always comes first for Williams
and Ohanian. In August 2022, Williams announced her intention to
retire after the US Open as they welcomed the prospect of expanding
their family.
While anticipating baby number 2, Williams continues her investment
ventures through Serena Ventures, aiming to be more than just a face
in the startup world. With 16 unicorn-funded companies, including
MasterClass, Tonal, Impossible Foods, Noom, and Esusu, Williams
remains a force in both sports and entrepreneurship, articulating her
desire to be the brand, not just the face, in the realm of
investments.
Superwoman indeed, as she announced the exciting news at the 2023 Met
Gala.