Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian have amassed a substantial sports-tech fortune, establishing themselves as a formidable power couple akin to other influential pairs in various fields

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.