Top 8 Highest-Paid Female Volleyball Players in 2026 — Who Earns the Most?

Women’s volleyball has evolved into a truly global and increasingly profitable sport. In 2026, elite female volleyball players are earning more than ever before, driven by rising viewership, high-paying professional leagues, and growing commercial interest in women’s sports. Today’s top athletes generate income not only through club salaries, but also via national team bonuses, sponsorships, endorsement deals, and prize money from major international tournaments.

This growth mirrors broader trends across the global sports and entertainment industries. Platforms like Mzansi Bet, which focus on modern sports engagement and competitive markets, highlight how fan interest and commercialization continue to expand worldwide. As women’s volleyball gains momentum, its biggest stars are increasingly rewarded with million-dollar contracts and long-term financial security.

Below, we take a closer look at the Top 8 highest-paid female volleyball players in the world in 2026 and explore how they earn their impressive incomes.

How Do Female Volleyball Players Make Their Money?

The highest-paid female volleyball players typically earn income from multiple revenue streams:

• Club Salaries — Top leagues in Turkey, China, and Italy offer the most lucrative contracts.
• National Team Bonuses — International tournaments provide bonuses and performance-based rewards.
• Endorsements & Sponsorships — Deals with major global sports brands significantly increase earnings.
• Prize Money — Winning league titles and international championships comes with substantial cash rewards.

How Are the Highest-Paid Female Volleyball Players Ranked?

This ranking is based on estimated annual earnings, combining club contracts, national team compensation, endorsement deals, and prize bonuses. While exact figures are rarely disclosed publicly, industry reports and media estimates provide a reliable overview of the sport’s top earners.

Who Are the Top 8 Highest-Paid Female Volleyball Players in 2026?

1. Zhu Ting (China)

Estimated Earnings: $1.6 million per season

Zhu Ting remains the highest-paid female volleyball player in the world. Known for her dominance as an outside hitter, she has achieved remarkable success in both Chinese and Turkish leagues, consistently commanding record-level contracts.

2. Paola Egonu (Italy)

Estimated Earnings: $1.5 million per season

One of the most powerful opposite hitters in modern volleyball, Paola Egonu continues to secure record-breaking contracts across Europe, supported by strong commercial appeal and elite-level performance.

3. Gabi Guimarães (Brazil)

Estimated Earnings: $1.3 million per season

A key figure for Brazil’s national team and top European clubs, Gabi Guimarães combines consistency, leadership, and international success, making her one of the most valuable players in women’s volleyball.

4. Kim Yeon-Koung (South Korea)

Estimated Earnings: $1.2 million per season

A global icon of women’s volleyball, Kim Yeon-Koung continues to earn top-tier salaries thanks to her legendary career, massive fan base, and strong marketability.

5. Tijana Bošković (Serbia)

Estimated Earnings: $1.1 million per season

A two-time world champion, Tijana Bošković is widely regarded as one of the best left-handed hitters in the sport and remains among the highest earners year after year.

6. Jordan Larson (USA)

Estimated Earnings: $1 million per season

An Olympic gold medalist with a long and successful career, Jordan Larson has competed in the world’s top leagues and continues to command strong contracts based on experience and leadership.

7. Arina Fedorovtseva (Russia)

Estimated Earnings: $900,000 per season

One of the brightest young stars in women’s volleyball, Arina Fedorovtseva has rapidly climbed the earnings rankings thanks to her standout performances at club level.

8. Eda Erdem (Turkey)

Estimated Earnings: $850,000 per season

A long-time leader in Turkish volleyball, Eda Erdem remains one of the most respected and well-compensated players in the sport, with years of consistent success at both club and international levels.

Why Are Female Volleyball Salaries Increasing?

Several key factors are driving the rise in earnings for women’s volleyball players:

• Growing Global Popularity and increased media coverage
• Higher Sponsorship Investment in women’s sports
• Strong Professional Leagues offering competitive contracts

While female volleyball players still earn less than their male counterparts on average, the gap continues to close as the sport expands commercially and attracts a wider global audience.

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