Few athletes transcend their sport to build a lasting financial legacy, but tennis icon Chris Evert has done just that. As of the latest financial updates in late 2025, the legendary American champion maintains an impressive estimated net worth of approximately $16 million. This substantial wealth is a testament not only to her record-shattering career on the WTA Tour, but also to her shrewd post-retirement business ventures, long-term endorsements, and her influential role as a television commentator.
The curiosity surrounding "Chrissie's" financial standing is understandable, given her status as one of the most decorated and recognizable figures in sports history. While her on-court prize money was significant for her era, her current net worth is largely fueled by a powerful combination of real estate investments, the highly successful Evert Tennis Academy, and her continued presence in the media spotlight, making her a true example of an athlete maximizing their brand long after retirement.
Christine Marie Evert: A Complete Biography and Career Overview
Christine Marie Evert, known globally as Chris Evert, is an American former world No. 1 professional tennis player who dominated the sport from the mid-1970s through the 1980s. Born into a tennis family, her discipline and distinctive two-handed backhand made her a cultural phenomenon.
- Full Name: Christine Marie Evert
- Date of Birth: December 21, 1954
- Place of Birth: Fort Lauderdale, Florida, U.S.
- Nationality: American
- Height: 5 ft 6 in (1.68 m)
- Turned Pro: 1972
- Retired: 1989
- Career Prize Money: $8,895,195 (WTA official)
- Career Win-Loss Record: 1,304 wins and 144 losses (90.0%—the highest in the Open Era for a male or female player)
- Singles Titles: 157 (Open Era record)
- Grand Slam Singles Titles: 18 (including a record seven French Open titles)
- Notable Record: Never lost in the first or second round of a Grand Slam singles tournament.
The Financial Breakdown: Prize Money and Endorsements
Evert’s career prize money of nearly $8.9 million was astronomical for her time, especially considering the disparity between men’s and women’s prize money in the 1970s and 80s. For context, this figure was amassed before the massive prize money boom of the modern era, solidifying her as one of the top-earning tennis players of all time based on prize money alone at the time of her retirement.
However, the real engine of her early wealth creation was her marketability and endorsement portfolio. Evert was a pioneer in celebrity endorsements, signing major deals that capitalized on her clean, all-American image, earning her millions more than her on-court winnings. Her major endorsements included:
- Wilson Sporting Goods: For rackets and apparel.
- Avon: A significant deal that helped her brand reach a wider, non-sports audience.
- Rolex: A luxury brand partnership befitting her status.
- Coca-Cola: Another major corporate partnership.
These lucrative partnerships established a financial foundation that continues to generate income through residual value and new opportunities, a crucial component of her current $16 million valuation.
Chris Evert’s Post-Retirement Business and Media Ventures
After retiring from professional tennis in 1989, Evert seamlessly transitioned her competitive drive into a multifaceted business and media career. Her post-playing ventures are the primary drivers of her sustained wealth and topical relevance today.
The Evert Tennis Academy (ETA)
The most significant of her business ventures is the Evert Tennis Academy (ETA) in Boca Raton, Florida, which she co-founded with her brother, John Evert. The academy is a premier training center for aspiring collegiate and professional players, boasting a proven record of success with alumni who have gone on to compete in Grand Slams and Division I college tennis. While her brother, John, serves as the Founder and Managing Partner, Chris Evert's name and involvement provide the brand with unparalleled prestige and marketing power, ensuring a steady stream of revenue.
Television Commentary and Media Presence
Evert remains a prominent fixture in the tennis world as a highly respected television commentator. She has been a long-time fixture on ESPN, providing expert analysis for major tournaments, including the Grand Slams. This consistent media work not only provides a substantial annual salary but also keeps her brand visible and relevant, which in turn supports her other business interests. Additionally, she has written a monthly column for Tennis magazine, further cementing her status as an authority in the sport.
Real Estate and Investments
Like many high-net-worth individuals, Evert's portfolio includes significant real estate holdings. In 2024, it was reported that she listed her longtime Boca Raton estate for $4.99 million, indicating her activity in the high-end real estate market. Furthermore, she has been noted for having interests in investment sales and leasing advisory, demonstrating a focus on commercial real estate opportunities.
The Personal Journey: Health, Family, and Resilience
A recent and highly public chapter in Chris Evert’s life has been her courageous battle with ovarian cancer. In January 2022, she announced her diagnosis of Stage 1 ovarian cancer, which was linked to a BRCA-1 gene mutation. This personal health challenge has since become a major part of her public advocacy, where she uses her platform to urge others to be proactive about their health.
The latest updates confirm that Evert has undergone multiple rounds of chemotherapy and has shared updates about being cancer-free after her initial treatment, though she has also spoken about a second recovery phase. Her resilience through this period has only strengthened her public image, reinforcing the enduring qualities of the champion who captivated millions.
Marriages and Children
Evert has been married three times, with her family life often garnering public interest:
- John Lloyd (1979–1987): Married the British tennis player.
- Andy Mill (1988–2006): Married the two-time Olympian downhill skier. They had three sons together: Alexander, Nicholas, and Colton.
- Greg Norman (2008–2009): Married the Australian professional golfer.
Her three sons, Alexander (Alex), Nicholas, and Colton, were born during her marriage to Andy Mill, and her role as a mother and now a grandmother is a central part of her life outside of her professional commitments.
The Final Serve: Why Chris Evert’s Net Worth Endures
Chris Evert's estimated net worth of $16 million is a reflection of a career defined by unprecedented success and a post-career strategy built on intelligent brand management. Unlike many athletes whose fortunes peak at retirement, Evert has leveraged her "golden girl" image and her deep connection to the sport to create sustainable income streams.
From the foundational prize money of nearly $9 million to the ongoing revenue from the Evert Tennis Academy, her ESPN commentary role, and strategic real estate investments, Evert has ensured her financial security is as enduring as her legacy on the court. Her recent health journey has further solidified her status as a figure of immense resilience and inspiration, ensuring her brand remains powerful and her financial empire continues to thrive well into the future.
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