Thursday, May 14, 2026

Serena Williams to Retire from Tennis, Focus on Business Empire

  • The tennis legend characterized this phase of her life as an “evolution.”
  • Williams’ VC firm has invested in over 60 companies, with 16 valued at more than $1B.
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

It looks like one of the greatest athletes in history will be soon calling it a career.

On Tuesday, Serena Williams said in a feature story for Vogue that she will retire from tennis, likely after the upcoming U.S. Open.

The 40-year-old was reluctant to use the word “retirement,” however, characterizing this phase of her life as an “evolution.”

Williams’ on-court accomplishments are legendary in the sport. Now, she’ll look to expand on her off-court success.

  • Her VC firm, Serena Ventures, has invested in over 60 startups, with 16 valued at more than $1B, including MasterClass, Tonal, and Impossible Foods.
  • She is a part-owner of the NFL’s Miami Dolphins and the NWSL’s Angel City FC.
  • Williams has been one of Nike’s flagship athletes since 2004, and the company opened a building in her name on its Oregon campus in April.
  • Forbes estimates her net worth at $260M.

Williams said in the Vogue article that investing in women-owned businesses has been and will continue to be a priority going forward.

While much of her time will be spent building her business empire, Williams also plans to focus on her family.

After mentioning that she was two months pregnant with her daughter Olympia when she won the 2017 Australian Open, she implied that she and husband Alexis Ohanian are looking to expand their family in the near future.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

New York, New Jersey Lower Costs for World Cup Transit

Round-trip trains will now cost $98, and buses $20.

Collectible Cups Are Sending Sports Fans Into a Frenzy

The drink is secondary to the wild vessel it comes in.

U.S. Open Falls Behind Masters in Prize Money: ‘It’s Not a Race’

The Masters increased its purse to $22.5 million this year.

Featured Today

Bart Swings/Falyn Fonoimoana/Avery Poppinga

OnlyFans Is Paying Pro Athletes What Their Sports Won’t

The adult-content platform is a reliable income source for niche athletes.
May 13, 2026

How Sports Graphic Designers Are Grappling With the Rise of AI Art

The release of ChatGPT 2.0 Images sparked a conversation among sports designers.
Matt Palumb
May 8, 2026

Pro Lacrosse’s Top Ref Is As Famous As the Players

The last celebrity referee is in the Premier Lacrosse League.
May 2, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta United midfielder Saba Lobjanidze (11) reacts to his goal against the CF Montréal in the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit
May 7, 2026

How Atlanta Unexpectedly Became the Epicenter of U.S. Soccer

U.S. Soccer is opening a new national HQ in Georgia.

NBA Player Brandon Clarke Dies at 29

Clarke died on Monday in Southern California, authorities say.
Aug 2, 2024; Nanterre, France; Benjamin Proud (Great Britain), Cameron McEvoy (Australia) and Florent Manaudou (France) in the men’s 50-meter freestyle medal ceremony during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Paris La Défense Arena.
May 11, 2026

The Enhanced Games Want to Be More Than a Steroid Olympics

“There’s a benefit for anyone to live enhanced.”
May 12, 2026

Another Summer of LeBron Is Here

James is not under contract for next season.
Sponsored

What Is It Like to Run the Knicks?

Dave Checketts on his time running the Knicks & Jazz, Jordan war stories, and his investment strategy across major sports leagues.
Trick Williams Front Office Sports
May 9, 2026

WWE’s Next Big Star Could Be Ex-NFL Hopeful Trick Williams

The former South Carolina wideout is now WWE’s U.S. champion.
May 6, 2026

Napheesa Collier Admits Engelbert Rant Was For CBA Leverage

The WNBA and WNBPA agreed to a new labor deal in March.
Mar 28, 2026; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus reacts during her match against Coco Gauff of the United States in the final of the women’s singles at the Hard Rock Stadium.
May 5, 2026

Sabalenka, Gauff Suggest Grand Slam Boycott Over Prize Money Share

“Without us there wouldn’t be a tournament,” Sabalenka said.
Apr 29, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Tarik Skubal (29) throws against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning at Truist Park.
May 5, 2026

Skubal’s Elbow Surgery Puts Free-Agent Record in Doubt

The star pitcher will likely be out of action for at least two months.