• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, April 8, 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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Ben Shelton keeps his eyes on the ball during his second-round match against Reilly Opelka at the BNP Paribas Open in Indian Wells, Calif., Friday, March 6, 2026.

College Tennis In NIL ‘Crisis’: Incoming USTA CEO Craig Tiley

Multiple universities have dropped their Division I programs in recent years.
Jul 29, 2025; Montreal, QC, Canada; Maya Joint (AUS) reacts after scoring a point against Leylah Fernandez (CAN) in first round play at IGA Stadium.

NCAA Proposes Prize Money Rule Change After Landmark Settlement

The change would allow players to accept prize money without affecting eligibility.

Pegula, WTA Stars Eye Live Podcast Shows at Tournaments

The show hosted by Jessica Pegula and Madison Keys is growing.

Charleston Open Director: Equal Prize Money Made Business Sense

The gender pay parity comes years ahead of schedule.

Featured Today

Mar 28, 2026; Houston, TX, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini forward David Mirkovic (0) and center Tomislav Ivisic (13) react in the second half against the Iowa Hawkeyes during an Elite Eight game of the South Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Toyota Center.
April 4, 2026

Loopholes Enable Int’l College Basketball Players to Cash In

Schools have scrambled to find a way to compensate international players.
April 1, 2026

‘The Sonics Never Died’: The Long Afterlife of Seattle NBA Merch

Inside “the largest team shop for a team that doesn’t exist.” 
Mar 27, 2026; Washington, DC, USA;UConn Huskies forward Tarris Reed Jr. (5) dunks the ball against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half during a Sweet Sixteen game of the East Regional of the men's 2026 NCAA Tournament at Capital One Arena
March 28, 2026

March Madness Coaches Debate ‘Blueblood’ in NIL Era

The term’s meaning was up for debate at men’s March Madness.
Apr 9, 2025; Dallas, Texas, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Austin Reaves (15) walks on to the court before the game between the Dallas Mavericks and the Los Angeles Lakers during the first quarter at the American Airlines Center

Mavericks Tell Lakers ‘No Error’ in Austin Reaves MRI

The Lakers coach accused Dallas’s medical staff of scanning “the wrong area.”
April 7, 2026

Can the Dream Capitalize on Angel Reese’s Popularity?

Reese’s trade from Chicago to Atlanta is making an impact.
Apr 14, 2024; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Tiger Woods reacts to his putt on the 16th green during the final round of the Masters Tournament.
April 7, 2026

Masters Stars Feel Unprecedented Absence of Tiger and Phil

This is the first Masters since 1994 without both Woods and Mickelson.
Sponsored

From Gold Medalist to Business Founder

Allyson Felix on investing in women’s sports and what comes next for track & LA28.
April 6, 2026

Patrick Reed: Golf Apparel Free Agency ‘Been Fun’ After LIV Exit

The 2018 Masters champion is starting to sign new deals.
April 6, 2026

Chicago Sky Pivot Yet Again by Shipping Away Angel Reese

The Dream are giving up two first-round picks for Reese.
April 4, 2026

WNBA Free Agency Is Shaping Up to Be Shockingly Quiet

Some sources believe top players will sign one-year deals.
April 1, 2026

Mayweather-Pacquiao Rematch on Netflix Is On

The fight is expected to be at the Sphere in Las Vegas.