Tennis legend Serena Williams has earned a coveted spot on the inaugural Forbes BLK 50 list, celebrating the wealthiest and most impactful Black Americans in business.
On Thursday, December 19, Forbes revealed the recipients of the first-ever ForbesBLK 50: Power, Wealth, and Impact List, highlighting fifty of the most impactful individuals in the Black community. This list showcases self-made Black millionaires and billionaires who are fostering systematic change across business, culture, and society.
According to Forbes, the selection process for honorees is based on its main principles: power, wealth, and influence. Notable honorees include a diverse group of C-suite leaders, emerging entrepreneurs, and impactful community figures, highlighting individuals who have significantly contributed to the Black community.
This recognition is the latest in a series of accolades highlighting her success beyond sports.
Earlier this year, Serena also secured a spot on Forbes’ “America’s Richest Self-Made Women” list, boasting an impressive net worth of $340 million. Retiring from professional tennis in 2022, Serena left an indelible mark on the sport, earning nearly $95 million in prize money over her illustrious career—a record no other female athlete has come close to breaking.
In 2023, she became the only woman to have made the ranks of the World’s 50 Highest-Paid Athletes after earning an estimated $45.3 million during the year.
But for Serena, retirement doesn’t mean slowing down. The tennis legend has built a diverse portfolio that cements her legacy as an entrepreneur and investor. Through her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, she has invested in over 50 startups, focusing on empowering women and underrepresented entrepreneurs. Her business acumen doesn’t stop there—she co-founded the wellness brand Will Perform, launched the production company Nine Two Six Productions, and entered a licensing deal with Wyn Beauty in 2024.
Beyond her ventures, Serena remains a cultural icon. She is a published author and owns a minority stake in the NFL’s Miami Dolphins, further diversifying her influence across industries.
“The launch of the inaugural ForbesBLK 50 list follows the continued growth and success of our ForbesBLK community, spotlighting exceptional leaders, entrepreneurs, and creators of color,” Jabari Young, Editor of ForbesBLK, announced.
Serena Williams’s inclusion in Forbes BLK 50 isn’t just about her wealth—it’s a celebration of her broader impact on Black excellence. With her entrepreneurial spirit blazing and a legacy that continues to grow, Serena Williams is redefining what it means to be a self-made woman.
And if her story has taught us anything, it’s that she’s just getting started.
