Inside life of world’s richest tennis player - NFL owner dad, net worth and US Open final
As Jessica Pegula prepares for her first Grand Slam final at the US Open, here's the inside track on the life of the world's richest tennis star.
Jessica Pegula stands on the brink of history after reaching her first ever Grand Slam final at the US Open. The seeded sixth looked to be heading out as Karolina Muchova won seven games in a row to lead by a set and a break in their semi-final on Arthur Ashe Court.
But she rallied in superb style to claim a 1-6 6-4 6-2 victory to keep home hopes alive of a second successive American winner in New York after Coco Gauff’s 2023 triumph. Pegula has enjoyed a successful career, winning six career titles and having a spell as world number one last year. Those exploits alone are enough to make her extremely wealthy.
However, it is her family, which boasts a staggering net worth, which makes her the world’s richest tennis in the world. Here's an insight into her life away from the court...
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NFL owner dad
Pegula’s father Terry is the owner of NFL side the Buffalo Bills and NHL outfit the Buffalo Sabres. He boasts a reported net worth of $7billion (£5.3bn), which Jessica and her three siblings – two from her father’s first marriage – stand to inherit.
That ranks him in the top 500 wealthiest people worldwide. Terry made his fortune in the oil and gas industry before moving into the sports industry.
Tennis earnings and net worth
While Pegula can count on untold resources from her father, she is a millionaire in her own right, making more than £10million in prize money and endorsements combined.
Last year, she was named the seventh highest-paid female athlete in 2023 with an individual net worth of around £6million. Victory in Saturday’s final over Aryna Sabalenka would swell her career earnings by $3.6million (£2.73million).
Respect of her peers
Pegula accepts her privileged background background is a talking point for many. However, she insists she has worked hard to get where she is in the sport, telling Forbes magazine: “Maybe some people that just don’t want to like me for whatever reason maybe will always say that.
“But I can’t really change their minds. I’ve worked really hard and I definitely wouldn’t have gotten here if it wasn’t for that.”
NFL aspirations
While her tennis career has hit new heights, she Pegula has one eye on the future too, admitting she would be interesting in succeeding her father as the head of his NFL and NHL franchises.
Corporate exec husband
Pegula married Taylor Gahagen in 2021 in a lavish ceremony which reportedly featured a seven-tiered wedding cake. Gahagen was a corporate executive for Pegula Sports and Entertainment and now works as a marketing executive for the Sabres.
Animal lover
The animal-loving couple found a charity called ‘A Lending Paw’ which helps rescue dogs to find new owners. They have three dogs of their own called Maddie, Dexter and Tucker.
Business interests
Among Pegula’s business interests is skincare company, Ready 24, which she founded in 2017. The company’s products include a vitamin C cleanser, lavender mist and moisturisers which retail for between £20 and £30.
