NEW YORK — Jessica Pegula, the world's richest tennis player and current world No. 5, has secured a lucrative new sponsorship deal while simultaneously voicing frustrations about the sport’s scheduling demands. The 30-year-old American, whose net worth is estimated at over $400 million due to her family’s ownership of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Buffalo Sabres, inked a multi-year partnership with athletic apparel brand Fila.
The deal, announced Tuesday, solidifies Pegula’s status as one of the most marketable athletes in tennis. However, in a candid interview, she didn’t shy away from criticizing the WTA Tour’s relentless calendar. "The schedule is brutal—it feels like we’re constantly on the road with no real offseason to recover," Pegula said. "It’s unsustainable for players’ health and performance."
A Business Powerhouse On and Off the Court
Pegula’s Fila partnership marks her latest venture into the business world, where she has strategically leveraged her athletic success and family’s sports empire. The deal includes signature apparel and footwear lines, with Pegula playing an active role in design. "I wanted something that reflects my style—functional but fashionable," she explained.
Beyond Fila, Pegula has built an impressive portfolio:
- Co-founder of Vigor Tennis, a performance-focused training app
- Investor in TopCourt, an online platform featuring elite tennis coaching
- Brand ambassador for Rolex and Hyperice recovery technology
"The Tour Needs to Listen to Players"
Despite her financial success, Pegula remains vocal about player welfare. She highlighted the physical toll of back-to-back tournaments, particularly after the 2024 Australian Open, where she withdrew from doubles due to injury. "We’re not robots. The WTA talks about growing the sport, but they’re burning out their stars," she argued.
Her concerns echo broader player frustrations:
- No true offseason, with events scheduled year-round
- Mandatory tournaments forcing top players to compete injured
- Limited recovery time between hardcourt, clay, and grass seasons
WTA’s Response
The WTA, in a statement to ESPN, acknowledged player concerns but defended its calendar:
"We continuously evaluate scheduling to balance athlete health, fan engagement, and global growth. The 2025 calendar will incorporate additional rest weeks based on player feedback."
Balancing Act: Tennis, Business, and Advocacy
Pegula’s dual focus on entrepreneurship and tennis sets her apart. While rivals like Iga Świątek dominate headlines on-court, Pegula is quietly building a post-career empire. "Tennis won’t last forever, but business and influence can," she noted.
She also advocates for mental health awareness, partnering with Athletes for Hope. "The pressure to perform while managing off-court ventures is intense. We need to normalize talking about it," she said.
What’s Next for Pegula?
With the French Open approaching, Pegula aims to add a Grand Slam title to her resume. Off the court, she’s launching a podcast discussing athlete entrepreneurship. "I want to show the next generation that there’s life beyond competition," she said.
Her message to the WTA? "Listen to the players. We’re the product—without us, there’s no tour. It’s time for real reform." As Pegula continues to excel in both sports and business, her influence on tennis’s future may extend far beyond her forehand.