It’s fair to say that athletes can’t perform forever.

Eventually, age will catch up on them and suddenly they find themselves earning money elsewhere and becoming entrepreneurs.

Many athletes use their household name and success to fund their own business endeavors, that end up doing pretty well!

Here are a list of 10 successful athletes turned even more successful entrepreneurs.

Serena Williams

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Serena Williams has peaked in her career as a pro tennis player, but is now climbing the ladder of success as a businesswoman.

As well holding 39 grand slam titles, Williams can also credit herself as one of sports’ most successful entrepreneurs.

Subsequently, the tennis pro has created her own fashion apparel, Aneres as well as owning a minority of the Miami Dolphins.

In addition, Williams is also a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador along with establishing the Yetunde Price Nursing Scholarship.

In 2018, the tennis pro also launched her very own line of fashion, S by Serena.

Venus Williams

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Along with 49 single titles in professional tennis, Venus Williams has proven how she’s also a pro at conducting business.

Williams owns her own interior design firm, V Starr Interiors where she acts as CEO.

Additionally, Williams dabbled with fashion when she launched her own fashion line in 2007.

She also is part owner of the Miami Dolphins with her sister, Serena.

Moreover, Williams has made a profitable income out of endorsing products.

In 2001, she signed a five-year contract with Reebok International for a staggering $40 million.

Furthermore, Williams has wrote a book “Come to Win” which became a New York Times Best Seller.

The tennis player also owns her very own successful lifestyle brand, EleVen.

Shaquille O’Neal

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The NBA legend, Shaquille O’Neal entered the game as one of sports’ most successful entrepreneurs when he invested in technology.

Since stepping off the court, O’Neal has gained a wealth of entrepreneurial pursuits which include being a pre-IPO investor in Google.

The basketball star also has ownership in fitness centers and shares in the Five Guys Burgers franchise.

In addition, O’Neal has also endorsed Vitamin Water and Muscle Milk as well as investing in real estate and tech startup funding.

In 2019, the basketball star opened his own restaurant of comfort food in downtown Los Angeles called Shaquille’s.

Dwayne Johnson

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The professional wrestle turned actor, turned producer, is one of the most business-orientated athletes on the list of entrepreneurs.

Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson has appeared in many successful movies including Disney’s much loved, “Moana.”

He also starred and produced the hit titles, “Jumani: Welcome to the Jungle” and its sequel, “Jumanji: the Next Level.”

Since retiring from sports, Johnson also runs his own production company, Seven Bucks Production.

In addition, Johnson also has partnerships with Under Armour and a new tequila brand called Teremana.

Tom Brady

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As a professional footballer, Tom Brady’s main focus was health and fitness, and that’s exactly what he developed into a business.

His health and fitness brand includes his website, TB12Sports.com, and his New York Times Best Selling book.

In addition, Brady has made appearances in TV shows such as “Saturday Night Live,” “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy.”

Furthermore, Brady has signed contracts with Under Armour as well as developed a meal kit subscription service with Purple Carrot.

Ronda Rousey

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The former UFC champion has kept busy with endorsement deals from the well known sports equipment company, Mizuno.

Rousey has been contracted as an advocate to promote the Japan-based company’s new training line brand.

In addition, the professional wrestler has become one of sports’ top entrepreneurs with her many commercial partnerships.

Rousey has also worked to promote the mobile network company, metroPCS as well as insurance agencies, Reebok and Carl’s Jr.

The pro athlete has also starred in several TV shows and movies, as well as voicing her very own EA Sports UFC character.

Conor McGregor

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In recent years, Conor McGregor has become the face of UFC sports.

However, he has also ventured into many business pursuits, putting him on our list of athletes turned entrepreneurs.

Having endorsed brands such as Reebok and Monster Energy drink, the Irish athlete decided to venture into the distillery business.

McGregor launched his own brand of whiskey, Proper No. Twelve Irish Whiskey in 2018.

The drink received mixed reviews but that hasn’t stopped McGregor from earning a net amount of $99 million.

The two weight UFC champion continues to use his signature name to endorse product and develop his growing brand.

Maria Sharapova

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It seemed that the pro tennis player’s career was over when she tested positive for meldonium.

However, the well known athlete jumped back on top, turning her name into a franchise.

While she served a 15-month suspension, the Russian tennis pro used her many business ventures and endorsements to profit from.

Despite being a professional athlete, Sharapova has endorsed products for HEAD, Tiffany, Evian, Porsche and Nike.

In addition, she is also the founder of Sugarpova, a premium candy line that reflects Sharapova’s taste in sweet treats.

Michael Jordan

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Unquestionably, Michael Jordan is one of the best known basketball players to ever step onto a court.

He’s also just as skilled in the game of business, which puts him on the list of successful athletes turned entrepreneurs.

After playing for the Chicago Bulls and the Washington Wizards, Jordan went on to own the Charlotte Hornets basketball team.

Additionally, Jordan also owns his own Nike Air Jordan sneakers as well as endorsing other brands like Gatorade and Coca-Cola.

George Foreman

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He is a household name for two reasons – his career in boxing and his successful line of grilling machines.

The heavyweight champion turned his name into a triumphant business when he sold over 100 million George Foreman Grills worldwide.

In 1999, the retired boxer sold the marketing rights to his grill for a whopping $137 million.

Ironically, the amount Foreman made selling grills, surpassed his earnings as a professional athlete.

His profitable business income makes him one the most auspicious athletes turned entrepreneurs to venture into the corporate world.