Who are the Top 10 Richest Female Hockey Players in 2026?

Women’s hockey has grown massively in global popularity, with elite stars competing in the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), international championships, and earning more endorsement opportunities than ever before. Yet the financial scale remains very different from men’s NHL salaries — and that’s reflected in the earnings and net worth of the world’s top female players.

Here’s a detailed look at the Top 10 Richest Female Hockey Players in 2026:

1. Hilary Knight — USA

Country: United States
Estimated Net Worth: $4.5–6 million

Hilary Knight is widely considered one of the most influential and highest-earning women’s hockey players in the world. She has starred for the U.S. national team for over a decade, captained multiple professional franchises, and played a major role in establishing the PWHL. Her consistent top scoring, leadership roles, and high profile in media and marketing lead to her being considered the richest female hockey player today. Knight’s earnings include PWHL contracts, appearances in NHL skill competitions, media work, and endorsement deals with hockey brands and apparel companies.

Despite women’s hockey salaries being modest compared to major male professional leagues, Knight’s status as the face of the sport and her extended career give her an edge in lifetime earnings and investment potential.

2. Marie-Philip Poulin — Canada

Country: Canada
Estimated Net Worth: $3.5–5 million

Captain of Team Canada’s women’s national hockey team, Marie-Philip Poulin is a legend of the sport. She’s often referred to as “Captain Clutch” for her remarkable performance in Olympic finals and world championships. Poulin’s net worth is boosted by national team performance bonuses, leadership roles in professional leagues, media appearances, and select sponsorships in Canada and Europe.

She played a key role in raising the profile of women’s hockey through decades of elite performance and is among the highest-paid and most marketable players in the game today.

3. Sarah Nurse — Canada

Country: Canada
Estimated Net Worth: $3–4 million

Sarah Nurse made history by breaking the Olympic single-tournament scoring record and becoming one of the most prolific forwards in women’s hockey. Her accomplishments on the ice, combined with her growing media presence — including TV analysis, sports commentary, and brand partnerships — contribute significantly to her financial standing. Nurse’s role as an alternate captain in the PWHL and highly visible Olympic performances have made her one of the most recognizable female hockey stars globally.

4. Sarah Fillier — Canada

Country: Canada
Estimated Net Worth: $2.2–3.2 million

Young but exceptionally successful, Sarah Fillier has rapidly become one of the top scorers in women’s professional hockey. After leading the PWHL in points early in her career, she signed a high-value contract extension that made her one of the top-paid players in the league at the time. Her value is further enhanced by national team success and strong leadership roles.

5. Noora Räty — Finland

Country: Finland
Estimated Net Worth: $1.5–2.5 million

Finnish goaltending legend Noora Räty is one of the most established veteran players in women’s hockey history. She played across multiple leagues internationally, transitioned into coaching, and remained influential within the sport for many years. Her long career and potential coaching or ambassador roles for hockey organizations contribute to her net worth.

6. Michelle Karvinen — Finland/Denmark

Country: Finland / Denmark
Estimated Net Worth: $1.5–2.3 million

Michelle Karvinen, known for her exceptional technical skill and role with the Finnish national team and professional clubs in multiple countries, remains one of Europe’s best-paid women’s hockey forwards. Her international championships, PWHL participation, and experience playing professionally across Scandinavia and North America contribute to her financial standing.

7. Jenni Hiirikoski — Finland

Country: Finland
Estimated Net Worth: $1.2–2 million

Finnish defense star Jenni Hiirikoski is widely regarded as one of the best defenders in women’s hockey history. Though defenders typically earn less than forwards, Hiirikoski’s sustained excellence, leadership roles in professional leagues, and long national team career give her substantial career earnings.

8. Alina Müller — Switzerland

Country: Switzerland
Estimated Net Worth: $1.2–1.9 million

Swiss forward Alina Müller has made her mark internationally with strong performances at world championships and professional leagues. While she may not earn as much per year as some North American stars, her consistent elite level play and leadership roles help her rank among the wealthier female players. (This is an approximate estimate based on her role and visibility in global hockey.)

9. Kendall Coyne Schofield — USA

Country: United States
Estimated Net Worth: $1–1.7 million

Kendall Coyne Schofield is known for her incredible speed and international success. Her cross-sport visibility — including participation in NHL skills competitions and TV analysis — enhances her profile and earnings beyond just professional league pay. (Estimate informed by her high profile in USA Hockey and broad sports media presence.)

10. Natalie Spooner — Canada

Country: Canada
Estimated Net Worth: $1–1.5 million

Veteran forward Natalie Spooner rounds out the top ten. Spooner has competed at elite levels for years and continues to play professionally while representing Canada on the international stage. Endorsements and professional contracts contribute to her net worth. (Net worth estimate based on typical earnings patterns for established PWHL veterans.)

Richest Female Hockey Players Compared

How Female Hockey Players Earn Their Wealth

Unlike men’s NHL salaries — which can be tens of millions per year for star players — women’s hockey salaries are more modest, even at the highest levels. Here’s how the richest women in the sport make their money:

1. Professional League Contracts

Most top female players compete in leagues like the PWHL and major European leagues (Swedish SDHL, Swiss Women’s League). These contracts form the foundation of their earnings.

2. National Team Bonuses

Olympic medals and World Championship performances bring appearance fees, bonuses, and sponsorship opportunities.

3. Endorsements

Top players earn additional income through brand deals with equipment manufacturers (like CCM, Bauer), apparel sponsors, and regional endorsements.

4. Media and Appearances

Some players host or appear on TV, provide expert commentary, and participate in hockey clinics — all contributing to their income beyond playing contracts.

5. Post-Playing Careers

Many veterans transition into coaching, broadcasting, or sport administration — often supplementing their lifetime earnings long after they retire from pro play.

By 2026, women’s hockey has become more financially viable than ever before — and the players listed here represent the trailblazers who have pushed the sport forward on both athletic and economic fronts. From North America to Europe, these athletes have combined elite performance with savvy career moves to become the wealthiest women in hockey today.

Even with more growth to come, their achievements prove that women’s hockey stars can command influence both on and off the ice — and their financial success will continue rising as global interest in the sport increases.