Who are The Top 10 Richest Female Ice Hockey Players in 2026?

Women’s ice hockey has grown significantly in the 2020s, driven by professional leagues such as the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL), expanded international competition, and a rise in media visibility. While women’s hockey salaries are still far below those in men’s hockey, some players stand out not just for their on‑ice excellence but for the earnings they have accumulated through contracts, endorsements, media opportunities, and long careers.

In this article, we explore the top 10 richest female ice hockey players in 2026, their estimated net worth, and what has contributed to their financial success. These figures are estimates based on reported salaries, career longevity, endorsements, and broader contributions to the sport.

1. Hilary Knight — Estimated Net Worth: $4.5M–$6M

Hilary Knight is widely regarded as the richest female ice hockey player in 2026. A long‑time star of the U.S. women’s national team and the Professional Women’s Hockey League, Knight’s impact extends beyond the ice.

Knight has been one of the most consistent offensive forces in women’s hockey for over a decade, leading Team USA in scoring at World Championships and Olympic Games. Her leadership roles, longevity, and visibility have opened doors to endorsements, speaking engagements, and media projects — all contributing to her strong financial standing.

Off the ice, Knight has appeared on hockey broadcasts, served as an ambassador for the sport, and engaged in community partnerships that have helped her earnings grow steadily over her career.

2. Marie‑Philip Poulin — Estimated Net Worth: $3.5M–$5M

Marie‑Philip Poulin, often called “Captain Clutch,” is one of the most iconic players in international women’s hockey. The Canadian forward has been a cornerstone of Team Canada’s Olympic success, earning multiple gold medals and countless playoff victories.

Poulin’s on‑ice success has translated into visibility and marketability. While women’s hockey salaries generally remain modest, Poulin’s performance in high‑profile games and consistent leadership role with professional teams have helped elevate her earnings through sponsorships, appearances, and long‑term contracts.

Her blend of clutch performance and star appeal makes her one of the wealthiest women in her sport by 2026.

3. Sarah Nurse — Estimated Net Worth: $3M–$4M

One of the most exciting talents in women’s hockey, Sarah Nurse has become a household name in Canada and beyond. Known for her powerful play and scoring ability, Nurse broke Olympic records and became one of the most recognizable faces in the game.

Nurse’s net worth reflects both her competitive success and her broader contributions to the sport — including media appearances, public speaking, and advocacy for women’s ice hockey. Her visibility on television and in promotional campaigns has strengthened her financial profile in recent years.

4. Sarah Fillier — Estimated Net Worth: $2.2M–$3.2M

Sarah Fillier is one of the brightest young stars in women’s hockey and one of the top earners among younger players. After dominating at the collegiate level, Fillier entered the PWHL as a high draft pick and quickly became one of the league’s most valuable forwards.

Her strong performance, contract value, and rising media presence have helped her stand out financially compared to her peers. As Fillier continues her career, her net worth is projected to grow as her brand and influence expand.

5. Noora Räty — Estimated Net Worth: $1.5M–$2.5M

Noora Räty is a Finnish hockey legend known for her consistency and technical skill in goal. Her long playing career across many leagues and international competition has made her one of the most respected goaltenders in history.

Because goaltenders often earn less than forwards and defense players in women’s hockey, Räty’s place on this list highlights the value of longevity and leadership. Additionally, her transition into coaching roles and ambassador positions has helped maintain her financial success after her peak playing years.

6. Michelle Karvinen — Estimated Net Worth: $1.5M–$2.3M

Michelle Karvinen’s career has spanned multiple top leagues in Europe and North America, making her one of the most respected forwards in the sport. Her skill, technical ability, and international experience have helped her secure solid contracts and endorsements throughout her career.

Karvinen’s dual national ties and international tournament success have also increased her appeal to sponsors, expanding her income beyond league play.

7. Jenni Hiirikoski — Estimated Net Worth: $1.2M–$2M

Jenni Hiirikoski is widely considered one of the best defense players in women’s hockey history. Her strong play, leadership, and extensive national team experience have made her a central figure in women’s hockey for years.

Defense players often don’t earn as much as star forwards, but Hiirikoski’s consistent excellence and high profile in international tournaments have positioned her near the top of the earnings list through both contracts and ambassador work.

8. Alina Müller — Estimated Net Worth: $1.2M–$1.9M

Swiss forward Alina Müller is known for her speed, scoring ability, and international leadership. Her success at World Championships and steady performance in professional leagues have helped her build a solid net worth relative to many of her peers.

Müller’s role as a leader on the ice and a recognizable figure in women’s hockey circles has helped her secure opportunities that go beyond league salary alone, contributing to her overall financial profile.

9. Kendall Coyne Schofield — Estimated Net Worth: $1M–$1.7M

Kendall Coyne Schofield is known as one of the fastest and most dynamic players in women’s ice hockey. Her athletic accomplishments include international competition, NHL skills game appearances, and media visibility that few female athletes in hockey achieve.

Coyne Schofield’s cross‑sport visibility and broad recognition have helped enhance her earnings through endorsements and promotional engagements, giving her a strong position on this list.

10. Natalie Spooner — Estimated Net Worth: $1M–$1.5M

Rounding out the top ten is Natalie Spooner, a veteran forward with a long career at the international and professional levels. Spooner has consistently delivered strong performances and remained a solid presence in women’s hockey for many seasons.

While women’s hockey salaries are relatively modest compared to major male leagues, Spooner’s longevity and steady performance have helped her build a solid net worth, placing her among the wealthiest female players in the sport.

Why Women’s Hockey Earnings Are Different

It’s important to understand that even the wealthiest female hockey players do not earn the same kind of salaries seen in men’s leagues like the NHL. Women’s hockey — even at the highest professional levels — offers lower base salaries, and players often rely on endorsement deals, media work, national team appearance fees, and community engagements to increase their earnings.

The PWHL has helped create more stability and visibility for top players, and it’s likely that player earnings and visibility will continue to grow over the next decade.

What This Means for the Future

The fact that the richest female hockey players are now reaching multi‑million‑dollar net worths reflects the ongoing professionalization and commercialization of the women’s game. It shows that:

– Women’s hockey is becoming more financially viable
– Star players with international success gain broader opportunities
– Media exposure plays a key role in athlete earnings
– Younger players like Fillier will likely continue growing their profiles

With increased investment, sponsorship visibility, and league development, future generations of female hockey players may reach even higher net worths than we see in 2026.

Here’s a quick overview of the Top 10 Richest Female Ice Hockey Players in 2026:

1. Hilary Knight — $4.5M–$6M

2. Marie‑Philip Poulin — $3.5M–$5M

3. Sarah Nurse — $3M–$4M

4. Sarah Fillier — $2.2M–$3.2M

5. Noora Räty — $1.5M–$2.5M

6. Michelle Karvinen — $1.5M–$2.3M

7. Jenni Hiirikoski — $1.2M–$2M

8. Alina Müller — $1.2M–$1.9M

9. Kendall Coyne Schofield — $1M–$1.7M

10. Natalie Spooner — $1M–$1.5M

These women are not only exceptional athletes — they are pioneers in the financial evolution of women’s ice hockey, and their careers reflect how the sport continues to grow on and off the ice.