A New Chapter: Coco Gauff Set to Pursue Another Interesting Career After Tennis
Coco Gauff, the young American tennis star, has already established herself as one of the brightest talents in the sport. At just 19 years old, she has achieved remarkable success, including her maiden Grand Slam victory at the 2023 US Open.
However, Gauff has demonstrated time and again that her ambitions extend far beyond the tennis court. While she continues to dominate the sport, she has already begun exploring other career paths that will ensure her legacy endures long after she hangs up her racket. From investing in women’s sports to making her mark in fashion, Gauff is crafting a multi-dimensional career that goes beyond athletics.
A Major Investment in Women’s Basketball
Gauff recently made headlines by becoming an investor in Unrivaled, a new 3-on-3 women’s basketball league founded by WNBA stars Napheesa Collier and Breanna Stewart. The league aims to provide WNBA players with an offseason alternative, giving them the opportunity to play high-level basketball while remaining in the United States rather than having to go overseas for financial stability.
Unrivaled has attracted significant attention, securing a massive $28 million in Series A funding. The league has also drawn interest from some of the most iconic figures in sports, including Carmelo Anthony, Alex Morgan, Michael Phelps, and Richard ‘Rip’ Hamilton. The inaugural season is set to launch on January 17, 2025, in Miami, featuring some of the biggest names in women’s basketball, such as Sabrina Ionescu and Breanna Stewart.
Gauff’s decision to invest in this groundbreaking league underscores her commitment to elevating women’s sports. She has always been vocal about the importance of fair pay and visibility for female athletes, and this investment reflects her dedication to making a tangible difference. In an Instagram post announcing her involvement, Gauff expressed her excitement, stating, “Excited to be part of this journey to elevate women’s sports.”
With a total player salary pool of $8 million and average salaries of $222,222, Unrivaled aims to set a new standard for women’s professional sports leagues, offering competitive pay and equity ownership for players. Gauff’s role as an investor not only highlights her business acumen but also solidifies her position as a key figure in the movement toward greater equality in sports.
Expanding into Fashion: American Eagle Collaboration
Beyond her sporting investments, Gauff has also made waves in the fashion industry. Inspired by her viral 2023 US Open victory speech, she collaborated with American Eagle to create a denim-focused collection. The highlight of this collaboration is a striking oversized jacket that features the bold message, “Thank you to the people who didn’t believe in me.” This statement reflects Gauff’s journey, from being doubted by critics to proving herself as one of the best players in the world.
The American Eagle collection is not just a fashion statement—it’s a symbol of resilience and empowerment. Gauff has often spoken about the challenges of being a young female athlete in a highly competitive environment, and this collaboration is an extension of her message to fans: that perseverance and self-belief can defy expectations. The collection has been well received, further cementing her status as a cultural icon beyond tennis.
The Business Mindset: Preparing for Life After Tennis
Despite her young age, Gauff is already planning for the future. Unlike many athletes who wait until the twilight of their careers to explore new ventures, she is taking proactive steps to ensure long-term financial security and influence. Her investments in sports and fashion indicate a keen business mindset, one that goes beyond simply earning endorsements.
She has also expressed interest in pursuing further education in business management, hinting at a possible career in sports administration or entrepreneurship once she retires from professional tennis. Given her strong advocacy for equal pay and representation in sports, it wouldn’t be surprising to see her take on leadership roles in organizations that push for gender equality in athletics.
A Role Model for the Next Generation
Gauff’s off-court ventures are not just about personal success; they’re about paving the way for future generations. Her involvement in Unrivaled is a significant step toward improving opportunities for female athletes, and her fashion collaboration sends a powerful message about self-confidence and resilience.
She has often spoken about the importance of representation, stating in interviews that she hopes to inspire young girls—especially Black girls—to dream big, both in sports and beyond. By breaking barriers at such a young age, Gauff is proving that athletes can have a voice and influence that transcends their primary sport.
What’s Next for Coco Gauff?
While Gauff remains committed to her tennis career and continues to chase Grand Slam titles, her off-court interests suggest that she is preparing for an impactful post-tennis life. Whether it’s through sports investments, fashion collaborations, or potential business ventures, one thing is clear: Coco Gauff is determined to make a lasting mark beyond tennis.
As she continues to grow as an athlete and entrepreneur, fans can expect to see her take on even more ambitious projects. Whether it’s in business, media, or philanthropy, her influence will undoubtedly extend far beyond the baseline.
Her journey serves as an inspiration not just for athletes but for anyone looking to build a legacy that goes beyond their immediate profession. Gauff is proving that success isn’t just about winning trophies—it’s about using your platform to create meaningful change.
In a world where athletes are increasingly leveraging their influence to drive social and business impact, Coco Gauff stands out as a trailblazer.
She is setting the standard for what it means to be a modern athlete: one who dominates their sport while simultaneously shaping the future of other industries. And if her current trajectory is anything to go by, this is just the beginning of an incredible new chapter in her story.
