Eileen Gu, China's Skiing Star, Amasses $50 Million Net Worth

The Chinese-American athlete's earnings come mostly from endorsements and business ventures, not competition winnings.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

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Eileen Gu, the Chinese-American freestyle skier, has amassed an impressive net worth of $50 million, making her one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world. While Gu has found success on the slopes, earning a silver medal at the 2026 Milano Olympics, the majority of her earnings come from lucrative endorsement deals with luxury brands, Chinese companies, and her own business ventures, including a role as a Senior Associate at the venture capital firm Benchmark.

Why it matters

Gu's massive earnings highlight the growing influence and earning potential of Olympic athletes, especially those who can leverage their success into lucrative sponsorship and business opportunities. Her story also sheds light on the complex relationship between athletes, national identities, and the business of sports.

The details

Gu, who was born in the United States but competes for China, earned an estimated $23 million in 2025, with just over $100,000 of that coming from her skiing competitions. She has endorsement deals with luxury brands like Tiffany and Louis Vuitton, as well as Chinese companies such as the Bank of China, China Mobile, and Luckin Coffee. Gu also has sponsorships with Red Bull, Porsche, IWC Schaffhausen, and TCL electronics. In addition to her endorsements, Gu recently joined the venture capital firm Benchmark as a Senior Associate, further diversifying her income streams.

  • Gu won the silver medal in the Women's Freeski Slopestyle at the 2026 Milano Olympics.
  • Gu is expected to compete in the women's Big Air event at the 2026 Milano Olympics.

The players

Eileen Gu

A Chinese-American freestyle skier who has amassed a $50 million net worth, making her one of the highest-paid female athletes in the world.

Benchmark

A venture capital firm that recently hired Gu as a Senior Associate.

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What’s next

Gu is expected to compete in the women's Big Air event at the 2026 Milano Olympics, where she will look to add to her medal haul and further cement her status as one of the top freestyle skiers in the world.

The takeaway

Eileen Gu's remarkable $50 million net worth, built primarily through endorsements and business ventures rather than competition winnings, highlights the growing commercial power of Olympic athletes and the importance of leveraging success beyond the sports arena.