Rich and rested: China’s Li Na tops list of highest-earning retired women sports stars

China tennis ace Li Na is the world’s highest-earning retired women’s sports star, according to a Forbes magazine study.

The 34-year-old, who retired two years ago but remains an iconic endorsement figure in her homeland, was 14th overall having earned US$14 million last year. She won the 2011 French Open and 2014 Australian Open titles.

NBA legend Michael Jordan and English football superstar David Beckham are the world’s richest retired sports stars.

Jordan, a six-time NBA champion in the 1990s with the Chicago Bulls who now owns the league’s Charlotte Hornets, made US$110 million last year to top the magazine’s list. He retired in 2003.

With his Nike brand still a top money-spinner and endorsement deals, Jordan, 53, is worth US$1.1 billion and will make at least US$30 million more than any other athlete in the world this year, active or retired, the magazine estimated.