Alex Eala’s earning potential could soar as global profile rises – Forbes

Abi Sarabia M., Philippine Canadian Inquirer
September 01, 2026

Photo courtesy: Alex Eala Instagram Page

Filipina tennis star Alex Eala’s rapid rise on the court could soon be matched by an equally dramatic increase in her earnings, with Forbes reporting that her commercial potential may grow significantly in the coming years.

Forbes estimates that Eala has already earned about $1.7 million in prize money in 2026, while her off-court earnings exceeded $5 million over the past 12 months, before taxes and fees to agents and managers. Much of that income has come from Philippine-based brands.

Her growing commercial value comes alongside a breakthrough season that has pushed her to world No. 18, further strengthening her appeal to sponsors and global brands.

Max Eisenbud, head of client representation at WME Sports and its subsidiary IMG Tennis, told Forbes he believes Eala could become one of the world’s highest-paid female athletes.

“I feel very confident that by 2027, she will be the second-highest-paid female athlete in the world, behind Coco [Gauff],” Eisenbud said.

Eisenbud also said Eala has the rare potential to build a major licensing business, which could allow her to earn a percentage from products carrying her name or image.

Her popularity in the Philippines has become a major part of that commercial appeal. Eala has emerged as one of the country’s most recognizable athletes, with her performances helping generate greater interest in tennis among Filipino fans.

But for Eala, the growing attention is about more than endorsements and earnings.

Speaking to Forbes, the 21-year-old said she has become increasingly aware of the people who look up to her and what she represents as a Filipino athlete on the international stage.

She acknowledged that she initially struggled with the attention that came with her growing fame, but eventually accepted it as part of her career and life.

Eala’s profile has risen sharply since her breakthrough at the 2025 Miami Open and has continued to grow through a series of historic achievements for Philippine tennis. She enters the 2026 US Open as the No. 17 seed, the highest Grand Slam seeding of her career.

She is scheduled to face American qualifier Mary Stoiana, ranked No. 122, in the first round of the US Open women’s singles on September 2, Philippine time.

As Eala continues to climb the world rankings, her expanding influence both on and off the court is positioning her not only as one of the Philippines’ biggest sports stars, but potentially as one of the most commercially valuable female athletes in the world.