“From Tennis Glory to Trading Millions: The Untold Story of Maria Sharapova’s $187 Million Candy Empire That Vanished Without a Word”

Maria Sharapova’s story has always been one of power, precision, and poise. From the moment she lifted her first Grand Slam trophy at just 17, she wasn’t merely a tennis star — she was a global brand. But beyond the flashing cameras and iconic Nike commercials, Sharapova quietly built an empire off the court that once promised to redefine how athletes transitioned into entrepreneurship. That empire, worth an estimated $187 million, was her Sugarpova candy brand — and today, it’s a ghost of its former self.

A Sweet Start: The Birth of Sugarpova

In 2012, at the height of her fame, Sharapova took a bold step few athletes dared: she launched Sugarpova, a luxury candy company inspired by her love of sweets. The idea seemed innocent, but it was a masterstroke of marketing. Designed around her glamorous image, the brand offered premium gummy candies, chocolates, and later, lifestyle accessories.

Sharapova wasn’t just a figurehead — she was the founder, investor, and creative force. With a 100% ownership stake at launch, she invested her own prize money, turning winnings from the court into a tangible, sugar-coated empire. Soon, Sugarpova candies appeared in high-end boutiques, airports, and luxury stores from New York to London.

Sweet Success: Millions Rolling In

Within its first few years, Sugarpova reportedly generated tens of millions in sales. Sharapova’s personal brand power made her a dream collaborator for retailers and investors. She appeared on magazine covers, TV shows, and business panels as the “athlete-turned-entrepreneur” who had cracked the code.

By 2018, her net worth — including her tennis earnings, endorsements, and Sugarpova’s valuation — was estimated at $187 million. She had successfully reinvented herself from a tennis legend into a mogul.

The Sudden Silence: What Went Wrong?

Then, just as quickly as it rose, Sugarpova seemed to melt away.
By 2023, fans noticed something strange — the official website had gone quiet, product listings disappeared from stores, and social media updates stopped altogether. There was no announcement, no explanation, no farewell message.

Industry whispers suggested distribution challenges, rising costs in luxury food production, and a lack of clear business direction after Sharapova retired from tennis in 2020. Others hinted that the brand struggled to adapt as consumer tastes shifted toward healthier, low-sugar options.

Whatever the cause, Sugarpova quietly faded from the market — leaving behind only traces of what could have been one of sport’s greatest business success stories.

From Sweets to Stocks: Sharapova’s Next Move

But Maria didn’t stop there. After her candy venture’s quiet exit, she pivoted to a different kind of empire — investing. Sharapova became an active venture capitalist, putting her money into tech startups, wellness brands, and female-led businesses.

Her sharp business instincts and global network earned her partnerships with major firms in Silicon Valley. Today, she’s not just an athlete or a candy queen — she’s a strategic investor shaping the next generation of consumer brands.

Legacy of Reinvention

Maria Sharapova’s journey — from the tennis court to the candy aisle and now to the trading floor — proves one thing: she has always played the long game. Sugarpova may have vanished without a word, but its spirit lives on as a chapter in her evolution from sports icon to business powerhouse.

In a world where fame fades quickly, Sharapova’s story reminds us that true success isn’t about never failing — it’s about reinventing yourself, even when no one’s watching.