Ilona Maher is back in the spotlight. Not just for rugby. Fans are curious about her relationship status, how she earns off the field, and the WWE buzz. She has hinted at some of it and laughed off the rest, but the picture is still forming. Here is a clear look at what she has said, what is being reported, and what remains open as the World Cup unfolds.
Ilona Maher Relationship status
Maher says she is single. In recent interviews around Dancing with the Stars, she joked she has not been on a date in years, and has talked about wanting someone kind, proud of her, and able to keep up with her sense of humor, which is consistent with what she shares on social media.
Ilona Maher Net worth
Public reporting places Maher’s net worth in the low seven figures. Yahoo Entertainment cites a range of $1 million to $3 million for 2024. Ruck’s roundup of rugby’s highest earners puts her at about $3.9 million. Taken together, credible outlets place her current estimate between roughly $1 million and $4 million, reflecting income from sport and media rather than a single salary figure.
How she makes her money, without guessing a number
Exact figures are private, but the revenue mix is clear: national team and club contracts, brand partnerships and media gigs, and creator income from a large audience. Credible profiles describe her as one of rugby’s most marketable stars because of that blend.In early 2025 she also signed a short term 15s deal with Bristol Bears in England, in Premiership Women’s Rugby, to sharpen for the World Cup. That was another paying stint alongside USA duties.
The WWE angle
This part is real, but still fluid. Ahead of the Women’s Rugby World Cup, Maher said WWE had approached her and she liked the idea as a bridge to acting. She joked she would start as a hot assassin, not a rom com lead. She emphasized no decision would come until after the World Cup.After the USA vs England opener on Aug. 22, she pushed back on the online frenzy, telling RUCK she is not doing WWE and calling some coverage clickbait. Treat this as interest, not a commitment.
World Cup, schedules and spotlight
The Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 opened in England on Aug. 22 at Sunderland’s Stadium of Light with England vs USA, and England won 69-7. Maher remains one of the sport’s most watched figures, with multi million followings across platforms.
Club detour to prepare for 15s
There is also club news. Maher moved from sevens back into the 15s game for a stretch and signed to play in England in early 2025. That work was meant to sharpen her tools for the World Cup. It also kept her in front of new fans in a country that lives and breathes rugby.
About those dating rumors
The playful chatter with her TV dance partner helped fuel speculation, but coverage says she has not confirmed any relationship. Her standing line is that she is busy, open to the right person, and not in a rush.
Why the off field story matters
Maher is a top player and a fluent communicator. She talks directly to fans about body image, nerves, and everyday athlete life. That has helped rugby reach beyond its usual audience and increased her leverage with brands and media.
What is next
After the World Cup, all options remain open. She can stay full time in rugby, test a short WWE run as a launchpad to acting, or mix paths. She has said any side trip would not rule out a return to rugby. For now, the priority is the tournament. Decisions come after.
At a glance
- Relationship: single by her own account
- Income mix: USA and club contracts, endorsements and media, creator revenue
- WWE: approached, interest discussed before the tournament, no deal and she pushed back on rumors after the opener
- Recent club stint: Bristol Bears, Jan to Mar 2025, to prepare for the World Cup
- World Cup opener: England vs USA at Sunderland on Aug. 22, England won 69-7
