Forbes has released its first-ever Most Powerful Women in Sports list, highlighting 25 women who are changing one of the world's most influential industries – from athletes and owners to investors, executives and innovators.
Presented in partnership with Ally Financial, the new annual ranking celebrates female leaders driving growth, innovation and equality in the global sports economy.
Those recognized include Gale Benson, owner of the NFL's New Orleans Saints and NBA's Pelicans; Caitlin Clark (pictured), breakout US basketball star; Michelle Kang, owner of Washington Spirit and Lyon Féminine Football Club; and tennis legend Serena Williams, who is now an active venture investor and brand founder.
The introduction of the list marks a historic change in the women's game. Viewership for women's competitions is growing rapidly, sponsorships and media rights are commanding record premiums, and professional team valuations are reaching unprecedented levels.
“Forbes has long documented leadership and influence in business and society, and sports has become one of the most compelling sectors where both are being redefined,” said Moira Forbes, Forbes executive vice president.
“The women on this list are not only driving capital and strategy – they are also expanding what this industry can become.”
The 25 honorees represent the full breadth of the sports ecosystem:
• Athletes are using their global platforms as entrepreneurs and investors.
• Executives and agents are negotiating precedent-setting media and sponsorship deals.
• Owners and investors are pouring capital into women's leagues and teams.
• Front-office leaders are developing talent pipelines and shaping high-performance organizations.
• Industry innovators are growing audiences and promoting storytelling across digital and broadcast media.
ForbesWomen editor Maggie McGrath said the new list “takes an in-depth look at the powerful players shaping the business of sports in the United States and beyond.”
“Between owners, athletes, investors and decision makers, each leader on this list has helped redefine the face and future of the sport,” he said.
To mark the launch, Forbes and Ally Financial will host an exclusive gala in New York City, bringing together honorees and game industry leaders.
Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and public relations officer of Ally, said the collaboration is in line with the company's pledge to invest equally in men's and women's sports media.
She said, “When a prestigious platform like Forbes commits to shining a light on women who are redefining sports and culture, it sends a powerful signal.”
“At Ally, we are deliberately investing in fueling this momentum – from direct partnerships with players and leagues to supporting women-led innovation in sports.”
The Most Powerful Women in Sports join Forbes' portfolio of high-profile leadership rankings, including America's Most Powerful Women in Business and Forbes 30 Under 30, to expand their influence across industries.
The new initiative reflects “a cultural and economic turning point” – where women's participation, leadership and ownership in sports is no longer the exception but a defining feature of the industry's next growth phase, Forbes said.
Amy Ingham
Amy is a newly qualified journalist specializing in business journalism with responsibility for news content at Business Matters, the UK's largest print and online source of current business news.
