Forbes has released its first Most Powerful Women in Sports list, highlighting 25 women who are transforming 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 recognizes the female leaders who are driving growth, innovation and equality in the global sports economy.
Honorees include Gayle Benson, owner of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and the NBA’s Pelicans; Caitlin Clark (pictured), the breakthrough US basketball star; Michele Kang, owner of the Washington Spirit and Lyon Féminin soccer clubs; and tennis legend Serena Williams, now an active venture capitalist and brand founder.
The list’s debut reflects a historic shift in women’s sports. Viewership for women’s competitions is soaring, sponsorships and media rights are achieving record premiums, and professional team ratings are reaching unprecedented heights.
“Forbes has long documented leadership and influence in business and society, and sports has emerged as one of the most compelling areas redefining both,” said Moira Forbes, executive vice president at Forbes.
“The women on this list don’t just direct capital and strategy – they expand the possibilities of what this industry can become.”
The 25 award winners represent the entire breadth of the sports ecosystem:
• Athletes use their global platforms as entrepreneurs and investors.
• Executives and agents negotiate landmark media and sponsorship contracts.
• Owners and investors directing capital into women’s leagues and teams.
• Front office leaders develop talent pipelines and shape high-performing organizations.
• The industry fosters growing audiences and advances storytelling in digital and broadcast media.
Maggie McGrath, editor of ForbesWomen, said the new list offers “an in-depth look at the major players shaping the business of sports in the United States and beyond.”
“From owners, athletes, investors and decision makers, every leader on this list has helped redefine the face and future of sports,” she said.
To mark the launch, Forbes and Ally Financial will host an exclusive celebration in New York City bringing together honorees and sports industry executives.
Andrea Brimmer, chief marketing and public relations officer at Ally, said the collaboration is consistent with the company’s promise to invest equally in sports media for men and women.
“When an iconic platform like Forbes commits to highlighting women who are redefining sports and culture, it sends a powerful message,” she said.
“At Ally, we are making targeted investments to drive this momentum – from partnering directly with players and leagues to supporting women-led innovation in sports.”
“The Most Powerful Women in Sports” joins Forbes’ portfolio of high-profile leadership rankings, including “America’s Most Powerful Women in Business” and “Forbes 30 Under 30,” expanding coverage of influence across industries.
According to Forbes, the new initiative reflects “a cultural and economic inflection point” – where women’s participation, leadership and ownership in sports is no longer an exception, but a defining feature of the industry’s next phase of growth.
