Forbes has unveiled its first-ever Most Powerful Women in Sports list, spotlighting 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 celebrates the female leaders driving growth, innovation and equality across the global sports economy.
Among those recognised are Gayle Benson, owner of the NFL’s New Orleans Saints and NBA’s Pelicans; Caitlin Clark (pictured), the breakout US basketball star; Michele Kang, owner of the Washington Spirit and Lyon Féminin football clubs; and tennis legend Serena Williams, now an active venture investor and brand founder.
The list’s debut reflects a historic shift in women’s sport. Audiences for women’s competitions are rising sharply, sponsorships and media rights are commanding record premiums, and professional team valuations are reaching unprecedented levels.
“Forbes has long chronicled leadership and influence across business and society, and sports has become one of the most compelling arenas where both are being redefined,” said Moira Forbes, Executive Vice President at Forbes.
“The women on this list are not only steering capital and strategy — they are expanding the very possibilities of what this industry can become.”
The 25 honourees represent the full breadth of the sports ecosystem:
• Athletes using their global platforms as entrepreneurs and investors.
• Executives and agents negotiating precedent-setting media and sponsorship deals.
• Owners and investors funnelling capital into women’s leagues and teams.
• Front-office leaders developing talent pipelines and shaping high-performance organisations.
• Industry amplifiers growing audiences and driving storytelling across digital and broadcast media.
Maggie McGrath, Editor of ForbesWomen, said the new list provides “an in-depth look at the power players shaping the business of sport in the United States and beyond.”
“Between the owners, athletes, investors and decision-makers, every leader on this list has helped redefine the face and future of sport,” she said.
To mark the launch, Forbes and Ally Financial will host an exclusive celebration in New York City, bringing together honourees and sports industry leaders.
Andrea Brimmer, Chief Marketing and Public Relations Officer at Ally, said the collaboration aligns with the company’s pledge to invest equally in men’s and women’s sports media.
“When an iconic platform like Forbes commits to spotlighting women who are redefining sport and culture, it sends a powerful signal,” she said.
“At Ally, we’re making intentional investments to fuel this momentum — from partnering directly with players and leagues to supporting women-led innovation in sport.”
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, extending its coverage of influence across industries.
The new initiative, Forbes said, reflects “a cultural and economic turning point” — where women’s participation, leadership and ownership in sport are no longer an exception but a defining feature of the industry’s next growth phase.
