Meet the 25 Trailblazing Women Revolutionizing the World of Sports, Featuring Gayle Benson, Caitlin Clark, Michele Kang, Serena Williams and More

Forbes’ inaugural list of the most influential women in sports marks a historic moment, spotlighting 25 trailblazers who are reshaping the industry through leadership, athletic excellence, and innovative vision. Figures such as Gayle Benson, owner and president of the New Orleans Saints, and Caitlin Clark, the rising star redefining college basketball, illustrate the breadth and diversity of talent and influence now driving the sports world forward. This elite group also includes Michele Kang, a pioneering sports executive, and Serena Williams, whose legacy transcends tennis to inspire a generation of athletes and entrepreneurs alike.

These women are not only dominating their respective fields but are also breaking barriers that have long limited representation in executive roles and media visibility. Their impact spans various domains, including:

• Team ownership and management – steering franchises with strategic foresight.
• Competitive sports – setting new performance standards and records.
• Advocacy and social change – leveraging platforms to address equity and inclusion.

The influence of these industry leaders extends far beyond the sidelines, reshaping the sports landscape through strategic ownership and unparalleled athletic prowess. Women like Gayle Benson, who owns the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans, have redefined what it means to lead major sports franchises with a blend of business acumen and community engagement. Meanwhile, athletes such as Serena Williams continue to set benchmarks not only through their records but also by leveraging their platforms to advocate for equity and innovation within the sport. This fusion of executive leadership and athletic excellence is fostering a dynamic ecosystem where power, influence, and performance coexist and drive transformative change.

Key areas where these trailblazers are making a measurable impact include:

• Revolutionizing team ownership models with a focus on inclusivity and sustainability.
• Elevating athlete representation and athlete-led business ventures.
• Driving advancements in sports technology, marketing, and fan engagement.

To foster genuine progress in diversity and inclusion, sports organizations and media outlets must implement targeted strategies that reshape internal culture while amplifying underrepresented voices. This begins with proactive recruitment and retention policies that prioritize not only gender balance but also racial and socioeconomic diversity. By embedding mentorship programs within teams and executive offices, emerging talents from diverse backgrounds gain critical access to leadership pathways previously less accessible. Equally important is the establishment of transparent metrics and accountability standards that regularly assess the demographic composition and inclusivity climate of organizations.

Media’s role in shaping perceptions cannot be overstated, thus storytelling must evolve to reflect the rich spectrum of experiences within sports. This includes:

• Highlighting trailblazers such as Gayle Benson and Serena Williams as case studies for leadership and athletic excellence
• Producing content that challenges stereotypes and promotes equitable representation
• Partnering with diverse voices to curate authentic narratives and analysis
• Implementing editorial guidelines that ensure fair coverage across genders and ethnicities

Such integrated efforts create a ripple effect, gradually transforming industry norms while inspiring future generations to envision and claim their space in sports management and media.