Forbes just launched their inaugural 'Most Powerful Women in Sports' list, and it's a game changer | Sporting News

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  Sports and Competition on Sun, Nov 02nd, 2025 by Sporting News

1. Serena Williams – Tennis Icon & Business Mogul

Serena Williams sits at the top of the list, a status she earned through an unprecedented blend of on‑court dominance and off‑court entrepreneurship. Her 23 Grand Slam singles titles, the most by any player in the Open Era, cement her legacy as the sport’s greatest. Off the court, Williams’ brand portfolio—including her own apparel line, a partnership with Beats by Dre, and a stake in the tennis apparel company, Lululemon—makes her a multibillion‑dollar businesswoman. Her philanthropic work, particularly the Serena Williams Fund, supports education for underprivileged youth, further extending her impact beyond sport.

2. Alex Morgan – Soccer Star & Social Advocate

Alex Morgan is the face of Women’s National Soccer League (NWSL) and a key figure in the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup victory. Morgan’s influence goes beyond her 15–12 goal tally for the U.S. Women’s National Team; she has become a vocal advocate for gender equity in sports and a global ambassador for clean water initiatives through her partnership with Water.org. Her endorsement deals with Nike, Gatorade, and Puma, along with her own line of activewear, highlight her as a major brand partner and a role model for young athletes worldwide.

3. Lindsey Vonn – Skiing Legend & Business Entrepreneur

Lindsey Vonn’s 82 World Cup podiums, including 10 wins, establish her as one of the most successful female skiers ever. Vonn’s business acumen shines through her investment portfolio, which includes ownership in the boutique ski apparel company, Luma, and a venture with the American Outdoor Association. Her presence in media—frequent TV appearances, a feature on the cover of Sports Illustrated, and her own documentary series—amplifies her brand reach and cements her status as a key influencer in winter sports.

4. Candace Parker – Basketball Powerhouse & Media Executive

Candace Parker’s two‑time WNBA MVP, combined with her stints in the NBA, places her at the intersection of elite competition and cross‑league appeal. Beyond her basketball résumé, Parker co‑founded the “The Candace Parker Foundation,” which focuses on youth empowerment. Her recent appointment as a vice‑president for the WNBA’s marketing division further demonstrates her transition from player to executive, providing a powerful platform for shaping the future of women’s basketball.

5. Becky Hammon – Basketball Innovator & Coach

Becky Hammon broke new ground by becoming the first full‑time female assistant coach in the NBA with the San Antonio Spurs. A former WNBA player and an assistant coach for the U.S. Women’s Basketball Team, Hammon’s influence extends into the realms of analytics and mentorship. Her recent partnership with the NBA’s “One Team” initiative and her active presence on social media platforms like Instagram and TikTok further elevate her status as a trendsetter and thought leader in sports.

6. Michelle Obama – Former First Lady & Sports Advocate

Michelle Obama’s influence on sports is evident through the “Let’s Move!” campaign, which encouraged active lifestyles among children and families. She also collaborated with major brands such as Nike and Converse, endorsing the “I Am Woman” line. Although not a professional athlete, her advocacy for women’s health and her public appearances at sporting events—especially the Women’s World Cup in 2019—have positioned her as a powerful figure in the broader sports ecosystem.

7. Mial St. Charles – Rugby Prodigy & Business Innovator

Mial St. Charles, a rising star in the U.S. Women’s Rugby Sevens team, is not only recognized for her athletic prowess but also for her role in the growing commercialization of women’s rugby. St. Charles co‑founded a sports‑tech startup, “FitPlay,” which offers AI‑driven training programs for female athletes. Her presence at international tournaments, coupled with her brand collaborations with Puma and Red Bull, makes her a pivotal figure in the expanding global rugby market.

8. Kendra Harrison – Track & Field Record‑Holder & Entrepreneur

Kendra Harrison’s world record in the women’s 100‑meter hurdles (12.20 seconds) places her at the pinnacle of track and field. Harrison’s entrepreneurial ventures include her own coaching platform, “HurdleFit,” and her partnership with the running apparel brand, On‑Running. She also advocates for STEM education through STEM 4 Sports, a non‑profit that encourages girls to pursue science and technology careers while staying active.

9. Jordin Sparks – Musician & Sports Philanthropist

Jordin Sparks, while primarily known as a singer, has leveraged her platform to champion women’s sports. She launched the “Sparks for Athletes” initiative, a scholarship program that provides college scholarships for female athletes with academic potential. Her collaboration with the National Basketball Association (NBA) on the “Play for a Future” campaign further demonstrates her capacity to influence sports policy and inspire future generations.

10. Ronda Rousey – MMA Pioneer & Media Personality

Ronda Rousey’s rise to fame in the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) revolutionized women’s mixed‑martial‑arts. With 12 professional fights and multiple title defenses, she paved the way for female fighters worldwide. Beyond fighting, Rousey hosts the reality series “The Real Housewives of Miami,” showcases her entrepreneurial ventures—including a fitness apparel line, “Rousey Fitness”—and serves on the board of the Women’s Sports Foundation.

11. Amanda Nunes – UFC Champion & Global Influencer

Amanda Nunes, the first female UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously, has dominated the Octagon with 14 consecutive wins. Her global influence is amplified by her partnership with the luxury brand, Louis Vuitton, and her social media presence, which garners millions of followers. Nunes’ involvement in the “Women’s Empowerment League”—a program that supports women’s safety and equality—underscores her commitment to leveraging her platform for social good.

12. Sarah Williams – Volleyball Trailblazer & Ambassador

Sarah Williams, a former captain of the U.S. Women’s National Volleyball Team, helped the squad secure a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics. Her brand deals with Nike and her co‑founded “VolleyVision,” an e‑sports platform that streams women’s volleyball matches, position her as a pioneer in expanding the sport’s digital footprint. Williams’ recent appointment as an ambassador for the United Nations’ “Women in Sports” initiative further enhances her global influence.

The Bigger Picture

Forbes’ inaugural list is more than a compilation of star athletes; it is a testament to the evolving landscape of sports where women are shaping narratives, driving revenue, and influencing policy. The women highlighted not only excel in their respective disciplines but also harness platforms—whether through social media, entrepreneurship, or advocacy—to extend their impact beyond the game. Their collective presence signifies a breaking of glass ceilings that once limited female influence to the sidelines.

The Sporting News article, which accompanied the Forbes release, provides deeper insights into each athlete’s journey, emphasizing how financial acumen, media savviness, and social responsibility intersect to define modern sports power. It also points readers to additional resources such as Forbes’ detailed profile pages and each athlete’s official social media accounts, allowing for a more nuanced exploration of their influence.

For the first time, Forbes has quantified the ripple effect women have in the sports industry, offering a blueprint for future leaders who aspire to combine athletic excellence with business strategy and social impact. This list will likely inspire the next generation of women to pursue sports careers with a keen awareness that success is multidimensional—encompassing talent, brand, and the power to change the world.