Sports have always been more than just games—they are cultural cornerstones, reflections of society, and powerful platforms for leadership. For many of us, our connection to sports is deeply personal. Whether it’s cheering for a team because it’s a family tradition, our alma mater, or simply the pride of our city, sports shape our identities and values. 

But what happens when the faces we see on the field, in the booth, or in the boardroom begin to reflect a broader spectrum of society? What happens when women—long underrepresented in the sports world—step into roles of influence, visibility, and power?

We are witnessing that transformation now.

Representation That Resonates

 

Ten years ago, it was rare to see women in coaching roles, executive offices, or ownership boxes. Today, women are not only present—they are thriving. From the NFL to the PGA, from Major League Baseball to the WNBA, women are making strategic decisions, calling plays, and shaping the narratives of sports.

As a fan of football, golf, and baseball, I find it deeply meaningful to see women in broadcasting roles, engaging with players, coaches, and fans with authority and insight. These women are not just reporting on the game—they are part of the game. Their presence validates the experiences of countless young girls who dream of careers in sports, and it challenges outdated notions of who belongs in these spaces.

“When you have a dream, you’ve got to grab it and never let go.”
— Abby Wambach, World Cup champion and equality advocate

Leadership That Builds Teams

 

Women bring unique strengths to leadership—collaboration, empathy, and a holistic view of success. In sports, these qualities translate into stronger team dynamics, inclusive cultures, and innovative strategies. Leaders like Jessica Berman, Commissioner of the NWSL, and Renie Anderson, Chief Revenue Officer of the NFL, are proving that women can drive both cultural change and commercial success.

Coaches like Jennifer King of the Washington Commanders and Alyssa Nakken of the San Francisco Giants are breaking barriers on the sidelines, while executives like Kim Ng, the first female GM in MLB history, are making history in the front office.

“Pressure is a privilege.”
— Billie Jean King, tennis legend and sports equality advocate

“Success consists of going from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.”
— Serena Williams, 23-time Grand Slam champion

Ownership and Opportunity

 

Perhaps most inspiring is the rise of women in ownership and C-suite roles. Jeanie Buss, owner of the Los Angeles Lakers, and investors like Serena Williams and Naomi Osaka are not just participating in sports—they are shaping its future.

WBC highlighted this growing opportunity in the opening panel of its 2025 Women’s Capital Summit, where women investors from major organizations such as the WNBA, USL Super League, and the NWLS focused on the intersection of sports and capital, the panel provided insights into how to navigate this emerging and dynamic industry, and spotlight the expanding opportunities for women entrepreneurs and leaders in the business of sports.

Their leadership ensures that equity, innovation, and community are part of the business model.

“I’m not the next anyone, I’m the first Maria Sharapova.”
— Maria Sharapova, tennis champion and entrepreneur

“You can’t just beat a team, you have to leave a lasting impression in their minds so they never want to see your face again.”
— Mia Hamm, soccer icon

Inspiration for the Next Generation

When women lead in sports, they do more than win games—they inspire. They show young girls that they can be coaches, analysts, owners, or CEOs. They show young boys that leadership comes in many forms. And they show all of us that sports are better when they reflect the full diversity of the world we live in.

“Never underestimate the power of dreams and the influence of the human spirit.”
— Wilma Rudolph, Olympic gold medalist and civil rights pioneer

The evolution of women in sports is not just a trend—it’s a movement. And it’s one that’s making the entire industry stronger, smarter, and more inclusive.

Editor’s Note: Learn more about WBC’s In the Arena Initiative and our community members making an impact within the business of sports.

The post The Power of Presence: The Evolving Role of Women in Sports Leadership appeared first on Women Business Collaborative.

Written by: DeRetta Rhodes, PhD – EVP/Chief Culture Officer, Atlanta Braves

In February 2021, CNN highlighted the groundbreaking strides made by Black executive women, yet underscored a stark reality: in 2018, a mere 3.3% of US corporate executives were Black, with only two Black women occupying CEO roles. This statistic illuminates a profound disparity and emphasizes the mammoth responsibility Black women shoulder as they navigate the often challenging terrain of corporate leadership.

Many corporate organizations will have to think intentionally about embracing Black women who are currently in leadership positions. Black women are faced with how to relate in leadership roles by being both black and a woman. The challenges that surface for Black women is trying to maintain their identity and be successful in constructs that they navigate. Dualism occurs when Black women find that they have to be part of different cultures which forces them to live various different lives. They have to work, live, socialize in different spaces and typically all of them require them to show different parts of their selves, which could be considered splicing.  

Within the complexity of any organization, the importance of culture impacts those that reside within the construct. A Black woman must always carry the awareness of both her gender and race. She is reminded as she moves from place to place in the organization, there are very few black women in executive positions or positions of power. Race and gender are a phenomenon that organizations are going to have to contend with as long as they do business and hire employees. The concept of the glass ceiling concept has been one that women have faced in their careers but the thought of advancement for Black women has been considered not glass but concrete. It is the inability to ascend into certain positions within Corporate America. Unlike the glass ceiling, the concrete ceiling is a barrier, perception, and attitude that Black women cannot advance beyond a certain level. The reality is that some organizations and leaders have made tremendous strides in opening opportunities, sponsoring, and mentoring however the number of Black Women in executive positions as compared to the population is disproportionate and therefor organizations still have an opportunity to create mechanisms that support inclusion.

The biggest challenge for Black women to advance is to create trusting relationships with also dealing with microaggressions and mistrust from those that they work with. The ability to cultivate trust is critical but difficult in the midst of the all the other issues around them. But they become the mere ability for them to thrive in the environments that they navigate. The ability to build trustworthiness across the organizations and communities that they live in is crucial. I know for me personally that all of my mentors, sponsors, friends and community/tribe both saved me and allowed me to thrive personally and in my career. These amazing relationships allowed me to become equipped with how to understand the importance of relational collateral and has supported me in all organizations, boards and professional organizations that I am a part. I realize that I am judged by different standards, but I also have realized that I have my community to fall back on to give me the feedback and support needed for me to manage and handle any obstacles and barriers. 

I have a callout to Black women to find their community, use their voice and help those that are shoulder to shoulder to you, in junior roles to be that role model, mentor and sponsor that you have had or needed while in your journey. I callout all Leaders and Executives to support, sponsor and mentor someone that do not look like you and pour into them to support them to thrive and create environments and teams that will allow them do so. Younger professionals, seek those that don’t look like you to support, guide and mentor you. Once we completely understand that it is not a Black women’s issue but an issue for everyone, we are better off creating a culture in which ALL can thrive.

Ultimately, the empowerment of Black women in corporate leadership transcends individual achievement; it is a shared imperative for organizations and society at large. By acknowledging and addressing the systemic barriers that persist, we move closer to realizing a future where all individuals, regardless of race or gender, can ascend to positions of power and influence.

#WBCFasterTogether

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