Overview
- Forbes’ inaugural list names 25 leaders across owners, executives, front offices, athletes and amplifiers, using a methodology that emphasizes financial control and influence.
- New Orleans Saints and Pelicans owner Gayle Benson ranks No. 1, followed by FanDuel CEO Amy Howe and Nike Brand president Amy Montagne, with Caitlin Clark at No. 4 as the top-ranked active athlete.
- Forbes credits Clark with driving an estimated 26.5% of 2024 WNBA economic activity and notes her eight-year, $28 million Nike deal as evidence of changing athlete valuation.
- The WNBA’s current CBA expires October 31, 2025, with players pressing for higher compensation as Bloomberg data cited by Forbes shows they receive about 9.3% of league income; NBA commissioner Adam Silver said a big pay increase is coming in this bargaining cycle.
- Financial momentum continues with a reported 11-year, $2.2 billion WNBA media-rights package starting in 2026, surging team valuations, and athlete-led ventures like Unrivaled raising $35 million, securing a TNT deal and reaching a $340 million valuation after its first season.