Throughout history, certain individuals have transcended their roles as athletes, coaches, executives, or innovators to fundamentally change the landscape of sports. Their influence extends beyond statistics and championships to impact culture, business, social justice, and global connection. This comprehensive list celebrates the 60 most influential figures who have shaped the world of sports as we know it today.
Athletes Who Changed Their Sports Forever
1.Muhammad Ali (Boxing)
More than just the greatest heavyweight boxer of all time, Muhammad Ali transformed what it meant to be an athlete in the public eye. His opposition to the Vietnam War, conversion to Islam, and outspoken advocacy for civil rights made him a cultural icon whose influence extended far beyond the ring. Ali’s refusal to be drafted into military service cost him his boxing license during his prime years, yet his principled stand made him a symbol of conviction and courage. His charisma, poetic trash-talking, and signature boxing style revolutionized sports marketing and athlete branding. Even after his career, Ali’s battle with Parkinson’s disease and his humanitarian work continued to inspire millions worldwide.
2.Michael Jordan (Basketball)
No athlete has transformed the business of sports quite like Michael Jordan. His partnership with Nike created the Air Jordan brand, revolutionizing athletic footwear and sports marketing forever. Beyond his six NBA championships with the Chicago Bulls and five MVP awards, Jordan’s competitive drive and pursuit of excellence became the blueprint for athletic greatness. His cultural impact during the 1990s made basketball a truly global sport, inspiring generations of players worldwide. Jordan later became the first former player to become a majority owner of an NBA franchise, further cementing his business legacy.
3.Babe Ruth (Baseball)
Before Ruth, baseball was a strategic, low-scoring game. The “Sultan of Swat” revolutionized the sport by emphasizing power hitting, changing baseball’s fundamental approach. His larger-than-life personality made him America’s first true sports celebrity during the 1920s, helping baseball recover from the 1919 Black Sox scandal. Ruth’s impact on baseball’s popularity cannot be overstated—he became a cultural phenomenon who transcended the sport itself. His 714 career home runs stood as the record for decades, and his name remains synonymous with baseball excellence nearly a century later.
4.Serena Williams (Tennis)
With 23 Grand Slam singles titles, Serena Williams has dominated women’s tennis for over two decades, but her influence extends far beyond her athletic achievements. She has been a powerful voice for gender equality in sports, fighting for equal prize money and respect for women athletes. Williams has broken barriers as a Black woman in a historically white sport, becoming a fashion icon and entrepreneur in the process. Her resilience through health challenges, pregnancy, and motherhood has redefined what’s possible for female athletes. Post-retirement, she continues to shape sports through business ventures, including ownership stakes in professional teams.
5.Pelé (Soccer)
Widely regarded as the greatest soccer player ever, Pelé transformed the global perception of Brazilian football and elevated the World Cup to sports’ biggest stage. Winning three World Cups with Brazil (1958, 1962, and 1970), he became soccer’s first global superstar. His move to the New York Cosmos in 1975 helped spark interest in professional soccer in the United States decades before the sport became mainstream there. Pelé’s technical skill, joyful playing style, and sportsmanship made him a beloved ambassador for the “beautiful game,” and his humanitarian work after retirement extended his influence beyond sports.
6.Jackie Robinson (Baseball)
When Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color barrier in 1947, he changed American sports and society forever. His courage facing relentless racism opened doors for generations of Black athletes across all sports. Robinson’s excellence on the field—winning Rookie of the Year and later MVP—proved that integration improved the quality of the game. After his playing career, Robinson continued advocating for civil rights and became a successful businessman. MLB’s universal retirement of his number 42 stands as a testament to his enduring legacy in fighting discrimination through sports.
7.Billie Jean King (Tennis)
Few athletes have done more for gender equality in sports than Billie Jean King. Her victory over Bobby Riggs in the famous “Battle of the Sexes” match in 1973 was a watershed moment for women’s sports. King founded the Women’s Tennis Association and the Women’s Sports Foundation, creating opportunities for female athletes across many sports. Her advocacy led to the implementation of Title IX and equal prize money at major tennis tournaments. As one of the first openly gay professional athletes, King has also been a pioneer for LGBTQ+ rights in sports.
8.Jim Brown (Football/Activism)
Jim Brown’s dominance as an NFL running back (1957-1965) would alone merit inclusion, but his post-career activism and influence make him truly exceptional. Retiring at the peak of his powers to pursue acting and civil rights work, Brown founded organizations to empower Black communities and reform gang members. His outspoken advocacy during the Civil Rights era provided a model for athlete activism that continues today. Brown consistently challenged racial stereotypes and used his platform to address social inequalities, setting a precedent for generations of athlete-activists who followed.
9.Michael Phelps (Swimming)
With 23 Olympic gold medals, Michael Phelps redefined what’s possible in competitive swimming and Olympic achievement. His eight gold medals at the 2008 Beijing Games remains the greatest single-Olympics performance ever. Phelps’ training regimen, physique, and technique revolutionized competitive swimming, raising standards across the sport. Beyond his athletic achievements, Phelps’ openness about mental health struggles has helped destigmatize these issues for athletes worldwide. His Michael Phelps Foundation promotes water safety and healthy lifestyles for children, extending his influence beyond competition.
10.Wayne Gretzky (Hockey)
“The Great One” revolutionized hockey through unparalleled vision and playmaking rather than physicality. Gretzky’s 61 NHL records—many considered unbreakable—include most career goals, assists, and points. His trade from Edmonton to Los Angeles in 1988 catalyzed hockey’s expansion into non-traditional U.S. markets, changing the NHL’s business model. Gretzky’s influence on youth hockey development, particularly in American markets, helped create a new generation of players. His playing style emphasized skill and intelligence, contributing to the NHL’s evolution from its rougher past to today’s faster, more skilled game.
11.Jesse Owens (Track and Field)
At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens delivered one of sports’ most powerful political statements by winning four gold medals, disproving Nazi propaganda about Aryan supremacy in Hitler’s presence. Despite returning to racial discrimination in America, Owens maintained dignity and became a goodwill ambassador who used his platform to advocate for equality. His Olympic record in the long jump stood for 25 years, and his technical innovations in sprinting influenced training methods for generations. Owens demonstrated how athletic excellence could transcend political boundaries and challenge harmful ideologies.
12.Martina Navratilova (Tennis)
With 59 Grand Slam titles across singles, doubles, and mixed doubles, Navratilova revolutionized women’s tennis through unprecedented fitness standards and a serve-and-volley playing style. Coming out as gay in the early 1980s—when doing so carried significant professional risk—she became a pioneering figure for LGBTQ+ athletes. Navratilova’s career longevity (winning her last Grand Slam at age 49) redefined perceptions about athletic aging. Her outspoken advocacy for various causes, including LGBTQ+ rights, animal welfare, and environmental issues, established a template for athlete activism.
13.LeBron James (Basketball)
Beyond his basketball dominance across two decades, LeBron James has redefined athlete empowerment and social responsibility. His decision to form super-teams through free agency changed how NBA stars approach career management. James has leveraged his platform for political and social activism, establishing the “More Than a Vote” organization and the I Promise School in his hometown of Akron. His business ventures in media, entertainment, and team ownership have created a blueprint for athletes building wealth beyond their playing careers. James’ willingness to speak out on social justice issues has inspired a new generation of activist-athletes.
14.Tiger Woods (Golf)
Tiger Woods transcended golf to become one of the world’s most recognizable athletes, bringing unprecedented attention and diversity to a traditionally exclusive sport. His dominance in the early 2000s (holding all four major championships simultaneously) redefined excellence in golf. Woods’ influence dramatically increased tournament purses, TV ratings, and general interest in golf. His presence led courses worldwide to “Tiger-proof” their designs, physically changing the sport’s landscape. Despite personal and physical setbacks, Woods’ comeback victory at the 2019 Masters ranks among sports’ greatest redemption stories.
15.Simone Biles (Gymnastics)
With 37 Olympic and World Championship medals, Simone Biles has revolutionized gymnastics through unprecedented difficulty and athletic innovation. Multiple skills in the Code of Points bear her name, recognizing her role in pushing the sport’s technical boundaries. Beyond her competitive achievements, Biles’ decision to prioritize mental health during the Tokyo Olympics sparked a global conversation about athlete wellbeing. As a survivor of sexual abuse speaking out against USA Gymnastics’ failures, she has become a powerful advocate for accountability and athlete safety in sports organizations.
16.Roger Federer (Tennis)
Federer’s elegant playing style and 20 Grand Slam titles only partially explain his influence on tennis. His sportsmanship, multilingual interviews, and global appeal helped tennis reach new markets and audiences worldwide. The Federer-Nadal-Djokovic rivalry elevated tennis to new heights of popularity and technical excellence. Through the Roger Federer Foundation, he has focused on educational initiatives in Africa, demonstrating athlete philanthropy at scale. Federer’s business acumen has set new standards for athlete partnerships, particularly his billion-dollar relationship with Uniqlo and ownership stake in On Running.
17.Kobe Bryant (Basketball)
Kobe Bryant’s “Mamba Mentality”—his relentless pursuit of excellence—became a cultural phenomenon that transcended basketball. Beyond his five NBA championships with the Lakers, Bryant’s work ethic and dedication to craft became the standard for professional excellence. After retirement, his Oscar-winning short film “Dear Basketball” showed athletes could succeed in creative fields. Bryant’s tragic death in 2020 revealed his profound cultural impact, with memorials appearing worldwide. His advocacy for women’s basketball and mentorship of female athletes helped increase visibility for women’s sports.
18.Shaquille O’Neal (Basketball/Entertainment)
Shaquille O’Neal revolutionized basketball with his unique combination of size, power, and agility, winning four NBA championships. However, his greater influence may be in transforming athlete branding and post-career success. O’Neal’s multimedia presence as an analyst, DJ, entrepreneur, and commercial pitchman created a template for athlete brand-building. His successful business investments, law enforcement work, and philanthropic efforts show athletes can maintain relevance and influence long after retirement. O’Neal’s charismatic personality and strategic business sense have made him more culturally significant after his playing career than during it.
19.Usain Bolt (Track and Field)
As the fastest human in history, Usain Bolt brought unprecedented global attention to track and field with his world records and Olympic dominance. His showmanship and charisma transformed usually brief sprint events into must-watch spectacles. Bolt’s success made Jamaica a sprinting powerhouse and inspired athletic programs across the Caribbean. Despite competing in a sport often marred by doping scandals, Bolt’s clean record and joyful approach restored credibility and fan interest. His iconic “lightning bolt” pose became one of sports’ most recognizable celebrations, transcending language and cultural barriers.
20.Cristiano Ronaldo (Soccer)
Cristiano Ronaldo has leveraged his extraordinary soccer talent into unprecedented global influence. With nearly a billion social media followers, he has transformed athlete marketing and fan engagement in the digital era. Ronaldo’s transfer fees and salary demands have reset the market for elite players. His scientific approach to fitness, nutrition, and career longevity has influenced training methods across sports. Ronaldo’s brand partnerships and business ventures, including hotels and lifestyle products, provide a blueprint for athletes building global business empires.
Coaches and Leaders Who Redefined Success
21John Wooden (Basketball)
As UCLA’s basketball coach, Wooden won an unprecedented 10 NCAA championships in 12 years, including seven consecutive titles. Beyond his winning record, Wooden’s “Pyramid of Success” philosophy has influenced coaches across all sports and become a leadership model in business contexts. His emphasis on character development and personal growth over winning transformed coaching approaches at all levels. Wooden’s insistence on fundamentals, preparation, and ethical behavior created a coaching legacy that transcends basketball.
22.Vince Lombardi (Football)
The legendary Green Bay Packers coach defined modern football coaching with his emphasis on discipline, preparation, and execution. The Super Bowl trophy bears his name, recognizing his foundational influence on the NFL. Lombardi’s famous quotes and leadership principles have become part of American culture, applied far beyond sports. His acceptance of gay players at a time when such inclusion was rare demonstrated moral leadership ahead of his era. Lombardi elevated coaching to both an art and a science, setting standards for football excellence that endure decades after his death.
23.Pat Summitt (Basketball)
With 1,098 victories and eight NCAA championships as Tennessee’s women’s basketball coach, Summitt’s statistical legacy would alone merit inclusion. However, her greater contribution was elevating women’s college basketball to national prominence through excellence and advocacy. Summitt’s demanding coaching style and emphasis on academic achievement created a model for women’s sports programs. Her openness about her early-onset Alzheimer’s diagnosis raised awareness and research funding through her foundation. Summitt’s 100% graduation rate for players who completed their eligibility demonstrated her commitment to education alongside athletic achievement.
24.Alex Ferguson (Soccer)
In 26 years managing Manchester United, Ferguson won 38 trophies while repeatedly rebuilding championship teams, demonstrating unmatched organizational leadership. His development of young players like David Beckham and Cristiano Ronaldo established a player development model studied worldwide. Ferguson’s adaptation to soccer’s evolving tactical and business environments provided a blueprint for organizational sustainability. His “Fergie Time” and psychological warfare against opponents added strategies to competitive coaching that influenced managers across sports. After retirement, his leadership lectures at Harvard Business School extended his influence beyond sports.
25.Bill Belichick (Football)
With six Super Bowl championships as head coach, Belichick established the New England Patriots dynasty through tactical innovation and organizational culture. His “Do Your Job” philosophy and “Patriot Way” approach to team-building have been adopted across professional sports. Belichick’s ability to adapt game plans to opponents’ weaknesses revolutionized football strategy and preparation. His focus on versatile players who execute specific roles perfectly changed NFL roster construction principles. Despite controversies, Belichick’s influence on football strategy, videotape study, and organizational discipline has transformed coaching methodology.
26.Phil Jackson (Basketball)
Jackson’s 11 NBA championships as a coach came through his unique integration of basketball strategy with philosophical and spiritual concepts. His application of Zen principles and Native American wisdom to sports psychology created new approaches to team-building. Jackson’s “triangle offense” reinvented basketball strategy, helping stars like Michael Jordan and Kobe Bryant achieve team success alongside individual greatness. His ability to manage superstar egos and create cohesive teams from diverse personalities established new standards for leadership in professional sports.
27.Bill Walsh (Football)
Walsh’s “West Coast Offense” revolutionized football strategy, emphasizing precision passing and timing over power. His coaching tree includes dozens of NFL head coaches who propagated his systems and philosophies throughout professional and college football. Walsh’s detailed practice planning, situational preparation, and game-script approach transformed football coaching methodology. At the 49ers, he implemented minority coaching fellowships that improved diversity in coaching ranks. Walsh’s intellectual approach to football—documented in detailed manuals—elevated coaching to a cerebral profession requiring constant innovation.
28.Toni Nadal (Tennis)
As Rafael Nadal’s uncle and primary coach for most of his career, Toni Nadal developed one of tennis’s greatest champions through unorthodox methods focused on mental toughness and character development. His emphasis on humility, respect, and continuous improvement created not just a champion but a universally respected sportsman. Toni’s ability to help Nadal adapt his game as he aged demonstrated rare coaching flexibility. Through his tennis academy and coaching philosophy, Toni has influenced player development systems worldwide, emphasizing character formation alongside technical development.
29.Béla Károlyi (Gymnastics)
The Romanian-American coach revolutionized gymnastics training, producing nine Olympic champions including Nadia Comăneci and Mary Lou Retton. Károlyi’s intensive training methods raised technical standards in women’s gymnastics, though later criticism of his harsh approaches sparked important discussions about athlete welfare. His defection from Romania to the United States in 1981 accelerated American gymnastics development. While Károlyi’s legacy is complicated by his association with abusive systems, his technical influence on gymnastics training and performance standards remains undeniable.
30.Red Auerbach (Basketball)
As Boston Celtics coach and executive, Auerbach won 16 NBA championships while pioneering modern basketball operations. He drafted the NBA’s first Black player (Chuck Cooper), hired its first Black head coach (Bill Russell), and fielded its first all-Black starting lineup, advancing racial integration in professional sports. Auerbach’s innovations included the “sixth man” concept and fast-break basketball. As an executive, he masterfully built rosters through shrewd trades and draft selections, establishing organizational excellence that influenced NBA front offices for decades.
Executives and Innovators Who Built Sports Empires
31.Pete Rozelle (NFL)
As NFL commissioner from 1960 to 1989, Rozelle transformed a struggling league into America’s most popular sport and a multibillion-dollar enterprise. His negotiation of the first league-wide television contract and creation of NFL Films revolutionized sports broadcasting and storytelling. Rozelle’s implementation of revenue sharing established competitive balance that became the envy of other leagues. His vision of “Any Given Sunday”—where any team could win—created perfect conditions for the NFL’s growth. Under Rozelle, the Super Bowl evolved from championship game to America’s unofficial national holiday.
32.David Stern (NBA)
During his 30-year tenure as NBA commissioner (1984-2014), Stern globalized basketball, expanding the league’s revenue from $165 million to $5.5 billion. His marketing vision centered on promoting star players like Magic Johnson, Larry Bird, and Michael Jordan, creating a personality-driven league. Stern’s leadership during the HIV crisis following Magic Johnson’s diagnosis helped change public perceptions about the disease. His expansion of the NBA into international markets, particularly China, transformed basketball into a truly global sport. Stern’s creation of the WNBA provided professional opportunities for women basketball players.
33.Mark McCormack (Sports Marketing)
As founder of International Management Group (IMG), McCormack invented modern sports management and marketing. His first client, Arnold Palmer, became sports’ first brand licensing success story, creating the template for athlete marketing. McCormack’s vision expanded beyond individual representation to event creation, media production, and global sports properties. His innovations in licensing, endorsements, and media rights transformed how sports generated revenue. Through IMG, McCormack built the infrastructure for sports to become a global business enterprise.
34.Phil Knight (Nike)
Starting by selling Japanese running shoes from his car trunk, Knight built Nike into the world’s dominant sports apparel company, revolutionizing athlete endorsements and sports marketing. His partnerships with athletes like Michael Jordan created new models for personal brand building. Knight’s “Just Do It” campaign and swoosh logo became cultural touchstones transcending sports. Through Nike, Knight influenced sports aesthetics, performance technology, and youth culture worldwide. His philanthropic contributions to universities, particularly the University of Oregon, have transformed collegiate athletic facilities.
35.Roone Arledge (Television)
As president of ABC Sports and later ABC News, Arledge revolutionized sports broadcasting with innovations like instant replay, slow motion, and up-close athlete profiles. His creation of “Monday Night Football” transformed sports programming from weekend afternoons to primetime events. Arledge’s “Wide World of Sports” introduced Americans to global competitions and niche sports, broadening athletic interests. His production techniques—multiple cameras, dramatic narratives, and personality-focused coverage—created the template for modern sports broadcasting. Arledge understood that sports were drama, and his presentation styles embedded athletics into American popular culture.
36.Sepp Blatter (FIFA)
Blatter’s controversial 17-year presidency of FIFA saw soccer’s global expansion but also unprecedented corruption. Under his leadership, the World Cup expanded to Africa and Asia, growing soccer’s global footprint. The financial growth during Blatter’s tenure—despite ethical failings—transformed FIFA into one of the world’s wealthiest sports organizations. His eventual downfall in corruption scandals led to significant governance reforms across international sports organizations. While deeply flawed, Blatter’s influence on soccer’s global development and commercial expansion cannot be denied.
37.Dietrich Mateschitz (Red Bull)
The Austrian entrepreneur revolutionized sports marketing by using extreme sports and team ownership to build the Red Bull brand. Rather than traditional sponsorship, Mateschitz created and owned sports properties—from cliff diving competitions to Formula 1 teams—that embodied Red Bull’s brand values. His acquisition and development of multiple football clubs created a global development network. Mateschitz demonstrated how sports could build global brands through content creation rather than traditional advertising. His vision transformed energy drinks into a lifestyle category with sports at its center.
38.Bud Selig (MLB)
As MLB Commissioner from 1992 to 2015, Selig modernized baseball’s business model while navigating labor disputes and the steroid era. His introduction of the wild card and interleague play reinvigorated fan interest. Under Selig, MLB Advanced Media became sports’ most successful digital platform, revolutionizing how fans consume sports content. His eventual implementation of drug testing restored credibility to baseball statistics. Selig’s revenue-sharing policies and competitive balance tax created greater parity while allowing the sport to reach record revenues.
39.Dick Ebersol (Television)
As NBC Sports chairman, Ebersol transformed Olympic broadcasting into compelling narrative storytelling rather than mere competition coverage. His athlete profiles and focus on personal journeys created deeper emotional connections between viewers and Olympians. Ebersol’s programming innovations and rights negotiations shaped how major events are presented and monetized. His partnership with the NFL on “Sunday Night Football” created television’s most valuable sports property. Ebersol understood that sports programming succeeded by making viewers care about the participants regardless of their interest in the specific sport.
40.Dana White (UFC)
Taking over the struggling Ultimate Fighting Championship in 2001, White transformed a controversial niche sport into a global entertainment powerhouse worth billions. His understanding of digital media and social platforms built UFC’s audience outside traditional broadcasting. White’s personality-driven promotion and accessible fighters created deeper fan connections than most sports achieved. Under his leadership, UFC mainstreamed mixed martial arts, pushing for regulation that legitimized the sport. White demonstrated how a marginalized sport could become mainstream through strategic marketing, digital engagement, and charismatic leadership.
Media Voices Who Shaped Sports Narratives
41.Howard Cosell (Broadcasting)
Cosell’s distinctive voice and uncompromising style transformed sports broadcasting from mere play-by-play to cultural commentary. His friendship with Muhammad Ali—supporting him when many wouldn’t—demonstrated broadcasters could take moral stands. Cosell’s willingness to address racism and politics in sports created space for deeper analysis beyond game results. His famous declaration “Down goes Frazier!” and other calls became part of the cultural lexicon. Cosell proved sports broadcasters could be both journalists and entertainers, setting the template for modern sports commentary.
42.Grantland Rice (Sportswriting)
Rice’s poetic, mythic writing style in the early 20th century elevated sports to cultural significance, particularly his famous “Four Horsemen” piece about Notre Dame football. Through nationally syndicated columns, Rice made local sports figures into national heroes. His flowing prose established sportswriting as a legitimate literary form rather than mere game reporting. Rice’s relationships with athletes humanized sports stars for the public. His influence on sportswriting created traditions of narrative storytelling that continue in today’s longform sports journalism.
43.Bill Simmons (Digital Media)
Simmons pioneered sports blogging that combined fandom, pop culture, and analytics, developing a new voice for the digital age. His creation of Grantland and later The Ringer established new models for sports media businesses. Through the “30 for 30” documentary series he co-created, Simmons brought cinematic storytelling to sports history. His popularization of the podcast format transformed how fans consume sports commentary. Simmons demonstrated how independent voices could build audiences rivaling traditional media, fundamentally changing sports media economics.
44.Christine Brennan (Journalism)
As one of the first female sports columnists at major newspapers, Brennan broke gender barriers in sports journalism. Her consistent advocacy for equality in sports coverage helped increase visibility for women’s athletics. Brennan’s reporting on issues like the figure skating scandal at the 2002 Olympics demonstrated rigorous accountability journalism in sports. Her book “Inside Edge” revolutionized coverage of figure skating, showing how investigative reporting could transform sports journalism. Brennan’s mentorship of young female journalists helped diversify sports media.
45.Stuart Scott (Broadcasting)
Scott revolutionized sports broadcasting language and presentation at ESPN, making “Boo-yah!” and “As cool as the other side of the pillow” part of sports vernacular. His incorporation of hip-hop culture and African American vernacular into mainstream sports broadcasting changed the sound of sports television. Scott’s authenticity while battling cancer inspired millions and changed how broadcasters approach personal challenges. His influence made sports broadcasting more culturally diverse and representative of fan communities. Scott showed that broadcasters could succeed by being authentically themselves rather than conforming to traditional presentation styles.
46.Bob Costas (Broadcasting)
Through Olympics hosting and thoughtful baseball commentary, Costas became sports broadcasting’s voice of reasoned perspective and historical context. His ability to address controversial issues like gun control and CTE with clarity and nuance elevated sports discourse. Costas’ eloquence during tragedies and national moments showed how sports could connect to broader social concerns. His insistence on ethical standards and journalistic integrity within sports broadcasting maintained crucial credibility. Costas demonstrated that sports commentary could simultaneously entertain and enlighten without sacrificing substance.
47.John Madden (Broadcasting/Video Games)
Beyond his coaching success, Madden revolutionized football broadcasting with accessible, enthusiastic analysis that made complex concepts understandable to casual fans. His “Madden NFL” video game franchise introduced millions to football’s strategic depth, influencing real players’ understanding of the game. Madden’s telestrator use created visual analysis standards still used today. His aversion to flying led to the “Madden Cruiser” bus, which became a moving cultural landmark. Madden’s authenticity and humor made technical football knowledge accessible to mainstream audiences.
48.Jackie MacMullan (Journalism)
As one of basketball’s most respected journalists, MacMullan earned unprecedented trust from players, enabling her to tell their stories with unique depth and nuance. Her book “When the Game Was Ours” about Magic Johnson and Larry Bird set standards for sports narrative writing. MacMullan’s pioneering role as a female NBA journalist opened doors for women covering men’s sports. Her candid reporting on mental health issues in the NBA helped destigmatize discussions of psychological challenges among athletes. MacMullan’s journalism demonstrated that building relationships and trust produces deeper sports storytelling.
49.Tony Kornheiser and Michael Wilbon (Broadcasting)
Through ESPN’s “Pardon the Interruption,” Kornheiser and Wilbon revolutionized sports talk television with their debate format, timed segments, and on-screen graphics. Their respectful disagreement model influenced countless sports shows that followed. The duo demonstrated that journalists with newspaper backgrounds could successfully transition to television personalities. Their program’s rundown format and production elements became industry standards. “PTI” showed that intellectual sports discussion could succeed commercially without resorting to manufactured outrage.
50.Wright Thompson (Longform Journalism)
Thompson elevated sports longform journalism to literary status through deeply reported, beautifully written pieces exploring the humanity behind athletic excellence. His profiles of athletes like Michael Jordan and Tiger Woods revealed the complexities and costs of greatness. Thompson’s ability to connect sports stories to place, history, and culture expanded what sports writing could accomplish. His meticulous reporting process—often spending months on a single story—raised standards for sports journalism. Thompson proved that sports writing could stand alongside the best literary nonfiction.
Pioneers Who Broke Barriers
51.Jesse Owens (Track and Field)
At the 1936 Berlin Olympics, Jesse Owens delivered one of sports’ most powerful political statements by winning four gold medals, disproving Nazi propaganda about Aryan supremacy in Hitler’s presence. Despite returning to racial discrimination in America, Owens maintained dignity and became a goodwill ambassador who used his platform to advocate for equality. His Olympic record in the long jump stood for 25 years, and his technical innovations in sprinting influenced training methods for generations. Owens demonstrated how athletic excellence could transcend political boundaries and challenge harmful ideologies.
52.Althea Gibson (Tennis)
As the first Black champion at Wimbledon and the U.S. Nationals (now the U.S. Open), Gibson broke tennis’s color barrier five years before Arthur Ashe. Her journey from Harlem to international tennis stardom required overcoming both racial and economic barriers. After tennis, Gibson became the first Black woman to compete on the LPGA Tour, breaking barriers in multiple sports. Despite her accomplishments, Gibson struggled financially—a reality that highlighted the economic inequities facing pioneering athletes. Her resilience and excellence created opportunities for future generations of diverse tennis players.
53.Billie Jean King (Tennis)
Beyond her 39 Grand Slam titles, King’s victory over Bobby Riggs in the “Battle of the Sexes” match became a cultural milestone for gender equality. Her founding of the Women’s Tennis Association and World TeamTennis created structural change in professional sports. King’s advocacy led to Title IX implementation and equal prize money at major tennis tournaments. As one of the first prominent openly gay athletes, she has been a lifelong advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports. King’s vision that athletes deserved both fair treatment and business opportunities transformed professional sports economics.
54.Bill Russell (Basketball)
Russell’s 11 NBA championships as a player and player-coach with the Boston Celtics only partially capture his influence. As the NBA’s first Black head coach, he broke crucial barriers in sports leadership. Throughout his career, Russell used his platform to advocate for civil rights, participating in the 1963 March on Washington and supporting Muhammad Ali’s stance against the Vietnam War. His dignified response to racist treatment in Boston demonstrated moral courage alongside athletic excellence. Russell’s defensive innovations and team-first approach revolutionized basketball strategy and defined winning culture.
55.Kathrine Switzer (Running)
When officials tried to forcibly remove Switzer from the 1967 Boston Marathon because she was female, her perseverance created an iconic moment in sports history. Her successful completion of the race challenged prohibitions against women in long-distance running. Switzer’s advocacy led to the inclusion of the women’s marathon in the 1984 Olympics and expanded opportunities for female runners worldwide. Her creation of the 261 Fearless organization continues supporting women’s empowerment through running. Switzer proved that sometimes simply participating is a revolutionary act that can change sports forever.
56.Manon Rhéaume (Hockey)
As the first and only woman to play in an NHL game, appearing as a goaltender for the Tampa Bay Lightning in 1992 preseason games, Rhéaume broke gender barriers in male professional team sports. Her pioneering role inspired future generations of female hockey players and normalized women competing at elite levels. Rhéaume’s international success with Team Canada, winning World Championship gold medals, demonstrated her accomplishments transcended gender milestones. Her foundation supports young female athletes pursuing male-dominated sports. Rhéaume showed that talent could overcome gender barriers even in traditionally masculine sports.
57.Renée Richards (Tennis)
After transitioning in 1975, Richards successfully fought legal battles for her right to compete in women’s tennis, establishing crucial precedents for transgender athletes. Her Supreme Court case victory against the U.S. Tennis Association in 1977 created legal foundations still relevant in current transgender rights cases. Richards later coached Martina Navratilova to multiple Grand Slam titles, proving her tennis expertise transcended gender discussions. Her memoir “Second Serve” educated the public about transgender experiences decades before mainstream acceptance. Richards’ courage facing intense public scrutiny opened pathways for future transgender athletes.
58.Arthur Ashe (Tennis)
Beyond being the first Black man to win singles titles at Wimbledon, the U.S. Open, and the Australian Open, Ashe used his platform for global human rights advocacy. His opposition to South African apartheid, including being denied entry to compete there, brought international attention to racial injustice. After contracting HIV from a blood transfusion, Ashe’s openness about his diagnosis reduced stigma surrounding AIDS. His Arthur Ashe Foundation for the Defeat of AIDS and Arthur Ashe Institute for Urban Health continue his legacy of healthcare advocacy. Ashe’s combination of athletic excellence and moral purpose set standards for athlete activism.
59.James Naismith (Basketball)
By inventing basketball in 1891, Naismith created a sport that would become a global cultural phenomenon and vehicle for social change. His creation of simple, accessible rules allowed basketball to spread rapidly across socioeconomic boundaries. As basketball’s first coach at the University of Kansas, Naismith established collegiate basketball traditions. His emphasis on basketball as character development, not just physical activity, shaped the sport’s educational foundations. Naismith’s invention has provided career opportunities for countless individuals and become a vehicle for social mobility.
60.Dick Fosbury (Track and Field)
By winning the 1968 Olympic high jump gold medal with his revolutionary “Fosbury Flop” technique, Fosbury demonstrated that innovation could overturn decades of athletic convention. Within a decade, his backward jumping approach replaced the traditional straddle technique used for generations. Fosbury’s willingness to appear unconventional while developing his technique demonstrated the importance of experimentation in athletic progress. His innovation showed that questioning fundamental technique assumptions could produce revolutionary performance improvements. The Fosbury Flop remains the standard technique decades later, a testament to genuine innovation’s lasting impact.
Conclusion
Well that is it for the 60 most influential figures who have shaped the world of sports as we know it today.
