Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in Sports list highlights tennis’ continuing role in empowering women, with legends like Williams and King still leading the charge.
Coco Gauff, Serena Williams, Billie Jean King, and Portia Archer have been recognized among Forbes’ America’s Most Powerful Women in Sports 2025 list.
These four women represent different generations united by driving progress and empowerment through sport. Gauff has had a meteoric rise as one of tennis’ brightest young stars, while Williams has had a commanding presence as an investor and entrepreneur. King has had an enduring legacy in gender equality, while Archer was instrumental in transforming leadership at the WTA.
Coco Gauff Leads a New Generation of Powerful Women in Sports
Forbes’ annual ranking recognizes the female trailblazers who excel in their respective fields and use their platforms to influence policy, culture, and business. Tennis has long been a symbol of female empowerment, and this year’s list highlights its enduring role in driving change.
Leading the new wave of influence, Gauff secured the No. 13 spot on the Forbes list. Just two years after her breakthrough U.S. Open victory in 2023, Gauff has become one of the most recognizable faces in sports.
Forbes estimated her annual earnings at $37.2 million from last year, combining prize money and high-profile endorsements with New Balance, Head, and Barilla. Gauff has been outspoken about equality in tennis and broader issues affecting young athletes, and continues to advocate for fairness and social change.
How Are Serena Williams, Billie Jean King, and Portia Archer Redefining Leadership in Women’s Tennis?
Williams is ranked No. 11 on the Forbes list. Although she retired from professional tennis in 2022, her influence remains as strong as ever. According to Forbes, through her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures, she has invested in more than 70 startups, with 78% of those led by women or people of color.
Williams also owns Angel City FC and the Los Angeles Golf Club, a TGL franchise backed by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
At No. 23, King continues to embody the heart and history of women’s equality in sports. Now 81, King’s legacy is rooted in the movement she helped ignite more than five decades ago, when she defeated Bobby Riggs in the legendary 1973 “Battle of the Sexes.”
Forbes credited her ongoing activism for equal pay and her continued leadership through the Women’s Sports Foundation and the Women’s Tennis Association she founded.
Rounding out the tennis contingent is Portia Archer, who claimed the No. 19 position after stepping into her new role as CEO of the WTA in August 2024. Archer, who previously served as the chief operating officer of the
Saints legend Drew Brees advanced to the next round of Pro Football Hall of Fame voting
Saints legend Drew Brees is one step closer to being enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026 in his first year of eligibility.
Brees was one of 52 modern-era players to advance to the next round of the Hall of Fame’s voting process. He is one of eight players to advance this far in their first year of eligibility, joining Larry Fitzgerald, Philip Rivers, Jason Witten, Frank Gore, LeSean McCoy, Greg Olsen and Maurkice Pouncey.
Of the group, Brees almost certainly has the best shot at earning a gold jacket in his first opportunity.
Only Tom Brady threw for more yards or touchdowns than Brees in NFL history, who finished his career with 80,358 yards and 571 touchdowns. Brees has four of the top eight individual seasons by passing yards in NFL history, was the MVP of Super Bowl XLIV and led the Saints to a 142-86 record in his 15 years as the franchise quarterback.
Brees is not the only player with Saints or New Orleans connections on the list. Former All-Pro guard and current member of the Saints coaching staff Jahri Evans also made the cut, as did former Saints Lorenzo Neal and Olin Kreutz and New Orleans native Reggie Wayne.
There were 128 players nominated for Hall of Fame consideration this year. This group of 52 players was decided by a voting committee who cast a ballot for the 50 players they believed should be considered for enshrinement.
New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) reacts after New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara (41) scores a three yard TD during a NFC wild card football game against the Chicago Bears at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 10, 2021. (Photo by David Grunfeld, NOLA.com | The Times-cases.Picayune | The New Orleans Advocate)
Under Hall of Fame bylaws, ties for the 50th position also remain eligible for the Class of 2026.
