Women are steadily reshaping leadership in professional sports. In roles once dominated by men, the industry is seeing female executives like Carlie Irsay-Gordon redefine success and inclusion from front offices to ownership suites.
Irsay-Gordon, owner of the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts, has already transformed the franchise both on and off the field. Initially met with skepticism from NFL executives and surrounding media, her approach has since earned praise from players, coaches, and reporters alike.
Irsay-Gordon represents a broader movement, one that is changing the perception of women in leadership and proving that positive influence in sports isn’t tied to gender.
Quick Highlights:
- As of 2023, women held 24% of C-suite positions in the MLB. For the 2022/23 NBA season, women held 39% of senior management positions.
- At least 12 of the 32 NFL teams count women as controlling and significantly active owners, making strides from the merely 7 teams reported in 2015.
- In 2022, 75% of WNBA CEO/President positions were held by women.
- Companies in the top quartile for gender and ethnic diversity are 9% more likely to outperform, and those with gender-diverse boards are 27% more likely to outperform financially.
Carlie Irsay-Gordon: Redefining NFL Ownership
Carlie Irsay-Gordon didn’t earn early praise when she appeared on the Colts’ sidelines wearing a headset— critics saw it as overreach. She explained she was there to learn, not direct, and that curiosity has defined her leadership ever since.
Since taking a larger role in 2014, she’s emphasized mental health, family-first policies, and player engagement. Under her guidance, the Colts became one of the first NFL teams to add a full-time clinician. She launched Kicking The Stigma, a campaign that’s raised millions and pushed the NFL to talk openly about mental health.
Players describe her as empathetic and decisive, as someone who values accountability without losing humanity. Former Colt Stephon Gilmore summed it up for fans: “She’s the best. The Colts are in good hands.”
Kim Pegula: Strength in Buffalo
As the former co-owner and president of the NFL’s Buffalo Bills and NHL’s Sabres, Kim Pegula helped turn both franchises into models of organizational stability. She made history as the first woman to serve as president of both an NFL and NHL team and is known for her disciplined, data-driven decision making and commitment to community.
After suffering a serious health setback in 2022, the Bills organization rallied around her, and dedicated wins in her honor. Under Pegula’s leadership, the Bills’ value quadrupled since 2014, making them one of the NFL’s fastest-growing franchises in both performance and market value.
Jeanie Buss: Leading the Lakers Legacy
Shifting over to the NBA in Los Angeles, Jeanie Buss is a powerful example of resilience and success under immense pressure. As the first ever female controlling owner to win an NBA title, Buss has helped restore the Lakers’ legacy through her steady leadership and trust in players and staff.
She navigated many public disputes and high-profile transitions, including parting ways with her brother Jim Buss and hiring Rob Pelinka as GM, all while keeping the franchise on a championship path.
In 2020, Buss became one of the most visible and respected executives in sports, leading the Lakers to their 17th NBA title in the Orlando bubble. Beyond basketball, she has used her platform to champion gender equality and inclusive hiring practices. One way she does this is by personally investing in initiatives like the all-female wrestling league WOW (Women of Wrestling).
Women Across All Leagues
The shift towards increased female leadership moves beyond the NFL and NBA. In the MLB, Kim Ng made history as the first female general manager when she joined the Miami Marlins in 2020. By just three seasons, she guided the club to its first playoff appearance in 17 years.
In motorsports, Susie Wolff, the managing director of F1 Academy is driving change at the intersection of racing and representation, pushing for broader access and visibility for women in motorsports.
And in soccer, executives like Becca Roux, executive director of the U.S. Women’s National Team Players Association, continue to advocate for pay equity and long-term sustainability within women’s sports, progress that is now influencing how male-dominated leagues operate.
Changing Perceptions and Cultural Impact
While many female leaders have earned respect over time, early criticism often underscores how gender biases continually persist in sports culture. Carlie Irsay-Gordon’s headset moment drew major skepticism, with one of the reasons solely being that she was a woman on the sidelines– a space that is primarily filled with men.
Yet over time, these same figures have changed the public opinion on authenticity, transparency, and performance. A study found that 68% of all U.S. sports fans, which includes both men and women, say they trust professional women athletes. And 58% of American sports fans who don’t watch any women’s sports trust female athletes.
That credibility extends beyond the playing field. When women move into leadership roles, studies show that engagement rises, workplace satisfaction improves, and risk management is improved.
A New Era of Leadership
The presence of women like Irsay-Gordon, Pegula, Buss, and Ng signals something bigger than just female representation. They’re redefining team culture, fan engagement, and the business priorities of modern sports.
At Athelo Group, we believe leadership is strongest when it’s diverse and inclusive. Across professional sports, women are showing that success grows from respect, trust, and a unified vision.
