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Women in Leadership: The Intersection of Sports and Business

The annual Women CEOs in America report, released by the Women Business Collaborative (WBC) on September 25, 2025, showcases the representation of women in corporate leadership roles across the United States. Notably, it reveals that women hold 9.2% of CEO positions in major companies. This year's findings introduce a compelling link between participation in sports and the ascent of women to strategic leadership roles.

Key Findings from the 2025 Report

The report not only tracks the numbers but delves deeper into the backgrounds of these leaders. Here are some of the pivotal insights:

• - CEO Representation: Among Fortune 1000, S&P 500, Russell 3000 firms, as well as private companies with annual revenues exceeding $1 billion, women account for 9.2% of CEOs.
• - Sports Impact: Approximately 10.2% of these CEOs have a history of participating in organized sports, ranging from NCAA competitions to professional leagues. The dominant sports played by these women include basketball, tennis, track and field, and rugby.
• - Industry Concentration: A significant 62% of athlete-CEOs find their footing in healthcare, consumer goods, and technology—fields noted for their high stakes and dynamic innovation.

The Leadership Pipeline through Sports

Gwen K. Young, CEO of WBC, articulated an enlightening perspective, stating, “Sports are proving to be not just a playing field but a leadership pipeline.” This report asserts that the discipline, teamwork, resilience, and strategic mindset gained through sports directly correlate with effective business leadership skills.

The Path to Equity

The WBC report provides an in-depth analysis of the ongoing journey towards gender equity within corporate America. By spotlighting how sports can serve as a foundational platform for women’s leadership, the report urges stakeholders to pay attention to systemic support that nurtures this trajectory. According to Young, investing in girls and women in sports is tantamount to investing in future leaders in business.

Conclusion

The insights gathered from WBC's 2025 Women CEOs in America report empower us to rethink how we can create pathways for women in leadership roles. Encouraging engagement in sports might be one of the most effective strategies in leveling the playing field. It is evident that women who have excelled in sports often carry these skills into the boardrooms, ultimately shaping the future landscape of corporate leadership.

For further details, you can access the full report.

About Women Business Collaborative

The Women Business Collaborative is an unprecedented alliance aimed at advancing equal representation, pay, and power for women in business. WBC engages in collaborative action, research, and advocacy to drive change and ensure women are present at every leadership level.