2025 Women CEOs in America Report: Examining the Influence of Sports on Leadership Roles

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2025 – The Women Business Collaborative (WBC) has released its annual report that meticulously tracks the status and trends related to women serving as CEOs in the United States. The 2025 iteration reveals that women now hold 9.2% of CEO positions in major corporations, including those listed on the Fortune 1000, S&P 500, Russell 3000, and private firms with revenues exceeding $1 billion.

The Intersection of Sports and Leadership

A noteworthy addition to this year’s findings is the link between women’s participation in sports and their appointment as CEOs. The data indicates that 10.2% of the women CEOs surveyed have a background in organized sports, which includes participation in NCAA athletics and professional leagues. This correlation suggests that the skills developed through athletic competition, such as leadership, teamwork, resilience, and strategic thinking, are transferrable to corporate leadership.

Key Highlights from the Report

• Representation: Women account for 9.2% of CEOs across significant corporate entities.
• Athletic Background: 10.2% of these leaders have engaged in organized sports.
• Popular Sports: The sports most commonly associated with women CEOs include basketball, tennis, track and field, and rugby.
• Sector Focus: Approximately 62% of CEOs with athletic backgrounds are situated in the healthcare, consumer goods, and technology sectors.

Addressing Representation and Systemic Support

The WBC’s initiative to include sports participation as a lens for analyzing women’s leadership pathways marks an important step in recognizing the diverse experiences that contribute to executive roles. The report aims not only to showcase progress but also to highlight existing gaps in representation at the highest levels of business.

According to Gwen K. Young, CEO of WBC, “Sports are proving to be not just a playing field but a leadership pipeline. This year’s report affirms the discipline and leadership skills developed through sports translate directly into CEO leadership. Investing in girls and women in sports is an investment in the future of business leadership.”

About the Women Business Collaborative

The Women Business Collaborative (WBC) functions as a unique alliance of women’s business organizations, corporate partners, and influential business figures. Its mission is to facilitate equal representation, pay, and power for women in the corporate sphere through collaborative efforts, research, and advocacy.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Gwen K. Young
CEO, Women Business Collaborative
Email: [email protected]

To explore the full report, visit the WBC official website.