What a year it has been in the world of sports, from the continued growth of the WNBA, and women making strides in sports business, to the New York Knicks ending a 53 year championship drought, 2026 hasn’t disappointed. When we talk about defying the odds, our 2026 EBONY Power 100 Leaders in Sports honorees exceed even those standards.
Let’s start off by taking it to the hardwood, this past June was one that New Yorkers won’t soon forget. The New York Knicks beat the San Antonio Spurs in five games to win their third NBA championship, and their first in 53 years. A total team effort that was punctuated by the tip-in, heard around the world by OG Anunoby, the Knicks rightfully took center stage in sports coverage for the remainder of the summer. On the women’s domain of the league, we witnessed the incomparable Nneka Ogwumike close the chapter on her career in the WNBA. Ogwumike’s legendary tenure will be remembered through the lens of the champion she was on the court, and the advocacy she expressed off the court as the WNBPA’s President.
Next, we head to the “A,” where Renee Montgomery continues to make her mark. A two-time WNBA champion, Montgomery has built a career that extends well beyond the court. She serves as a television analyst and made history as the first former WNBA player to sit on a franchise’s executive board while also holding an ownership stake in a team. Her career reflects what it looks like to turn athletic success into lasting influence in the business of sports.
From one trailblazer to another, we turn to the tennis court and Naomi Osaka. In 2026, Osaka made significant strides at Wimbledon, demonstrating that her impact extends beyond her performance in competition. She has championed mental health awareness while establishing herself as a fashion force both on and off the court. Whether she’s making headlines for her athletic achievements or her advocacy, Osaka remains a figure you simply can’t afford to overlook.
And speaking of athletes who command attention, meet Elana Meyers Taylor. The six-time Olympic gold medal-winning bobsledder has mastered her craft like few others. With a legacy built on elite performance and an impressive collection of accolades, Meyers Taylor has earned the right to decide when she’s ready to step away from the sport. Until then, she remains a force to be reckoned with.
From the Olympics to another global sporting spectacle, we turn our attention to the World Cup. Enter Folarin Balogun, who helped fuel Team USA’s resurgence on the international stage. Scoring two goals in the tournament’s opening game, Balogun put his competitive drive on full display. His contributions proved instrumental to the team’s run, reinforcing his place among the players to watch.
Of course, sports extend far beyond team competition and traditional playing fields. Just ask Tyshawn Jones, who has made his mark in the halfpipes and beyond. A two-time Slasher Skater of the Year, Jones is as multifaceted as they come. He also made history as Supreme’s first branded skateboarder, further cementing his status as a trailblazer who has helped shape skateboarding’s cultural influence.
On the baseball diamond, Jordan Walker of the St. Louis Cardinals is another name worth knowing. The power hitter proved his prowess by winning the 2026 Home Run Derby, while becoming an All-Star in just his third season. His accomplishments speak to the caliber of player he has already become and the impact he continues to make in Major League Baseball.
Finally, we turn to Nick Arrington, whose commitment to philanthropy is matched by his dedication to athletic pursuits. Arrington raises money to help children participate in athletic programs by running marathons, using his own physical endurance to create opportunities for the next generation. For him, it’s all about giving back. And that commitment is something every EBONY Power 100 honoree can hang their hat on. After all, greatness isn’t measured by accomplishments alone, but also by what we do with the influence we’ve earned.