Women Business Collaborative Releases Women CEOs in America 2025 Report: New Analysis of Link Between Sports Participation and Women CEO Leadership

WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Women Business Collaborative (WBC) today released the annual Women CEOs in America Report, the definitive study tracking the representation, trends, and pathways of women leading major corporations across the United States. In 2025's iteration, WBC reports women comprise 9.2% of CEOs across the business landscape.

This year's report shines a spotlight on the connection between women's participation in sports and their rise to CEO. These first time findings are striking: a notable percentage of current women CEOs played competitive sports in college or professionally. The data underscores how sports instill critical leadership traits—discipline, teamwork, resilience, and strategic decision-making—that translate directly into business success.

Key Findings from Women CEOs in America 2025:

• Women represent 9.2% of CEOs across Fortune 1000, S&P 500, Russell 3000, and private companies with reported revenues of more than $1 Billion.
• 10.2% of these CEOs participated in organized sports, ranging from NCAA athletics to professional leagues.
• The most common sports among women CEOs were basketball, tennis, track and field and rugby.
• Close to two-thirds (62%) of athlete-CEOs are concentrated in healthcare, consumer goods, and technology — sectors defined by performance, adaptability, and constant innovation.

The Women CEOs in America report continues to track progress – and gaps – in women's representation at the helm of America's largest companies. By adding the lens of sports participation, WBC provides a new perspective on the pathways that propel women to the top and the systemic support needed to accelerate equity.

"Sports are proving to be not just a playing field but a leadership pipeline," said Gwen K. Young, CEO of WBC. "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."

Read the full report here: https://www.wbcollaborative.org/women-ceo-report/

About Women Business Collaborative

Women Business Collaborative (WBC) is an unprecedented alliance of women's business organizations, corporate partners, and business leaders working together to achieve equal position, pay, and power for all women in business. Through collaborative action, research, and advocacy, WBC drives change to ensure women are represented at every level of leadership.

For media inquiries, please contact:

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

SOURCE Women Business Collaborative