Outsports Releases 2025 Power 100 List, Celebrating the Most Influential LGBTQ+ Figures in Sports

Outsports, a leading voice for LGBTQ+ perspectives in sports, has unveiled its 2025 Power 100 list, spotlighting the most influential LGBTQ+ people in the sports world today. As the conversation around inclusion and representation in athletics continues to evolve, this annual compilation serves as both a celebration of progress and a call to action for continued advocacy and visibility in all corners of sport .

The Power 100 list, now in its second year, is compiled by Outsports’ panel of journalists and contributors, who evaluate nominees across multiple fields including major league sports, collegiate athletics, media, coaching, and sports administration. This year’s list draws from a global pool of candidates, reflecting the international reach and influence of LGBTQ+ leaders in the sporting world .

Selection is based on several criteria: public visibility, professional impact, advocacy for LGBTQ+ inclusion, and the ability to inspire change within and beyond their respective disciplines. Outsports’ editors emphasize that “power” is not only about fame or athletic achievement but also about driving meaningful progress for LGBTQ+ athletes, coaches, and fans everywhere .

This year’s Power 100 is led by a diverse array of figures, including high-profile athletes, pioneering coaches, influential executives, and tireless advocates. Among those featured are Megan Rapinoe, the World Cup-winning soccer player and activist; Jason Collins, the former NBA player who made history as the first openly gay athlete to play in a major American team sport; and Brittney Griner, the WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist who has used her platform to support LGBTQ+ and racial justice .

New additions to the list include rising stars from collegiate athletics, such as NCAA swimmer Lia Thomas, who has sparked nationwide discussions about transgender inclusion in sports, and leaders from international federations working to establish more inclusive policies for LGBTQ+ athletes .

While athletes remain at the forefront of public attention, the Power 100 also celebrates the behind-the-scenes leaders who are making sports more inclusive from the top down. This includes out coaches such as Katie Sowers, the first openly gay coach in Super Bowl history, and trailblazing executives like Rick Welts, former president of the Golden State Warriors and a longtime advocate for LGBTQ+ inclusion in professional basketball .

The list also honors advocates and journalists whose work has furthered awareness of LGBTQ+ issues in athletics, such as Cyd Zeigler and Jim Buzinski, Outsports’ co-founders, who have spent decades amplifying LGBTQ+ voices in sports media .

The release of the Power 100 comes at a time when LGBTQ+ athletes and leaders are increasingly visible and vocal, yet still face significant barriers in many sporting contexts. In the United States, recent legislative proposals and policy debates regarding transgender participation in youth and collegiate sports have underscored the ongoing challenges faced by transgender and nonbinary athletes .

Internationally, progress remains uneven. While some governing bodies and leagues have introduced more inclusive policies, others have moved to restrict participation for transgender athletes, highlighting the importance of continued advocacy and education .

Outsports’ Power 100 aims to elevate those who are not only excelling in their fields but also using their positions to push for systemic change. “Every name on this list represents a step forward for LGBTQ+ inclusion in sports,” Outsports editors noted in their announcement, “and a reminder that representation matters at every level” .

The publication of the Power 100 has been met with enthusiastic response across social media, with honorees and supporters alike sharing messages of celebration and solidarity. LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations, such as Athlete Ally and the Human Rights Campaign, praised the list for highlighting both the achievements and ongoing struggles of LGBTQ+ people in sports .

Athlete Ally, in a statement, said, “Visibility is key to shaping a more inclusive future in sports. Lists like the Outsports Power 100 show young athletes everywhere that they belong, no matter who they are or whom they love” .

As visibility grows, so too do expectations for sports organizations to support LGBTQ+ inclusion through concrete policies and action. The Power 100 list is a reminder that while progress has been made, much work remains. Advocates emphasize the need for ongoing education, policy reform, and support systems for LGBTQ+ athletes at all levels—from youth leagues to the professional ranks .

Outsports’ editors conclude, “The Power 100 is not just a celebration of individual achievement, but a roadmap for the future. By lifting up those who lead with courage and conviction, we can inspire a new generation to keep pushing the boundaries of what is possible in sports” .

The 2025 Outsports Power 100 stands as a testament to the resilience, talent, and leadership of LGBTQ+ individuals in the sports world. As the landscape continues to shift, lists like this not only recognize those who have paved the way but also challenge the broader community to keep striving for equality and inclusion—on the field, in the locker room, and beyond .

See the full list here