The 10 Most Influential Female Athletes Right Now

10) Coco Gauff

Age: 20
Sport: Tennis

Famous athletes often find themselves confined to the sport for which the masses know them best. This couldn’t be further from the truth for one of today's most promising tennis stars. Cori “Coco” Gauff has repeatedly proven herself on the court, exceeding expectations with every volley. On the court, she’s already cemented herself as a generational talent, winning nine WTA singles titles, including the 2023 US Open and 2024 WTA Finals, as well as nine doubles titles like the 2024 French Open. Her rise has been fueled by an unshakable work ethic, a willingness to embrace discomfort, and a fearless pursuit of greatness.

What Coco doesn’t receive enough credit for, however, is how impactful she is off the court. She’s an outspoken advocate for mental health, openly discussing the pressures of professional sports and emphasizing the importance of emotional well-being–something she knows well, with tennis being both a physical and mental game.

She’s also been vocal about her love for wearing and styling her natural hair for matches. So much so that, in 2024, Carol’s Daughter tapped Gauff to be an ambassador of the hair-care brand to support their mission of “empowering millions of women and little girls to embrace their curls and coils with pride and authenticity.” Like Serena Williams, Coco is unapologetic about being her authentic self.. As a young Black woman excelling in a historically white-dominated sport, Coco’s mere presence has been influential in communicating a broader message of empowerment and diversity. 

As she continues to redefine what it means to be a successful athlete, Coco shows that true greatness isn't just about winning titles—it's about inspiring others to embrace their full potential. Coco Gauff’s dedication to personal growth, mental health, and remaining authentic has made her a role model for young athletes around the globe. With every match and decision, Coco proves she’s not just a tennis star but a powerful influence on culture. — Jermaine Dyson

9) JuJu Watkins

Age: 19
Sport: Basketball

Let’s start with the facts—JuJu Watkins is undeniably THAT GIRL! A dominant athlete, a rising cultural icon, and a certified force on the court, where she broke the all-time national freshman scoring record as a freshman. And she’s only 19! There’s a reason LeBron James, Chance the Rapper, Kendall Jenner, and even Monica Wright (Sanaa Lathan–if you know, you know) are pulling up to watch her ball.

While yes, her game is fire, the fact that her signature bun stays flawless every single game? Iconic. And little girls everywhere are emulating the bun, too.

Her high school run was so legendary that it led to a six-episode docuseries on NBC called ‘On the Rise: JuJu Watkins,’ chronicling her journey from high school to her freshman year at USC. Now, she’s using her platform to inspire young women of color and uplift aspiring basketball players from her hometown of Watts and other under-resourced communities in L.A. through her nonprofit, Good JuJu. She’s also giving back through her NIL deals—and her influence is cemented in the city’s sports scene with a mural at the iconic Hotel Figueroa, a space that has previously honored Kobe and the Lakers.

JuJu has also secured one of the richest shoe endorsement deals in women’s basketball history with her new multiyear contract extension with Nike, linked up with StockX to merge sports and streetwear, and became the first-ever student-athlete to get a Funko Pop. She’s also a key investor in Unrivaled Basketball, ensuring future athletes have the resources to thrive. 

Bottom line? JuJu Watkins isn’t just the future—she’s the now. And trust; this is only the beginning. — Unique Chapman

8) Cameron Brink

Age: 23
Sport: Basketball

While Cameron Brink’s rookie season was unfortunately cut short due to an ACL tear, that hasn’t stopped the second-overall pick from being one of the most recognizable players in the W. Before she was even drafted, Brink became the first women’s basketball player to ink a deal with New Balance. She’s become an open mental health advocate, even sharing how her own decision to seek help helped her to succeed on the court. Want receipts? She has a CalHOPE Courage Award and helped Chegg launch its inaugural Student Mental Health Week in 2023 to support student mental wellness.

Recently, Brink launched a digital series called Straight to Cam with her longtime friend Sydel Curry-Lee, Steph Curry’s sister. And she’s building a place in the fashion world: Brink already has an elite tunnel-fits portfolio and a partnership with Urban Decay and has been seen sporting Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen at Fashion Week. 

And, most importantly, her early success doesn’t seem to be getting to her head: Brink has the self-awareness to understand her privilege in a league where her teammates include Black women and members of the LGBTQ community. — Michael Rosen

7) Paige Bueckers

Age: 23
Sport: Basketball

Paige Bueckers isn’t just a generational basketball talent—she’s helping to shape the future of women’s sports. Even before turning pro, she’s leveraging her platform to create lasting change.

Without even entering the WNBA, Bueckers made history as the first Nike NIL athlete of any gender to receive their own Player Edition shoe, setting a new standard for what’s possible in NCAA sports marketing. But her impact isn’t just personal. Rather than just maximizing her own opportunities, she consistently ensures that those around her benefit, recognizing that true progress comes from collective growth–not just individual achievement. When she signed a trading card deal with Panini America, she ensured her teammates were included, marking the first time the collectibles company had done so. Her inclusive mentality carries over into many of the business moves she makes. As an investor in beauty brand Madison Reed, she played a role in securing deals for three of her teammates—Azzi Fudd, Ice Brady, and Morgan Cheli—through a wide-ranging partnership with UConn Athletics. She’s also brought her teammates into endorsement deals with brands like CeraVe, where she included KK Arnold and Fudd, and Epic Games (Fortnite), which agreed to partnerships with multiple UConn players. 

What sets her apart is her self-awareness—she’s open about the privilege she holds and makes decisions with a clear understanding of the ripple effect they can have across the entire ecosystem. Whether it’s advocating for her teammates or becoming a trailblazer in NIL deals, Paige Bueckers is proving that influence isn’t just about what you do on the court—it’s about how you change the game for everyone. — Brighid Tully

6) Sabrina Ionescu

Age: 27
Sport: Basketball

Any time your signature sneaker can be seen on a basketball court on a nightly basis, you know you're working with some real influence.

We've seen this from the likes of Kobe Bryant, Michael Jordan, LeBron James, and plenty of other male icons. But now we're seeing it from Sabrina Ionescu. According to KixStats.com, Ionescu's Sabrina 2 is the second most worn shoe in the NBA, behind only the Kobe 6 Protro. Guys like Tyler Herro and Jrue Holiday wear custom-made colorways constantly–even another name on this list, Paige Bueckers, recently worked to make her own duo of Sabrina By Yous.

Currently, Ionescu is in the middle of headlining her very own Asia tour, spanning the Philippines and China. She's selling out the legendary Araneta Colosseum (yes, THE site of the legendary “Thrilla in Manila” match) and inspiring the youth in one of the most crazed basketball countries around the globe. — Ben Felderstein

5) A'Ja Wilson

Age: 28
Sport: Basketball

A’Ja Wilson is one of the most influential female athletes today, shaping not only basketball but also culture, conversations, and consumer trends. Her impact started early, with her game-changing decision to stay in-state and commit to South Carolina, proving elite talent can thrive outside the usual hotspots. She helped turn the program into a national powerhouse, setting the stage for future stars.

Beyond the court, A’Ja is an outspoken advocate for racial and gender equity in sports, pushing for pay equity, better media representation, and greater investment in women’s basketball. Her authenticity shines in post-game interviews (especially after winning the Chip), and in August, she received the Dawn Staley Community Leadership Award for her impact and leadership in her community.

And now, we have the A’One—which, let’s be real, needs to drop ASAP. As one of the few WNBA stars with a signature shoe, she’s making waves in the sneaker game. Her style, as a whole, also speaks volumes. And that logo? Absolutely one of a kind. 

In 2020, she started using fashion to address social issues, including the Black Lives Matter movement. She’s continued that work, and in 2024, she released a New York Times bestseller, Dear Black Girls, which Gabrielle Union called a “must-read for every Black girl out there.”

And that’s not even touching her on-court dominance—at this rate, she’s on the path to GOAT status. — Jonathan Brens

4) Sha’Carri Richardson

Age: 24
Sport: Track and Field

Sha’Carri Richardson isn’t just dominating track and field—she’s redefining what it means to be a star athlete in the modern era. With her electrifying speed, signature style, and unapologetic confidence, she’s become more than just a champion; she’s a cultural icon.

From her fiery orange hair at the Olympic Trials to her triumphant gold medals at the 2023 World Championships and 2024 Olympics, Richardson’s journey has been one of resilience, reinvention, and undeniable talent.

Beyond the track, her influence extends into fashion, music, and the broader conversation around authenticity in sports. She’s collaborated with major brands, inspired athletes to embrace their individuality, and used her platform to speak on mental health and personal growth. Her comeback story—from Olympic heartbreak to global dominance—has only strengthened her impact, proving that setbacks don’t define a legacy; the response does.

Whether she’s setting records or setting trends, Richardson represents a new era of athletes who refuse to fit into outdated molds. She’s fast, fearless, and here to stay. — Quinn Diaz

3) Simone Biles

Age: 27
Sport: Gymnastics

Simone Biles is one of the most influential female athletes of this generation, redefining gymnastics and the sports world as a whole. Beyond her unmatched dominance, she has reshaped conversations around mental health, athlete safety, and the boundaries of human potential. 

Quite possibly the greatest athlete of all time, Biles performs at such an elite level that judges literally deemed one of her moves–the Yurchenko double pike–too dangerous to score fairly. And listen, I get it; it’s marked illegal for safety purposes, but rather than embracing and celebrating her innovation, The NAWGJ is failing to keep pace. Biles isn’t just competing in gymnastics—she’s revolutionized it.

Her impact goes far beyond her performance as an athlete. As a Black woman in a historically exclusive sport, she has inspired a new generation of young athletes of color, challenging long-standing barriers. Her willingness to prioritize mental health on the world’s biggest stage ignited a global conversation about athlete well-being and the pressures of competition. Gymnastics has always been a fan-favorite event at the Summer Olympics, but the attention Biles has brought to the sport is unprecedented. And let’s be real—did you see the sheer number of A-list stars who showed up to watch her at the 2024 Paris Games?!

Simone Biles isn’t just the greatest gymnast of all time—she’s a transformative force that needs to be recognized as such. — Jonathan Brens

2) Angel Reese

Age: 22
Sport: Basketball

The Bayou Barbie set rebounding records during her rookie campaign and solidified her celebrity status. A no-brainer partnership with Reese’s put her face on their cereal boxes, and she recently joined the likes of Travis Scott and J Balvin when she became the first female athlete to have her own signature McDonald’s meal. Reese is also cementing her place in the fashion world, most recently appearing as a cover model for the Vogue Winter 2025 issue, and is expected to drop her first signature shoe in 2026. 

And Reese isn’t just making headlines—she’s leading conversations. As the host of her own podcast, she’s brought on high-profile guests like Shaq, Dwyane Wade, Sheryl Swoopes, the Ball brothers, GloRilla, and Lisa Leslie, blending sports, culture, and entertainment.

But don’t let the spotlight distract from her impact on women’s sports. Reese competed in the inaugural Unrivaled season and is a part-owner of DC Power FC in the USL Super League. Off the court, the Angel C. Reese Foundation empowers young girls through sports, education, and financial literacy. And her split Liberty-Lynx jersey at the 2024 WNBA Finals? A fashion statement that doubled as a show of solidarity with the women around her.

With all she’s accomplished, it’s no surprise she’s the most-followed WNBA player on Instagram. — Michael Rosen

1) Caitlin Clark

Age: 23
Sport: Basketball

Caitlin Clark is redefining the entire landscape of women’s sports. Her dominance on the court has shattered outdated narratives about women’s sports, proving that women’s basketball can be just as marketable and widely watched as men’s. But the “Caitlin Clark Effect” goes far beyond her performance—it’s reshaping the entire sports landscape.

Clark’s impact is undeniable. Her presence alone boosts WNBA attendance by 105% compared to games without her, while road games featuring her Indiana Fever see an 87% increase in opponent home attendance. Her rookie debut sparked a staggering 200% jump in WNBA viewership, while Fever home games drew a league-high 186,000 fans last season, a 265% increase from 2023. Team uniform sales (of which Clark’s regularly sells out) skyrocketed by an astonishing 1,193% year-over-year.

Beyond ticket sales and TV ratings, Clark has transformed the perception of women’s basketball and positioned the WNBA as a revenue-driving powerhouse. Brands and networks are taking notice—Her jerseys sell out instantly, she’s getting her own signature shoe, and she’s being tapped for mainstream guest spots like New Heights and David Letterman’s Netflix series. Even her friendships, like with Taylor Swift, elevate her profile beyond sports. And let's not forget who Time's 2024 Athlete of the Year was.

Caitlin Clark isn’t just playing the game; she’s changing it. — Brighid Tully