The inaugural TIME 100 Sports list highlights the biggest names shaping athletics today, and California’s influence is impossible to miss. The state sits at the crossroads of sports, entertainment, technology, media, and business, making it a natural home for some of the most influential figures in the industry.
From Los Angeles superstars and Bay Area icons to Olympic champions, executives, and media innovators, California’s footprint stretches across nearly every corner of the list.
LeBron James
No Californian on the list carries more global influence than LeBron James, who earned TIME’s cover designation as the publication’s “Athlete of the Century.” Since arriving in Los Angeles in 2018, James has continued adding to one of the greatest careers in sports history while expanding his reach through entertainment, media, and business ventures.
- 4x NBA champion and Finals MVP
- NBA all-time scoring leader
- Founder of Los Angeles-based SpringHill Company
- Record holder for numerous NBA longevity milestones
Shohei Ohtani
Few athletes have changed their sport the way Ohtani has. His move from the Angels to the Dodgers elevated his profile and baseball’s global popularity while reinforcing Southern California as the city of champions.
- Signed a record-setting $700 million contract
- 4x MVP award, ranking 2nd behind Giants great Barry Bonds (7)
- 2x World Series champion
Stephen Curry
Curry transformed basketball strategy worldwide through his shooting ability while simultaneously becoming the face of the NBA and the Warriors dynasty. His impact off the court has been equally significant throughout the Bay Area.
- Four-time NBA champion
- Architect of basketball’s three-point revolution
- Major philanthropic work in Oakland and San Francisco
- One of the NBA’s most recognizable global ambassadors
Myles Garrett
Garrett’s inclusion was secured before his recent move west, but his blockbuster trade to the Rams instantly made him one of California’s biggest sports stars.
- Coming off a record 23-sack season
- Two-time NFL Defensive Player of the Year
- Waived his no-trade clause to join Los Angeles
- Anchors a Rams defense with championship aspirations
Michele Kang
Kang has become one of the most influential investors in women’s sports and maintains a growing presence in California through Angel City FC and Olympic initiatives.
- Minority owner of Angel City FC
- Invested heavily in women’s sports development
- Donated to support preparation for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
- Named for her global leadership in women’s athletics
Clara Wu Tsai
A Stanford alumna and major sports investor, Wu Tsai has helped reshape the business of women’s sports through investments in facilities, player development, and research.
- Stanford graduate and trustee
- Key advocate for women’s sports growth
- Major philanthropic presence in California
Alex Morgan
Morgan remains one of California’s most influential soccer figures. Her career helped elevate both the U.S. women’s national team and professional soccer throughout the state.
- Born and raised in Southern California
- Cal Berkeley standout
- Former San Diego Wave FC captain
- Leading advocate for equal pay in sports
Alysa Liu
Liu’s remarkable comeback story made her one of the most celebrated athletes on the TIME 100 list and one of California’s brightest Olympic stars.
- Bay Area native
- Two-time Olympic gold medalist in 2026
- Former youngest U.S. women’s champion
- UCLA student
Aaron Judge
Though his professional success came in New York, Judge’s path began in the Golden State.
- Born in Sacramento
- Raised in Linden
- Fresno State standout
- One of baseball’s premier stars and ambassadors
Eileen Gu
Gu’s influence extends across sports, fashion, academics, and international culture. Few athletes on the list possess a broader global reach.
- Born and raised in San Francisco
- Stanford student
- Most decorated female Olympic freeskier
- Trained in the Lake Tahoe region
Bill Simmons
Simmons helped redefine how modern sports media operates. Through The Ringer, his wewbsite and podcast empire, he remains one of the industry’s most influential voices.
- Founder of Los Angeles-based The Ringer
- Pioneer of sports podcasting
- Spotify acquisition transformed sports media
- Influential voice at the intersection of sports and entertainment
Nneka Ogwumike
Ogwumike’s impact stretches beyond basketball. As WNBPA president, she helped reshape the future of women’s professional sports.
- Stanford alumna
- WNBA champion and former MVP
- Key architect of landmark labor agreements
- Returned to the Los Angeles Sparks in 2026
Jordan Chiles
Chiles became one of the faces of collegiate gymnastics while building a platform that extends into advocacy and entertainment.
- UCLA star gymnast
- Multiple perfect 10 performances
- Advocate for athlete rights
- Founder of initiatives supporting young female athletes
The list serves as a reminder that California’s influence extends far beyond wins and championships. Whether through athletic achievement, business innovation, entertainment, media creation, philanthropy, or cultural impact, the Golden State continues to shape the future of sports on a global scale.
