With December comes the latest installment of Forbes’ annual 30 Under 30, celebrating the most influential young personalities across a variety of industries, and the sports world is no exception. This year, Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum and Indiana Fever standout Caitlin Clark are among the athletes recognized for their extraordinary achievements and impact on the 2025 “Sports” list.
Jayson Tatum, 26, has continued to shine as the face of the Celtics, building on his already impressive NBA career and leading Boston in their quest for another deep postseason run.
Caitlin Clark, the 22-year-old phenom, has taken the WNBA by storm as the star point guard for the Indiana Fever.
After a storied college career, Clark’s transition to the pros has been nothing short of spectacular, quickly making her one of the league’s most exciting players and earning her Rookie of the Year honors.
A Diverse List of Game-Changing Athletes
Joining Tatum and Clark are a diverse group of athletes from different disciplines, each of whom has made significant contributions to their respective sports. The Forbes 30 under 30 list includes:
- Jalen Brunson, New York Knicks point guard, who has been instrumental in revitalizing the Knicks’ backcourt and leading them to playoff contention.
- Ilona Maher, USA Rugby center, known for her physical prowess and charismatic social media presence that has popularized rugby in the U.S.
- Christian McCaffrey, San Francisco 49ers running back, who has been a key player for one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses.
- Haley and Hanna Cavinder, University of Miami guards, whose combination of basketball skills and social media influence has made them standout figures in the world of collegiate sports.
- Tara Davis-Woodhall and Hunter Woodhall, Team USA Track & Field stars, both of whom have inspired fans with their performances and heartwarming relationship.
- Gabby Thomas, sprinter for Team USA Track & Field, who has been a leading figure on the international stage, winning medals and using her platform to advocate for health and wellness.
- Flau’jae Johnson, LSU guard and rapper, who has become a dual-sport and entertainment star, merging her basketball career with a growing presence in the music industry.
- Mondo Duplantis, Swedish Athletics pole vaulter, who has set multiple world records and brought excitement to track and field competitions worldwide.
- Laila Edwards, USA Hockey forward, a rising star in women’s hockey who is helping push the sport forward with her skills and passion.
- Summer McIntosh, Canadian swimmer, who has broken records and become one of the most promising talents in international swimming.
- Mallory Swanson, U.S. Soccer forward, known for her goal-scoring prowess and contributions to the U.S. Women’s National Team.
- Samantha Tan, racing driver and owner of Samantha Tan Racing, whose trailblazing efforts have pushed boundaries in the motorsports industry.
- Kelsie Whitmore, Oakland Ballers pitcher, who has made history as one of the few women to play professional baseball in a men’s league, inspiring a new generation of athletes.
Recognizing Innovators Behind the Scenes
In addition to the athletes, Forbes also celebrated those making significant contributions behind the scenes in the sports industry. These honorees are not on the field, but their work is crucial to the growth, development, and success of sports organizations and initiatives. Some notable names from this category include:
- Kara Agby, director of partnership and development for the Golden State Warriors, whose efforts have helped secure key partnerships for the team.
- Katharine Bohlmann, vice president for corporate partnerships for the Miami Dolphins and Hard Rock Stadium, who has been instrumental in developing major sponsorship deals.
- Noah Eagle, NBC Sports broadcaster, recognized for his work as a rising voice in sports media.
- C.J. Harringston, associate at Hogan Lovells, who has made waves in the world of sports law and business.
- Erin Matson, head coach of the University of North Carolina field hockey team, who made a seamless transition from being a star player to leading her alma mater as head coach.
- Xavier Green and Victorien Tixier, co-founders of Scoreplay, who have developed an innovative platform for managing sports media content.
- Carlin Hudson, senior director for strategy at the National Women’s Soccer League, who has been integral in shaping the league’s growth and development.
- Erica Kontos, director of international content partnerships at the NBA, helping to expand the league’s global footprint.
- Nakissa Koomalsingh, founder of Hoopqueens, a platform dedicated to elevating women’s basketball.
- Sydney Lipsitz, sports media agent at CAA, who has represented top athletes and negotiated significant media deals.
- Saroya Tinker, manager of DEI and community engagement at the Professional Women’s Hockey League, dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in the sport.
- Brandon Wimbush, co-founder of Mogl, a platform that helps student-athletes connect with NIL opportunities.
- Kirby Porter, chief brand officer at Unrivaled, a company focused on athlete brand building and marketing.
- Rawleigh Williams, co-head of sports at Milk & Honey, involved in managing and representing prominent athletes.
- Maddie Winslow, vice president at Inner Circle Sports, specializing in sports mergers and acquisitions.
Judging Panel and Criteria
This year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Sports list was curated by an esteemed panel of judges, including:
- Keia Clarke, CEO of the New York Liberty, known for her leadership in women’s professional basketball and driving the growth of the WNBA.
- Jahm Najafi, co-founder of MSP Sports Capital, whose firm has invested in various sports franchises and initiatives.
- Vijay Srinivasan, co-founder of Major League Cricket, which aims to bring the world’s second-most popular sport to a broader U.S. audience.
- Lindsey Vonn, Olympic champion and alpine ski racer, who brought her firsthand experience in elite competition to the judging process.
The judges selected honorees based on their achievements, potential to shape the future of sports, and overall influence within their industry.
The athletes and sports industry professionals recognized in this year’s list reflect not only extraordinary talent but also innovation, resilience, and dedication to making a lasting impact on the world of sports.
A Glimpse into the Future of Sports
This year’s Forbes 30 Under 30 Sports list offers an inspiring glimpse into the future of athletics, celebrating athletes who are excelling in their fields and industry professionals who are breaking barriers and shaping the future.
Jayson Tatum and Caitlin Clark represent just two of the many exceptional individuals honored for their dedication and influence in the sports world.
Their stories, alongside those of their fellow honorees, are a testament to the changing landscape of sports—one that is increasingly defined by inclusivity, innovation, and the ability to transcend the traditional boundaries of the game.
As the sports world continues to evolve, these young trailblazers are leading the way, paving new paths and ensuring that the future of athletics is bright, diverse, and full of promise.
