In 2025, Black athletes, coaches, and leaders reshaped the landscape of sports both on and off the field. From Sha’Carri Richardson’s dominance on the track to Angel Reese’s empowerment of women’s basketball, Black women made historic gains in sports and sports ownership. Serena and Venus Williams’ “Stockton Street” podcast became a cultural touchstone, and NFL veterans Deion Sanders and Calais Campbell mentored the next generation. Together, these figures demonstrated that influence, innovation, and leadership now define a new era of Black impact in sports. Below are a look at 10 of the best Black sports storylines of 2025. 

1. Sha’Carri Richardson’s Full Ascension to Global Superstar

Sha’Carri Richardson’s rise to global superstar became undeniable this year, pairing elite performances with a newfound sense of composure and purpose. No longer defined by controversy, she has taken control of her narrative, using her speed, authenticity, and cultural presence to become one of the most recognizable athletes worldwide. Richardson’s evolution isn’t just about winning races — it’s about showing that growth, vulnerability, and brilliance can coexist. She became the fastest woman in the world, winning the 100m at the World Championships and anchoring the U.S. relay to victory, besting the world’s elite sprinters. Brands that once kept their distance now compete to partner with her: Nike featured her in a collab with Jacquemus, and she signed with Wasserman for global marketing and brand representation, expanding her off-track influence and international visibility.

2. Angel Reese Becoming the Face of Women’s Basketball Empowerment
Angel Reese reshaped NIL culture and athlete branding with her on-court dominance, business ventures, and unapologetic voice. Turning the diss “mebounds” into a clothing line aimed at ending cyberbullying, Reese leveraged controversy into empowerment. Her podcast, “Unapologetically Angel,” was named Boardroom’s top athlete podcast of 2025, attracting millions of viewers and cementing her as a cultural influencer beyond basketball.

3. Marsai Martin’s Quiet Rise as a Power Player in Sports Media
Marsai Martin has quietly transformed from a celebrated child star into a formidable force behind the camera. As lead actor and executive producer on the sports-comedy Fantasy Football, Martin merges NFL football, gaming culture, and family storytelling in ways few young producers achieve. Backed by NFL Films and her company True Star Media, she is steering the creative direction of athlete-centric stories, signaling a meaningful shift in who controls sports media narratives.

4. The Rapid Expansion of Black Women in Sports Ownership
Black women made historic strides in sports ownership in 2025, moving from symbolic roles to tangible influence. Former WNBA MVP Candace Parker and tennis star Sloane Stephens invested in Project B, a startup women’s basketball league. Other owners include Valerie Daniels-Carter (Milwaukee Bucks, NBA), Serena and Venus Williams (Miami Dolphins, NFL), and Juju Watkins (Boston Legacy FC, NWSL). Investment collectives like Elevate Sports Partners and Black Women in Sports Ventures pooled resources to acquire stakes in teams, stadiums, and media companies, creating a new era where Black women are key decision-makers shaping sports business and culture.

5. Serena and Venus Williams’ “Stockton Street” Podcast Becoming a Cultural Institution
Serena and Venus Williams’ Stockton Street podcast evolved into a cultural institution, offering an intimate space where these icons unpack sport, legacy, and Black womanhood. The show blends family storytelling, tennis history, and candid reflections on power, pressure, and perseverance, becoming more than a podcast — it is a living archive of Black excellence, sisterhood, and generational impact.

6. Deion Sanders’ Coaching Tree Taking Root
Deion Sanders’ coaching tree has already produced upward mobility for assistants at Jackson State and Colorado. T.C. Taylor moved from Sanders’ offensive staff to head coach at Jackson State, and Charles Kelly parlayed his Colorado experience into the head-coaching job at Jacksonville State. Their promotions show how working under Sanders can translate into leadership opportunities, creating a ripple effect for Black coaches in football.

7. The Historic Rise of Black Coaches in Women’s College Basketball
Dawn Staley, Felisha Legette‑Jack, Niele Ivey, Vanessa Blair Lewis, and others are reshaping women’s college hoops. Their leadership across powerhouse programs and rising mid-majors diversifies coaching staffs and opens doors for Black women in head-coaching roles. This shift brings unique mentorship styles, cultural perspectives, and role models for players who rarely saw themselves reflected on the sidelines.

8. NFL Veteran Mentorship Circles
NFL veterans like Jameis Winston, with Bible study, and Calais Campbell, with institutional mentorship, are shaping the next generation of players. Campbell openly guides rookies through meetings, practices, and film sessions, emphasizing professionalism, work ethic, and long-term career understanding. As he explains, there is “no point … to die with all this knowledge … at the end of my career,” so he shares it with younger players, ensuring lessons extend beyond the field.

9. A’ja Wilson’s Off-Court Cultural Moment
A’ja Wilson’s influence off the court in 2025 solidified her as one of the most impactful athletes in America. Through her memoir Queen of the Court: My Journey and media appearances, she shared insights on leadership, gender equity, and racial justice. Her advocacy included mental health initiatives, partnerships with Girls on the Run and Black Girls CODE, and championing WNBA pay equity — all without the fanfare often reserved for male counterparts.

10. Black F1 and Motorsports Engineers Breaking Through
Black engineers and technical innovators are reshaping motorsports behind the scenes. Figures like Maya Weathers (Simona De Silvestro’s engineer), Jamal Lewis (Formula E designer), Malik Thompson and Aisha Grant (NASCAR), and Jordan Blake and Tiana Okafor (F1 development programs) contribute to vehicle design, strategy, and safety, breaking barriers in fields historically dominated by white men. These pioneers prove the future of motorsports is being built as much in workshops as on the track, creating a more inclusive and technically advanced sport.