The business of sports in Southern California is one of the largest economic drivers in the region, accounting for $12.1 billion in revenue for 2025, according to the Los Angeles Sports Council. And while the public might relish in the home runs, touchdowns and 3-pointers, there’s a diverse ecosystem of dedicated professionals that maintain the sports business behind the scenes.

Here, Business by LA Times Studios presents the inaugural sports business visionaries section, recognizing the important work done by lawyers, economists and others who prop up their industry in myriad ways.

The 2026 Los Angeles Executive Leadership Awards celebrate the visionary, dynamic and impactful executives driving the future of our region forward. This year’s distinguished honorees represent the pinnacle of professional excellence across a diverse array of sectors and corporate roles, stretching from finance, technology, marketing, HR, legal counsel and CEOs. Recognized for their outstanding recent milestones, lifelong leadership, organizational influence and steadfast community commitment, each honoree truly embodies what it means to lead with intention and spark meaningful change throughout Los Angeles County.