Sports + Entertainment Most Influential honors industry leaders who wield their influence to achieve business excellence by advancing local and domestic content within their areas of expertise in the sports and entertainment industry. These leaders work to create pathways for small businesses, job creation, and community benefit investments. Powered by a combination of public nominee voting and advanced analytics from Local Content Insights—using social media, press activity, and digital/online behavior—this program recognizes individuals, organizations, and market segments driving local content transformation within the industry.

Honoring sports and entertainment economic development drivers that reflect the highest public sentiment, including positive taxpayer opinions, attitudes, and perceptions

A sports and entertainment district is a vibrant area combining sports venues, entertainment, dining, retail, and commercial spaces to drive growth, community engagement, and tourism.

Stadium/arena is a large venue for sports, concerts, and events, offering seating, concessions, and amenities for variety of audiences.

Naming rights and sponsorships involve companies paying to brand or sponsor venues, events, or teams for visibility and marketing in exchange for financial support.

Negotiations where broadcasters or streaming platforms pay for exclusive rights to broadcast sports events, leagues, or teams, generating significant revenue for stakeholders.

Premium experiences include exclusive offerings like luxury suites, VIP seating, and personalized services, enhancing fan engagement and driving additional revenue. .

Honoring businesses within the sports and entertainment industry supply chain that reflect the highest public sentiment, including positive taxpayer opinions, attitudes, and perceptions.

Planning and building sports arenas and entertainment spaces tailored to enhance fan experience and operational efficiency.

Creating mixed-use areas combining sports, retail, dining, and entertainment hubs to drive economic and community engagement.

Coordinating sports and entertainment events, including scheduling, vendor management, and crowd control, for seamless execution.

Overseeing daily operations of venues, including staffing, maintenance, and scheduling, ensuring efficiency and profitability.

Training and nurturing athletes and entertainers, providing coaching, resources, and opportunities for skill advancement and career growth.

Developing and managing relationships with brands for event sponsorships, endorsements, and strategic collaborations.

Creating and distributing sports and entertainment content through television, streaming platforms, and social media channels.

Designing advanced ticketing systems and enhancing fan engagement through interactive platforms and personalized experiences.

Managing retail and food services within venues, optimizing sales and ensuring quality for fans and attendees.

Ensuring facilities operate efficiently through regular maintenance, upgrades, and adherence to sustainability practices.

Oversees sports programs, facilities, student-athlete success, and community engagement, promoting excellence.

An Athletic Department oversees sports programs, facilities, student-athlete success, and community engagement, promoting excellence.

A K-12 Sports League organizes youth competitions, promoting skills, teamwork, sportsmanship, fitness, and community engagement.

Early Period: Jan. 1 – Feb. 28, 2025 | $50 per entry

General Period: Mar. 1 – Jul. 31, 2025 | $100 per entry

Late Period: Aug. 1 – Aug. 31, 2025 | $150 entry

Sep. 8 – Oct. 30, 2025

Week of Jan. 5 - 9, 2026