The 50 most powerful African Americans in sports: think you know who the real players are? Forget those who earn millions on the field. Here's our all-star list of entrepreneurs and executives (OK, and a couple of athletes) who drive the sports industry.

TURN ON JUST ABOUT ANY MAJOR sports program, and you're likely to see black athletes excelling. Baseball's Barry Bonds, football's Curtis Martin, Shaquille O'Neal in the NBA, and the NHL's Jerome Iginla are all exceptional athletes.

But the true power in sports is behind the scenes. The agent who hammers out the multimillion contract, the front-office executive who negotiates with the agent, or the corporate executive who determines which athlete will be the spokesperson for their product. Sports is big business. According to Sports-Business Journal the combined revenues of the sports industry is more than $213 billion. And the power lies with those who have control over the business aspect of the industry. Sadly, while African Americans continue to dominate on the field, there remains a gross disparity between blacks and nonblacks when it comes to the decision makers in the sports industry.

Because of the success of African Americans on the field, the accomplishments of black front-office executives and agents often go overlooked. Despite their too-few numbers, the editors at BLACK ENTERPRISE decided it was time to recognize their accomplishments by compiling a list of the top African Americans in sports.

We approached this list from a business perspective. Superstar athletes live in the spotlight but we also looked at who's controlling revenues, signing athletes, and hiring and [hind coaches.

The true opportunities in sports are in the boardroom, not the locker room. And the true MVPs are those making gains behind the scenes. Who are these all-stars? Over the next 13 pages, we'll introduce them to you.

--Additional reporting by Ericka N. Goodman & Angela C. Allen

Making The Cut

Unlike other sports lists, BLACK ENTERPRISE approached The 50 Most Powerful African Americans in Sports from a business perspective. Athletes make millions, but who are the people who hire and fire athletes--and coaches--sign them to big contracts, and control forces within sports? BE worked with various professional and collegiate sports organizations, industry insiders, and experts to determine the big players on and off the field. The list is broken down into eight categories and represents the all-stars of sports.

Agents/Promoters:

For every multimillion-dollar sports deal, there's an agent who negotiated the terms, hammered out the details, and received a cut of the pie. Those eligible for this category have careers that span decades and have successfully negotiated lucrative contracts for star athletes.

Athletes:

Outperforming the competition and generating fan interest is the dream of most professional athletes, but to make our list, athletes had to excel on the playing field as well as land lucrative endorsement deals. Those considered for this category had to revitalize or redefine their sport. The economic impact of these athletes on their respective sports is unquestionable.

Collegiate:

If college sports is big business, Division ]-A universities are the mega-corporations. At the helm of these programs are decision makers who manage budgets, oversee multiple sports programs, and determine who coaches their teams, Participants within this category have demonstrated substantial authority in their universities and/or collegiate sports as a whole.

Corporate Executives:

Although not employed by the leagues themselves, these execs have vast influence within the world of sports, whether through overseeing television programming (and the revenues generated thereafter) or signing athletes to lucrative endorsement deals.

Front-Office Executives (leagues and teams):

To be considered for this category, candidates must have control over the business operations, finances, and/or personnel decisions within their respective sports leagues or teams. High in the pecking order, they help negotiate player trades and acquisitions and oversee finances.

Industry Associations:

Charged with promoting the best interests of athletes, these union-like organizations wield enormous power within their respective sports. Labor agreements, salary issues, and marketing the talent all fall within their jurisdiction. The heads of these associations are forces to be reckoned with.

Owners:

They are the ultimate decision makers in professional sports. The ladder doesn't go any higher. For our purposes, owners must hold a controlling interest (at least 51%) of a major professional sports franchise to be eligible. Sadly, for African Americans, this is a list of one.

AGENTS/PROMOTERS

Bill A. Duffy President BDA Sports Management Age: 44

Pulling in a $65 million contract for Steve Nash of the Phoenix Suns was just a day on the job for Duff. A former player for the Denver Nuggets, Duffy treks the globe for top athletes, including 20 European players. He even managed to acquire Yao Ming from the Chinese Basketball Association. Duffy's client list, which includes Jay Williams and Anthony Carter, reads like a who's who in professional basketball. He was honored as Agent of the Year in 1998 and 2002 by The Black Sports Agents Association.

Highlight Reel: Duffy has signed nine first-round NBA draft picks, including Carmelo Anthony, which yielded the Nuggets forward more than $30 million in endorsements.

Aaron Goodwin CEO Goodwin Sports Management Age: 44

A giant in the world of sports agents, Goodwin has negotiated more than $800 million in contracts for his clients. He handles sports royalty such as Damon Stoudamire, Shareef Adbur-Rahim, and Jamal Crawford. Goodwin is a former partner of Bill Dully but now runs Goodwin Sports Management with his twin brother, Eric. He is a graduate of UC Berkeley and a member of the National Basketball Players Association Advisory Board. Highlight Reel: Goodwin was responsible for signing NBA phenom LeBron James in 2003 and negotiating some $135 million in endorsements for the Cavs forward.

Don King Boxing Promoter Don King Productions Inc. Age: 73

The world-famous, or infamous, shock-coiffed promoter has been a household name for more than three decades. Like him or hate him, there's no denying King's contribution to the sweet science. His career includes more than 500 world-championship fights. From inking the 1974 All-Foreman "Rumble in the Jungle," which earned both fighters an unheard of $5 million each, to Holyfield--Tyson II, which attracted 1.95 million paid viewers, King has long been a force to reckon with.

Highlight-Reel: The live gate for Holyfield-Tyson II sold out in days; a crowd of 16,331 paid a record $14.2 million to see the right in person, making it the most watched one-day event in sports history.

C. Lamont Smith President & CEO All Pro Sports and Entertainment Inc. Age: 48

With an arsenal of more than 50 noteworthy clients, Smith is one of sports' most respected agents--black or white. In 2000, he negotiated a $42 million deal for running back Eddie George, making George the highest paid athlete in that position. Smith also helped Trevor Pryce become the highest paid defensive player with a $60 million deal. His other clients include Pro-Bowler Jerome Bettis. A true entrepreneur, Smith recently leveraged his A-list client roster by launching Elete Couture, a sportswear company that features prominent athletes he represents.

Highlight Reel: Smith is widely known to be the first black sports agent to represent big-name NFL players.

ATHLETES

Michael Jordan NBA Legend Age: 41

Still one of the most famous athletes in the world, Jordan is arguably the best basketball player to step on the court. The holder of virtually every major record not only breathed new life into the sport but also set the standard for superstar athlete endorsement deals. Contracts from Nike (where his line continues to be a hot seller) to underwear to hot dogs contributed to Jordan's $40-million-a-year income, which he pulled in even two years after retirement.

Highlight Reel: There's too many to list, but as a further testament to Jordan's influence, Space Jam, the 1996 animated film in which he starred, grossed more than $100 million at the box office despite lackluster reviews.

Serene Williams Tennis Player Extraordinaire Age: 23

With 23 singles titles and 11 doubles titles, Williams' accomplishments inspire envy among competitors 10 years her senior. She is one of the most watched athletes in sports. Banked No. 1 in the world in 2002, Williams was ranked seventh as of December 2004, slightly surpassing sister Venus' ninth-place ranking. The tennis superstar has landed some hefty endorsement deals with McDonald's, Nike, and Wilson Racquet Sports. Highlight Reel: Williams stepped up to superstardom in 1999 when she won five titles--including the U.S. Open and a doubles title at the French Open--and earned more than $2 million in prize money.

Tiger Woods Golf Superstar Age: 29

Woods breathed new life into the sport of golf by opening it to an entirely new audience when he became the first ever to hold all four professional major championships at the same time. He's not even 30 years old yet and already Woods has won some 55 tournaments and earned nearly $56 million. He was selected Player of the Year six times by the PGA Tour, the PGA of America, and the Golf Writers Association of America. Though he's given up the No. 1 ranking to Vijay Singh, Woods remains one of the highest paid celebrity endorsers with multimillion-dollar deals from Nike, Titleist, and American Express.

Highlight Reel: Woods' nine PGA Tour victories in 2000 equaled the fifth highest total ever. Woods' had eight PGA Tour victories in 1999, and 11 victories worldwide while winning $7,681,625.

COLLEGIATE

Bob Chichester Director of Athletics University of California, Irvine Age: 47

In 2002, Chichester was tapped to lead the intercollegiate athletic program at UC Irvine, which includes 23 sports on the NCAA Division I level. A former Air Force captain, Chichester holds military achievement and commendation medals and earned a law degree from the University of Colorado. He served as legal counsel for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the Northrop Grumman Corp. before he switched gears in 1998 to join the athletic department at the University of Colorado as an associate athletic director for administration and academic affairs. Highlight Reel: Chichester was selected as Staff Member of the Year 2000-01 by the student athletes of the University of Colorado.

Damon Evans Director of Athletics University of Georgia Age: 35

One of the youngest athletic directors in the country and the only black AD in the Southeastern Conference, this Georgia native and former UGA receiver was handpicked to succeed the retiring Vince Dooley last year after serving four years as his top assistant. Evans oversees a 206-member staff, a $45 million budget, and 21 intercollegiate sports teams with more than 500 student athletes. He used his Midas touch to help his alma mater secure tax-exempt financing for $81 million in new facilities and boosted athletic association's reserve fund from $1 million to $9.5 million.

Highlight Reel: Edwards is currently spearheading a $60 million capital campaign for UGA, which is consistently ranked among the top 25 teams in NCAA football.

Herman Frazier Director of Athletics University of Hawaii Age: 50

Since taking over in 2002, Frazier has increased the UH athletics department budget from $16 million to $18 million, broken ground on a new tennis complex, and hired new coaches for men's tennis, women's basketball, and women's golf. He makes his home on the island of Oahu, but this Olympic gold medalist is active in athletics all over the globe. A longtime member of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Frazier served as chef de mission in charge of logistics for Team USA at last summer's Olympic Games in Athens, Greece.

Highlight Reel: Frazier received the NCAA Silver Anniversary Award in 2001 in recognition of his distinguished achievements as captain of the Arizona State University National Championship track team.

Mike Garrett Director of Athletics use Age: 60

This Heisman Trophy-winning tailback has a career that includes standout success not only in the world of sports but also business, law, government, athletics, and community affairs. He joined the athletics staff at his alma mater in 1990 and assumed the top post in 1993. He controls a $40 million budget and oversees 19 men and women's sports teams, including USC's 2004 National Championship football team. During his tenure, fundraising reached a record $25 million. Licensing, merchandising, and sponsorships have also skyrocketed, and the school has begun its most ambitious building program to date, including construction of a $3 million dining/activity center. Garrett also holds a J.D. from Western State University College of Law.

Highlight Reel: Garrett was inducted into the East-West Shrine Game Hall of Fame in 2004.

Craig Littlepage. Director of Athletics University of Virginia Age: 53

This Pennsylvania native inked a spot in sports history in 2001 when he became the first African American athletics director in the Atlantic Coast Conference. He now presides over a 25-sport athletic program, a $26.8 million budget, and construction of a new $129.8 million athletic arena. Littlepage is also the author of an ambitious 10-year plan to graduate 100% of student athletes, win 12 national championships, grab 70 conference titles, and recruit the best young athletes in the country. This dynamic visionary holds a degree in economics from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Highlight Reel: Littlepage was appointed to a four-year term on the NCAA's Men's Division I Basketball Committee in 2002 and will serve as chair for 2005-2006.

Lee Reed Director of Athletics Cleveland State University Age: 43

In just two short years. Reed has overseen a $2.2 million renovation of CSU's athletic facilities: hired new head coaches in five sports; and increased private gifts to the athletic department by 27%, including the Avis Fund, the first endowment for men's basketball. Reed joined the Vikings aster spending seven years at Eastern Michigan University and 15 months with the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics (NACDA). A native of Cincinnati, Reed attended CSU on a basketball scholarship and later completed his undergraduate degree at the University of New Mexico. Pie also holds a master's degree in sports administration from UNM.

Highlight Reel: Reed chairs the John McLendon Memorial Minority Postgraduate Scholarship Awards committee operated through NACDA.

Gene Smith Director of Athletics Arizona State University Age: 49

In four years, Smith beefed up the coaching squad by hiring nationally regarded coaches in football, soccer, wrestling, women's golf. and volleyball while overseeing a $30 million capital campaign and directing ASU's 22-sport programs. Under Smith's guidance, the graduation rate for student athletes increased to a record high, and more Sun Devils made it on the university's honor roll. Smith, a Notre Dame grad, came to Arizona after stints with Division I schools Iowa State and Eastern Michigan University. He also serves on the Fiesta Bowl Board and the NCAA's Management Council.

Highlight Reel: Smith was named the 2003 West Region Athletics Director of the Year by the National Association of Collegiate Directors of Athletics.

Keith Tribble Chief Executive Officer Orange Bowl Committee Age: 49

He's tire marketing whiz behind the wildly popular FedEx Orange Bowl, negotiating everything from sponsorship sales to broadcasting rights. As CEO of the OBC, Tribble handles day-to-day operations, budgets, business affairs, and nearly 40 other events annually. Since stepping into the CEO post in 2000. he has increased gross annual sales from 5500,000 to $5 million.

Highlight Reel: Prior to his contract with the Bowl Championship Series, Tribble negotiated more than $175 million in television and sponsor-rights fees. Season ticket holders also grew from 10,000 to 25,000 over the past three years for roughly $5 million in additional ticket revenues.

CORPORATE EXECUTIVES

Kery D. Davis, Senior Vice President, Sport Programming HBO Age: 45

Responsible for a knockout lineup of fighters--including heavy-hitters "Sugar" Shane Mosley, Oscar De La Hoya, Roy Jones Jr., and Manny Pacquiao--Davis oversees negotiations and program planning for the networks World Championship Boxing and Boxing After Dark series. Davis also handles the programming for Boxeo de Oro, the boxing series promoted by Oscar de la Hoya on the HBO Latino service.

Highlight Reel: Davis was part of the HBO team that negotiated a groundbreaking deal to work with Showtime on the 2002 Lennox Lewis-Mike Tyson showdown.

Trevor Edwards Corporate Vice President of Global Brand Management Nike Age: 42

This London-born ad man is the brains behind the brands. He's made Converse a comeback hit, Hurley a hot must have, and Cole Haan cooler than ever. Edwards joined Nike in 1992 and steadily climbed the corporate ladder from regional marketing manager, strategic accounts for Foot Locker to his current post overseeing all brand management functions across the globe. His responsibilities include advertising, sports marketing, entertainment, communications, digital, brand content, events, and retail marketing. He holds an M.B.A. in international marketing and finance from Baruch College.

Highlight Reek Edwards played a key role in landing endorsement deals with basketball phenom Lebron James, tennis star Serena Williams, and the Brazilian World Cup soccer team.

Larry Miller President Nike Jordan Brand Age: 55

Quite possibly the most famous piece of footwear in the word, the Air Jordan has a life of its own. Miller's responsibilities include overseeing all fiscal/business strategies, marketing efforts, and expansion of the Jordan brand. With Jordan off the court, Miller boosted "Team Jordan" by signing Carmelo Anthony, Gary Payton, and Jason Kidd to the brand. Miller holds an M.B.A. from La Salle University and is a member of the Association of Sporting Goods Professionals.

Highlight Reel: Under Miller's leadership, the Jordan brand has grown to approximately $500 million in business, an increase of 288% from 2001 to 2003.

David B. Rone Executive Vice President Network Development & Rights Acquisitions, FOX Sports Age: 42

Rone cut his teeth at Disney. These days, he plots the strategic direction, financial analysis, and negotiation of cable television rights acquisitions for FOX Sports, from collegiate teams to professional sports teams in MLB, the NBA, and NHL. He also oversees programming for FOX College Sports.

Highlight Reel: Prior to his appointment as a corporate officer, Rone served as vice president of business affairs for the entire Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group from March 1995 to March 1997. While there, he was instrumental in structuring the motion pictures group's relationships with various filmmakers and other talent.

FRONT-OFFICE LEAGUE EXECUTIVES

Shawn Lawson Cummings Vice President International Corporate Sponsorship & Licensing HLB Properties Age: 40

She's the closer for deals in foreign markets. Pitching American baseball to fans in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Europe, Latin America, and Canada, Lawson Cummings manages all aspects of international licensing and consumer products marketing. She also oversees corporate sponsorship. After nine seasons, she's turned the MLB's licensing program in Japan into the most successful sports property within the industry. Lawson Cummings previously worked in brand management for Kraft Foods and marketing at General Mills.

Highlight Reel: Lawson Cummings was named one of the 25 Most Influential African American Women in Business by the Network Journal in 2004.

Harold R. Henderson Executive VP for Labor Relations/Chairman of Management Council Executive Committee NFL Age: 62

A former labor attorney, Henderson made an immediate impact on NFL labor relations. Under his guidance, the NFL Player and Employee Development Programs were created, which provide financial planning assistance for players as they transition into retirement. As part of Henderson's initiative, the programs offer a continuing education component and prepare players for post-football careers. The graduate of Harvard Law School is the representative for all NFL labor matters, dealing regularly with NFL franchises, NFL players associations, and player's agents.

Highlight Reel: Always the master negotiator, Henderson arranged a new collective bargaining agreement, ensuring labor unity in the NFL through 2007.

Stu Jackson Senior Vice President Basketball Operations NBA Age: 49

Rules are not made to be broken under Jackson's reign. He is known for slapping some of the harshest penalties on misbehaving players, most recently for the 2004 Indiana/Detroit fiasco. As senior vice president of Basketball Operations, Jackson is in charge of all on-court procedures, including scheduling, officiating, game conduct, and discipline. He serves as chair of the senior men's basketball committee of USA Basketball, which selects coaches and players for the Olympics.

Highlight Reel: At the age of 33. Jackson became the second youngest head coach in NBA history.

Jonathan Mariner Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer MLB Age: 50

Controlling the checks and balances for Major League Baseball, Mariner administers the MLB's $1.5 billion league-wide credit facility. This Harvard M.B.A. prevents economic anguish by meeting with team executives and supervising all financial reporting. Mariner sits on several commissioner-appointed task forces, developing long-term revenue planning and franchise relocation decisions. Pre-MLB, Mariner served as the executive vice president and chief operating officer of Charter Schools USA. He also served as CFO for the Marlins.

Highlight Reel: As president of Marlins Ballpark Development Corp., Mariner oversaw development of a $400 million proposal for a baseball-only ballpark in south Florida.

Art Shell Senior Vice President of Football Operations and Development NFL Age: 58

A Hall of Fame inductee, Shell supervises all NFL football operations and development, including regular season and postseason operations. NFL, Europe, the NFL Officiating Department, the NFL's relationship with college football, and the league's youth football activities. He also serves as a nonvoting member of the NFL Competition Committee. An offensive tackle with the Raiders from 1968 to 1982, Shell played in regular-season games and 24 playoffs, including Super Bowls XI and XV.

Highlight Reel: In 1992, Shell became the NFL's first African American head coach when tie was tapped to coach the Los Angeles Raiders.

Gene Washington Director of Football Operations NFL Age: 57

The judge and jury of the NFL, Washington is a stickler for safety. As director of football operations, he polices games and fines those who violate NFL-sanctioned safety procedures. A former All-American wide receiver for Stanford University, Washington was a first-round NFL draft pick in 1969 and later played for the San Francisco 49ers and the Detroit Lions. Washington worked at NBC and ESPN as a football analyst and was a sports reporter for an LA-based television station. He is a board member of the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and the Harlem School of Arts.

Highlight Reel Washington finished his nine-year career with the 49ers in 1977 as the club's second all-time leading receiver.

Bob Watson Vice President of On-Field Operations MLB Age: 58

As discipline czar of the league for the past two years, Watson is one of the most powerful men in baseball. He levies fines and penalties and hands out suspensions on players unlucky enough to find themselves in hot water. Watson is also the last word on appeals for players and managers involved in on-field infractions. His own playing career included 19 seasons as a first baseman and designated hitter for the Braves, Red Sex, Astros, and the Yankees. Watson gained valuable front-office experience as general manager for both the Astros and Yankees.

Highlight Reel: In 1993, while with the Astros, Watson made history when he became the first African American general manager in MLB.

FRONT-OFFICE TEAM EXECUTIVES

Elgin Baylor Vice President of Basketball Operations Los Angeles Clippers Age: 70

For 18 years, Baylor has poured his heart into the sport and the team he loves, showing his devotion for the often struggling franchise by constantly pursuing new talent. An 11-time NBA All-Star and one of the league's 50 Greatest Players of All-Time, this native Washingtonian used his shrewd judgment to re-sign fan favorites Elton Brand and Corey Maggette. He also helped acquire shooting guard Kerry Kitties, 7-foot center Zeljko Rebraca, and rookie point guard Shaun Livingston.

Highlight Reel: Once considered the black hole of the NBA, the Clippers have drawn record-setting crowds and given die-hard fans new playoff hopes, thanks to Baylor's efforts.

Wayne Cooper Vice President of Basketball Operations Sacramento Kings Age: 48

Eastern Europeans are slowly but steadily making their way into the NBA. Cooper helped pioneer that trend when he signed Peja Stojakovic in 1996, setting off a flood of foreign acquisitions by other NBA teams. Now entering his 11th season with the Kings, Cooper oversees day-to-day operations and preseason scheduling while continuing to scout collegiate, professional, and international talent. He served two years in the front office of the Portland Trailblazers before joining the Kings in 1994 as assistant coach and director of basketball services.

Highlight Reel: Cooper was among the first to be inducted into the Louisiana Association of Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Joe Dumars President of Basketball Operations Detroit Pistons Age: 41

Pacers-Pistons brawl aside, Dumars lifted Detroit from the belly of mediocrity to NBA champions. Under Dumars direction, the Pistons are amassing accolades: Ben Wallace is two-time NBA Defensive Player of the Year and Chauncey Billups snatched up the 2004 NBA Finals MVP title. A former Piston himself, Dumars retired as the most tenured player in NBA history. He also maintains the Joe Dumars Fieldhouse in Shelby Township, Michigan, an indoor multisports and entertainment complex. Dumars is a member of the executive committee of the U.S. Tennis Association and an inductee of the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame.

Highlight Reel: In 2004, Dumars shepherded the Pistons into their first Eastern Conference Championship and NBA Championship since 1990.

Rod Graves Vice President of Football Operations Arizona Cardinals Age: 46

Graves was named to this newly created position in 2002 and assumed responsibility for all facets of the Cardinal's football operations. He serves as the team's primary contract negotiator in addition to overseeing college and professional scouting efforts and assisting salary cap management. A native of Houston, Graves began his career in professional football personnel in 1982 as a regional scout for the Philadelphia Stars of the United States Football League. Prior to joining the Cardinals, he spent 13 years in various personnel capacities with the Chicago Bears.

Highlight Reel: Graves and head coach Dennis Green are the NFL's only black coach-general managers in tandem.

James Harris Vice President of Player Personnel Jacksonville Jaguars Age: 57

Known for having a sharp eye for talent, Harris came to Jacksonville from the Baltimore Ravens, where he influenced personnel decisions and acquisitions. Harris was also the New York Jets assistant general manager ['or four years. Since joining the Jaguars, Harris has made significant contributions by acquiring first-round draft choices Byron Leftwich and Reggie Williams.

Highlight Reel: Harris, one of the first black quarterbacks in the NFL, led the league with an 89.8 passer rating in 1976 and was named MVP of the 1975 Pro Bowl when he rallied the NFC to a 14-13 victory with two touchdown passes.

Billy King President/General Manager Philadelphia 76ers Age: 59

King built the Philadelphia 76ers franchise from the bench up. His eight-year tenure has resulted in several team transactions, including hiring head coach Jim O'Brien and a four-team trade that put Glenn Robinson and Marc Jackson on Philly's roster. Be-signing free agent Derrick Coleman allowed the Sixers to begin the 2003-04 season with three former No. 1 draft picks (Allen Iverson and Robinson were the other two). A former Blue Devil, King helped Duke make the Final Four twice during his undergraduate career. He is also a member of the NBA and WNBA competition committees.

Highlight Reel: Under King's guidance, the 76ers made their fifth straight trip to the NBA playoffs in the 2002-03 season.

Martin Mayhew Senior Vice President/Assistant General Manager Detroit Lions Age: 39

Mayhew is one of the few success stories to emerge from the ill-fated XFL. After his stint as director of football administration for the now-defunct football league, he became senior director of football administration/staff counsel for the Lions. Two years later, he was named senior vice president of football/legal affairs then made a quick move to his current post. Mayhew maintains salary cap objectives for the Lions, negotiates player contracts, and is responsible for all football operations. A former cornerback for the Bills, Redskins, and Buccaneers, Mayhew is a Georgetown Law School graduate and a member of the American Bar Association and the Sport Lawyers Association.

Highlight Reel: Mayhew was a starter on the Redskin's Super Bowl XXVI championship team.

Steve Hills President and Chief Operating Officer MSG Sports Age: 45

As the top executive of three New York teams--the NBA's Knicks, NHL's Rangers, and WNBA's Liberty--Mills oversees all business operations and is responsible for all sports-related activities at Madison Square Garden, including college basketball, boxing, and track and field. Mills was instrumental in creating the WNBA, helping to negotiate the NBA's Collective Bargaining Agreement, and expanding the MSG Cheering for Children Foundation. He was also instrumental in bringing Isiah Thomas to the Knicks' front office.

Highlight Reel: After revitalizing his teams' front offices, Mills (along with Terdema Ussery) was named BE's Corporate Executive of the Year in 2003.

Ozzie Newsome General Manager/Executive VP Baltimore Ravens Age: 48

Newsome broke barriers in 2002 when he became the NFL's first black general manager. The former Cleveland Browns player is a legend in his native Alabama, where he earned college Hall of Fame honors before ultimately making the NFL Hall of Fame. His eye for signing promising new talent resulted in a Super Bowl championship and one of the NFL's best defensive teams of all-time. Not content to rest on his laurels, Newsome already has his sights set on putting together another championship team. His motto: The right player at the right price.

Highlight Reel: The National Football League named Newsome Executive of the Year in 2001.

Ken Williams Senior Vice President/General Manager Chicago White Sox Age: 40

As the first African American general manager in Chicago sports history and the third in Major-League history, Williams is responsible for all White Sox baseball operations decisions, including all scouting efforts. Under William's leadership, the White Sox were named Organization of the Year in 2000 by Baseball America, USA Today, and Howe Sports Data. A 21-year veteran with the Sox, Williams has served as player, scout, and a special assistant to the chairman.

Highlight Reel: Under Williams' management the White Sox have gone 333-315 (.514) with three second-place and one third-place finish.

Ed Tapscott President/Chief Operating Officer Charlotte Bobcats/Charlotte Sting Age: 48

When Robert Johnson looked to create a new NBA franchise, he tapped Tapscott, a front-office veteran for teams like the Milwaukee Bucks, the Phoenix Suns, and the New York Knicks. During Tapscott's first season, the Sting placed second in the Eastern Conference and qualified for the playoffs for the sixth time in the franchise's seven-year history, one of only two teams to own that distinction. Recently, the team acquired the third overall pick in the 2004 WNBA draft without relinquishing a starter. Tapscott also heads Carolinas Sports Television (C-SET).

Highlight Reel: Tapscott is responsible for creating the Bobcats' image--from the organization's name to its logo and color scheme. He was also involved in getting the new Charlotte arena built.

Terdema Ussery President/CEO Dallas Mavericks Age: 46

In his eighth year at the helm of the Dallas Mavericks, Ussery oversees virtually all operations. In addition, he serves as mediator between the often-fined Maverick's owner Mark Cuban and the league. Ussery came to Dallas after serving as president of Nike Sports Management. Prior to that, he was commissioner of the Continental Basketball Association (CBA), where he helped the league turn a profit and identified candidates suitable for team ownership.

Highlight Reel: In his first season with the Mavericks, Ussery led a successful campaign, which resulted in funding for the American Airlines Center, a project that required three years and a whopping $450 million to complete. Ussery was named BE'S Co-Executive of the Year in 2003.

INDUSTRY ASSOCIATIONS

Billy Hunter Executive Director National Basketball Players Association Age: 61

The liaison between the NBA and its players, Hunter is responsible for maintaining union stability between the players and the league. He is also responsible for increasing salary averages for mid-range players. A man known for his power to negotiate, Hunter quieted Latrell Sprewell's legal debacles with his former coaching staff. Hunter, a Howard University Law graduate, led labor negotiations that culminated in the 1999 Collective Bargaining Agreement for the NBA. He also oversaw the formation of the Women's National Basketball Players Association. In the late 1960s, he was a wide receiver for the Washington Redskins and the Miami Dolphins.

Highlight Reel: Hunter has been widely credited for helping smooth over the infamous NBA lockout during the 1998-1999 NBA season.

Floyd Keith Executive Director Black Coaches Association Age: 56

He's the unstoppable force behind the BCA's drive to make the world of professional sports reflect the diversity of its fans. Keith gives voice to hundreds of minority coaches who contribute to all levels of sports both nationally and internationally. Since taking office, he's spearheaded the "Equity in Hiring" initiative, developed a women's basketball coaching program, poured $1 million into organization coffers, and grown the number of BCA corporate sponsors from one to 16. A graduate of Ohio Northern University, Keith's coaching career includes stints at the University of Rhode Island, Indiana University, the University of Arizona, the University of Colorado, and Miami University.

Highlight Reel: Keith was named Executive Director of the Year for 2004 by the All-American Football Foundation.

Gene Upshaw Executive Director National Football League Players Association Age: 59 Upshaw brings the same fervor to the negotiation table as he did to the field. The former Oakland Raiders lineman now ensures labor rights for NFL players. Through his leadership, he has led players through the first era of free agency in professional football and helped increase average salaries. Upshaw also improved medical benefits and developed a 50% increase in pension for retired players. He created a for-profit corporation for player group licensing. Upshaw serves as vice president of the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations.

Highlight Reel: Upshaw is the only player in NFL history to play in three Super Bowls over three decades--the '60s, '70s, and '80s.

Pamela M. Wheeler Director of Operations Women's National Basketball Players Association Age: 37

Wheeler coordinates negotiations between the WNBA and the players. As director of operations, she manages day-to-day operations and coordinates all business affairs for the WNBPA, which serves as a labor union for the players and ensures that they understand their collective bargaining agreement. During her reign, Wheeler has established agent regulation, financial advisement, and post-play career programs. She helped establish a system of free agency in women's basketball and attained group licensing rights for WNBA players.

Highlight Reel: In June 1999, Wheeler developed the first collective bargaining agreement in women's professional sports.

OWNERS

Robert L. Johnson CEO RLI Development L.L.C./Owner Charlotte Bobcats/Sting Age: 58 Johnson became the first African American billionaire in 2000 when he sold Black Entertainment Television to Viacom for $3.9 billion. Afterward, he aggressively pursued becoming majority owner of a sports franchise. In 2002, he closed the deal with Charlotte and opened a new chapter in black history--team ownership. Also under the RLJ Development umbrella, No. 46 on the BE INDUSTRIAL/SERVICE 100 list with $73.3 million in sales, is Carolinas Sports Entertainment Television (C-SET) and the new Charlotte arena.

Highlight Reel: To get the big prize, Johnson had to outbid NBA legend Larry Bird and his partner, Boston businessman Steve Belkin. While Bird and Belkin worked on wooing the Charlotte community to get the franchise, Johnson called the league's top brass and politicked successfully for the win.

OX SCORE

The sports industry is one of the largest and fastest growing
industries in the United States, according to the SportsBusiness
Journal. Here's a breakdown of where the members of our 50 Most
Powerful African Americans in Sports play their games:

Agents                    6
Athletes                  3
Collegiate                8
Corporate Execs           6
Front office (leagues)    8
Front office (teams)     14
Industry Associations     4
Owners                    1

Gender Breakdown
                          5
Female
Male                     45
Average Age              46
(Within a range
      of 23-73)

Where is the money being made? Not just on the field. Here's a
play-by-play of who's making what in the sports industry.

Advertising              $  27.43   billion
Endorsements             $ 897.00   million
Sporting Goods           $  25.62   billion
Facility Construction    $   2.48   billion
Internet                 $ 239.10   million
Licensed Goods           $  10.50   billion
Media Broadcast Rights   $   6.99   billion
Professional Services    $  15.25   billion
Spectator Spending       $  26.17   billion
Sponsorships             $   6.40   billion
Medical Spending         $  12.60   billion
Travel                   $  16.06   billion
Multimedia               $   2.12   billion
Gambling                 $  18.90   billion
Operating Expenses       $  22.98   billion

SOURCE SPORTSBUSINESS JOURNAL

Adrian E. Bracy Vice President of Finance St. Louis Rams Age: 45

Females in the front office are a rare sight, but Bracy is making a name for herself in the male-dominated world of pro football. Bracy, 45, prepares and implements the Rams' annual budget and monthly financial reporting along with a host of other financial duties that keep the 140-employee NFL franchise in the black.

A native of Miami, she spent several years honing her skills as controller for the Miami Dolphins and the Joe Robbie Stadium Corp. before heading to the Midwest. The St. Charles, Missouri, resident holds a degree in accounting from Morgan State University in Baltimore and an M.B.A. from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida:

Prior to working for the Dolphins, Bracy gained several Years of accounting experience with Commodore Aviation, a Miami-based airframe and aircraft Engine maintenance services company. "A colleague of mille from NABA (the National Association of Black Accountants) called me one day and told me that he received a call from the Dolphins and they were looking for a controller and he referred me to them," recalls Bracy, the only black female finance officer among major U.S. professional sports. "Sure enough, they called. I interviewed and I was hired there in 1991 and I've been in football since then."

Though she works in sports, Bryan is concerned with the recent spate of accounting scandals. "You have to be able to trust the people who are behind the money," Bracy says. "I feel very confident that we'll rebuild the confidence in the public."

Donna Bryan Vice President, Business Affairs NBC Sports Age: 37

When you're watching sports on the peacock channel, you're watching Bryan's work. Since joining NBC in 2000, the 37-year-old Bryan helped negotiate broadcasting rights for deals involving NASCAR, the PGA Tour, Wimbledon, Visa Triple Crown, the French Open, and Arena Football. She is also involved in virtually all sports programming, talent negotiations, and negotiations for NBC Sports' equity investments in sports-related ventures. She currently works on the network's Action Sports Tour, a series of extreme sports events scheduled to launch in 2005. "It'll be a tour that we have equity in, so it's more than having the right to telecast the event," Bryan explains. "We'll be running the actual tour." In addition, she oversees licensing of NBC Sports' footage archives. Bryan is a graduate of the Wharton School of Business and Harvard law School.

Prior to joining NBC, she worked in corporate law at Cahill Gordon & Reindel. "I spent five and half years at a big firm in New York, and the law firm did a lot of work for NBC. There was another person who was an alum of Cahill Gordon and when he was looking for a deputy, he alerted the partners at Cahill Gordon that he was looking for someone, and that's how I wound up working for him."

In her role with NBC Olympics, Bryan worked on sublicensing and vendor and business development agreements. She also worked with the USOC on finalizing the NBC/Olympic Trials rights agreement and with PAX on the NBC/PAX sublicense agreement, which allowed PAX to telecast the Olympic Trials in 2000.

Eugene E. Parker President Maximum Sports Management Age: 49

A dealmaker extraordinaire with more than $2 billion in professional sports contracts under his belt, Parker has signed some of the greatest starters in NFL history.

Among his active players are New York Jets running back Curtis Martin, Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Derrick Brooks, Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Hines Ward, and Arizona Cardinals running back Emmitt Smith. For each of these deals, Parker's Indiana-based firm has received up to 3% of the total contract value.

Last year, this graduate of Valparaiso University Law School helped wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald become the richest rookie in NFL history with a $60 million, six-year deal with the Arizona Cardinals.

Then there's the infamous Deion Sanders contract. When Sanders signed his $35 million contract with the Dallas Cowboys in 1995, the flashy cornerback made contract history. Sanders' contract included a $13 million signing bonus and prompted the NFL to institute the "Deion rule." This prevents rookies from receiving a huge, up-front-signing bonus and deferring more salary than bonus beyond the next three seasons in order to fit under the salary cap.

"The largest signing bonus at that time was Dallas Cowboys quarterback Troy Aikman, which was $7 million, and Deion got $13 million so that was almost 100% more, so that took the signing bonuses to an all new level," recalls Parker.

Jimmie Lee Solomon Jr. Senior Vice President of Baseball Operations MLB Age: 49

Solomon grew up on a cattle farm outside a small Texas town with a population of 200. His day began at 4:30 a.m. with the morning chores: feeding cows. slopping hogs, and mending fences, Then it was a bath, breakfast, and to the bus stop for school. "My father had three sons and two daughters and he needed the sons to do that work." recalls Solomon. "He used us in the morning before the bus came. and when the bus came in the afternoon and dropped us off. he was waiting far us in the pickup and we worked almost 'til dark." His father's labor-intensive work schedule created an adept farm hand and a future tap executive.

Now senior vice president of Major League Baseball, Solomon regulates the great American pastime. One of the league's most influential executives, he oversees Major league operations, minor league operations, international operations, the Major League Scouting Bureau, the Arizona Fall League. and various special projects. His career highlights include negotiating an. unprecedented 10-year, $170 million agreement that revitalized the relationship between Major League Baseball and the minor leagues.

In addition to playing football and running track. Solomon excelled academically and went on to graduate from Dartmouth College in 1978 and Harvard Law School in 1981. But throughout it all, he would always adhere to the lessons he learned at the farm--hard work and preparedness. "In business, people always say, 'So and so is lucky' or 'So and so is very fortunate to get that position.' I just think that the more prepared you are. the luckier you tend to get," says Solomon. "You can't keep your foot on first and steal second. that just won't happen."

William L. Strickland Pres. & CEO Strickland Management Group L.L.C. Age: 55

Strickland has accomplished many firsts in his 20-plus years as a sports agent. In 1985, he became the first African American to represent a No. 1 draft pick for the NBA.

Even after decades in the business, Strickland continues to set the standard for sports agents. After helping seal Michael Jordan's record-setting Nike deal, Strickland followed up with Alan Houston's $100 million contract with the Knicks. His other clients include Pistons forward Rasheed Wallace and Pro Bowl quarterback Daunte Culpepper.

After receiving a law degree from Georgetown, Strickland was hired by sports management firm ProServ, where he became chief operating officer of its team sports division.

The Los Angeles native then moved to the big leagues, joining the staff at International Management Group, where he eventually rose to president. Strickland went on to form Strickland & Ashe Management, which he co-owned with agent Mason Ashe before dissolving the partnership and retaining the majority of the clients.

There are shady characters among sports agents and this is something Strickland tries to combat. "One thing I've always tried to remain mindful of is to be competent and to do things with integrity," he says. "In this business that's sometimes very difficult; sometimes it meant that t couldn't get involved with some athletes that I hoped to be involved with because of what was going on with them."

Reggie Williams Vice President Disney Sports Attractions Inc. Age: 50

Williams was key to the Cincinnati Bengals making it to the Super Bowl. As a linebacker, his pass rush and ability to read an offense ranked him among Cincy's all-time best linebackers. His talents contributed to AFC Championships in 1981 and 1988.

Some 16 years after hanging up his cleats Williams is still bringing his skills to the game. Only this time he's moved on to a much bigger playing field--Disney's Wide World of Sports Complex, a 200-acre, multisport facility that attracts athletes from all over the world. In 2004, the venue hosted roughly 180 different events for more than 30 sports. Among them, the FUNAI Classic, a PGA event, and the Pop Warner Super Bowl, which attracts more than 8,000 athletes.

As vice president of Disney Sports Attractions, not only did Williams directly oversee the construction of the complex (which is roughly twice the size of Manhattan), he championed the effort to grow Disney's involvement in sports. Williams joined Disney in April 1993, and a typical day for him is anything but ordinary. In a matter of hours he could go from overseeing construction at the ever-expanding complex to reviewing merchandise for the roll out of a new logo. He also spends time hammering out sponsorship deals and leads a team of 2,000.

The Michigan native and Dartmouth College graduate enjoyed a long NFL career playing 14 seasons (1976-1989). But even then he realized there was life after the game. "I wanted to wake up when I was in my 40s and 50s just as exhilarated as when I was in my 20s. I didn't want life to go downhill after 35."

Isiah Thomas President of Basketball Operations New York Knicks Age: 43

Currently the top guy at one of sports' most storied franchises, the 43-year-old Thomas has had a stellar career with the NBA--on and off the court.

A consistent all-star on the court, Thomas finished his career as the Detroit Piston's all-time leader in points, assists, steals, and games played, becoming the key player in the Piston's back-to-back NBA cbampionships in 1989 and 1990.

Some two weeks after his retirement as a player in 1994, Thomas moved into the front office, becoming part owner and executive vice president of basketball operations for the Toronto Raptors. He left the organization in ]999 to become a studio analyst on NBC He'd spend a few years restructuring the Continental Basketball Association before returning to the NBA to take the reins as head coach of the Indiana Pacers. Although he led that team to a 131-115 record and qualified for the playoffs each of his three seasons, he was unceremoniously fired in 2003. Steve Mills brought Thomas on board later that year.

He immediately went to work after his 2003 hiring, orchestrating the trade that brought in two-time All-Star Stephon Marbury in from Phoenix. Another move was hiring Lenny Wilkens, the winningest coach in NBA history with 1,292 victories. The Knicks had a losing record when Thomas took over and went on to make the playoffs. Despite constant pressure from New York City media and fans longing for an NBA championship after a 30-year drought, Thomas waxes positive on his team and his position. "I don't think you can find a better job with higher visibility than this," he says. "It's the crowning point of my career at this point off the court."