U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone named to Forbes’ 2025 America’s Most Powerful Women in Sports list

Parlow Cone's journey from decorated USWNT player to pioneering executive represents one of American soccer's most compelling leadership stories. A two-time Olympic gold medalist and 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup champion during her playing career, Cone scored 75 goals in 158 appearances for the national team between 1996 and 2004.

Since assuming the presidency in March 2020, she has drawn on her extensive playing experience to inform her leadership approach, becoming the first female president in U.S. Soccer's history and one of only seven women leading national soccer federations among FIFA's 211 member associations.

Cone's inclusion on the Forbes list recognizes her pivotal role in several landmark achievements that have reshaped American soccer's landscape. Most notably, she oversaw the historic $24 million equal pay settlement between U.S. Soccer and the Women's National Team, ending a long-standing dispute and establishing a new standard for gender equity in sports. Under her leadership, U.S. Soccer also negotiated unprecedented collective bargaining agreements with both the men's and women's national teams that guarantee equal pay.

The Forbes recognition highlights Cone's expanding global influence, particularly noting her recent addition of FIFA Council member to her credentials. This position gives her significant input into international soccer governance as the United States prepares to co-host the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The timing of this honor is particularly significant as Cone approaches a re-election campaign in February 2026. 

Cone's inclusion on Forbes' list comes amid unprecedented growth in women's sports, with the publication noting that revenue in the sector surpassed $1 billion for the first time in 2024 and is projected to reach $2.5 billion by 2030. Her leadership at U.S. Soccer exemplifies the increasing influence of women executives across the sports industry, with Forbes ranking her alongside other powerful figures, including New Orleans Saints owner Gayle Benson (No. 1), FanDuel CEO Amy Howe (No. 2), Nike Brand president Amy Montagne (No. 3) and basketball star Caitlin Clark (No. 4).