FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Cynopsis Unveils the 2026 Top Women in Sports Honorees as Part of the Cynopsis Sports Awards
A distinguished class of leaders recognized for excellence, innovation and impact across the sports industry.
New York, NY (April 1, 2026)—Cynopsis, the trusted source for sports media, marketing and technology intelligence, today announced its 2026 Top Women in Sports honorees, an accomplished group of leaders driving innovation, growth and transformation across the sports industry.
This year’s honorees represent a dynamic cross-section of talent spanning leagues, teams, media organizations, brands and technology companies. From advancing fan engagement and redefining content experiences to leading organizations through periods of rapid change, they are shaping the future of the sports business.
Beyond their professional achievements, these women are recognized for their leadership, mentorship and commitment to moving the industry forward—creating meaningful impact across organizations, audiences and communities.
This year’s Top Women in Sports honorees include:
- Mariana Banys, Head of FIFA Foundation, FIFA
- Emily Prazer, President & CEO, Formula 1 Las Vegas Grand Prix
- Heidi Browning Peaarson, Senior EVP and Chief Marketing Officer NHL
- Jayne Bussman-Wise, VP, Growth Strategy & New Ventures, Professional Women’s Hockey League
- Monica Gil, EVP, Chief Administrative and Marketing Officer, Telemundo
- Lindsey Lloyd, Vice President, Media & Production, WWE
- Tina Thornton, EVP, Creative Studio and Marketing, ESPN
- Louise Emmerson, SVP, Global Sales, DAZN
- Jennifer Cramer, Executive Vice President, MLS
- Marissa Solis, SVP Global Brand and Consumer Marketing, NFL
- Amy Geary, EVP, Platform Distribution and Partnerships, NBCUniversal
- And More
View the full list of 2026 Top Women in Sports honorees.
“The Top Women in Sports honorees represent the leadership, innovation and vision driving the sports industry forward,” said Lynn Leahey, Editorial Director, Cynopsis. “From advancing fan engagement to shaping the future of media, marketing and technology, each of these leaders is making a meaningful impact within their organizations and across the broader sports ecosystem. We’re proud to recognize their achievements as part of the Cynopsis Sports Awards.”
As part of this recognition, honorees are welcomed into the Top Women Network—a growing, cross-industry community designed to foster connection, visibility and ongoing engagement among women leaders across media, marketing and technology.
The 2026 Top Women in Sports honorees will be celebrated at the upcoming Cynopsis Sports Awards, where industry leaders will gather to recognize excellence across the sports business. The event serves as a signature moment for the industry—bringing together the leaders shaping the future of sports media, marketing, technology and fan engagement. Register now.
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About Cynopsis
Chief Marketer Network’s Cynopsis is the publisher of six free trade publications for the television, media, digital, and sports TV industries. Beyond its flagship newsletters, Cynopsis produces high-impact networking events, virtual summits, educational webinars, community surveys, and benchmarking awards programs that recognize excellence and foster innovation throughout the industry.
About Chief Marketer Network
The Chief Marketer Network (CMN) is a leading marketing intelligence hub connecting a global portfolio of nine specialized media brands that span the primary channels of media and marketing — from advertising technology to PR and communications. With an aggregate audience of over 1 million marketing professionals, CMN delivers curated insights, trend forecasting, and cross-disciplinary coverage that empower marketers to stay ahead of what’s next. Trusted by industry leaders, the Chief Marketer Network is the go-to resource for actionable intelligence across the evolving marketing landscape. CMN brands include AdExchanger, Event Marketer, Chief Marketer, PRNEWS, LeadsCon, AdMonsters, Cynopsis, and Cablefax.
About Top Women Network:
The Top Women Network is a cross-industry community connecting women leaders across media, marketing, technology and communications. Powered by the Chief Marketer Network, the Top Women Network brings together a portfolio of industry-leading brands—including Chief Marketer, AdExchanger, PRNEWS, Cynopsis, Cablefax, Folio:, LeadsCon and Event Marketer—to create a platform for recognition, connection and ongoing engagement. Through awards programs, events, mentorship and content, the network is designed to elevate women leaders, amplify their impact and foster meaningful relationships across the industry.
