Women's Sports + Fitness magazine released its list of the 20 Most Influential Women in Sports. All met at least one of the following: "They're groundbreakers who've helped to change systems public perceptions or helped to redefine expectations; they're role models in the public eye; they're athletes whose accomplishments have caused a lasting positive impact" (WOMEN'S SPORTS + FITNESS, 7-8/97).
| # | NAME | TITLE | ORGANIZATION |
| 1 | Val Ackerman | President | WNBA |
| 2 | Amy Cohen | Brown Univ./Plaintiff, Title IX Lawsuit |
| 3 | Kathy Davenport | VP/GM | Lady Foot Locker |
| 4 | Anita DeFrantz | Exec Board Member | IOC |
| 5 | Liz Dolan | Dir of Marketing | Nike |
| 6 | Mary Domuracki | CEO | Danskin |
| 7 | Pat Hambrick | VP/Global Marketing | Reebok Int'l |
| 8 | J. Joyner-Kersee | Athlete | |
| 9 | Sara Levinson | President | NFL Properties |
| 10 | Donna Lopiano | Exec Dir/Women's Sports Foundation |
| 11 | Marilyn Oshman | Chair | Oshman's Sports |
| 12 | Gabrielle Reece | Athlete | |
| 13 | Robin Roberts | Broadcaster | ABC/ESPN |
| 14 | Helen Rockey | CEO | Brooks Sports |
| 15 | Lydia Stephans | VP/Programming | ABC Sports |
| 16 | Pat Summitt | Women's Basketball Coach | Univ. of TN |
| 17 | Tara VanDerveer | Women's Basketball Coach | Stanford Univ. |
| 18 | Amy Van Dyken | Athlete | |
| 19 | Patty Viverito | Commissioner | Gateway Conf. |
| 20 | Ellen Zavian | attorney/athlete representative |
