The inaugural TIME100 Sports Gala brought together athletes and notable figures to celebrate the impact of sports, highlighting its capacity for healing, community building, and creating opportunities. Honorees shared personal reflections on how sports have shaped their lives and the broader world.
Alex Morgan, a professional soccer player, emphasized the significant growth in investment in women's sports. She noted that this investment not only enhances competition but also cultivates careers, strengthens communities, and provides a clear path for the next generation. "So, tonight, I toast to the continued growth of investment in women’s sports, so that the next generation of girls around the world can dream even bigger than anyone could imagine," Morgan stated. She also applauded the "unprecedented global investment in new women’s leagues, teams, and events across the sports landscape," underscoring its role in creating pathways in ownership, leadership, and media, in addition to athletic participation.
Prince Harry spoke about the genesis of the Invictus Games, a sports competition for wounded, injured, and sick service members, veterans, and their families. His inspiration stemmed from attending the 2013 Warrior Games in Colorado Springs. "In the arena, sport wasn’t simply rebuilding strength—it was restoring confidence, purpose, identity, and connection," he said. Prince Harry articulated his belief that sport transcends mere entertainment, stating, "That’s when I realized something profound: sport isn’t just entertainment and competition—sport is medicine. It reaches places that surgery cannot, therapies sometimes struggle to, and words often never will."
The event featured speakers including Jalen Brunson, Alysa Liu, Alex Morgan, Prince Harry, and LeBron James, all of whom are recognized on the TIME100 list of the world's most influential people in sports.