Indianapolis (September 9, 2024) – USA Gymnastics President and CEO Li Li Leung has been recognized as a “Game Changer” by Sports Business Journal. The annual recognition celebrates fifty women who are making significant impacts and driving change across the sports industry.
The prestigious honor underscores Leung’s leadership and guidance through the organization’s ongoing cultural transformation since she took the helm at USAG in 2019. Leung has implemented a series of initiatives focusing on athlete safety, support, well-being and mental health, as well as rebuilding the National Governing Body’s staff, leadership and commercial partnerships. Leading the organization out of bankruptcy, Leung’s direction has been pivotal in delivering success both on and off the competition floor and once again brought USAG to the forefront of international gymnastics and within the Olympic Movement.
“Being named part of SBJ’s Game Changers Class of 2024 is a tremendous honor and a testament to the hard work and dedication of everyone at USA Gymnastics,” Leung said. “I am grateful to SBJ for this recognition, which reflects our collective commitment to making a meaningful shift in the culture of gymnastics and ensuring the sport is a safe and healthy community for all.”
Leung’s leadership has been instrumental in USAG’s upward commercial trajectory, including securing new partnerships with multiple blue-chip corporations including as Xfinity, Samsonite Skippy and Nike, whose partnership is the largest in USAG history and extends through the LA28 Olympic Games.
On the mat, U.S. gymnasts have turned in history-making performances in all disciplines on the World Championship, World Cup and Olympic stages, while USA Gymnastics membership has surged to exceed pre-Pandemic levels, with more than 200,000 members.
Leung will receive her award at SBJ’s Game Changers Evening of Celebration on September 25 in New York City. SBJ Game Changers: Women in Sports Business is dedicated to the elevation and celebration of women in the sports industry. Members of the Class of 2024 represent teams and leagues, media and marketing companies, agencies and sponsors, and more.