Sheila Johnson Becomes First Black Woman to Own a Major Professional Sports Team

Sheila Johnson holds a historic place in American sports as the first African American woman to become a majority owner of a major professional sports franchise. In 1999, Johnson made history when she became a co-founder and co-owner of the Washington Mystics of the WNBA, breaking barriers in an industry long dominated by white male ownership.

Born in 1949 in Brooklyn, New York, Sheila Crump Johnson built her professional career alongside her ex-husband, Robert L. Johnson, as co-founder of Black Entertainment Television (BET). Their success with BET made them pioneers in media, but Sheila Johnson’s impact extended far beyond broadcasting. When the Women’s National Basketball Association was formed in the late 1990s, Johnson seized the opportunity to bring professional women’s basketball to Washington, D.C. Her involvement with the Mystics gave the franchise not just financial support, but also visibility and strategic leadership.

In becoming a majority owner, Johnson shattered a significant glass ceiling. She became the first Black woman to hold majority ownership in a major professional sports league in the United States, an achievement that resonated across both the sports world and beyond. Her leadership with the Mystics demonstrated that representation in team ownership matters, not only for inspiring future generations but for shaping the cultural and business landscapes of professional athletics.

Under Johnson’s guidance, the Washington Mystics became a competitive and respected franchise within the WNBA. Her role also helped highlight the growing influence of women in sports at every level, from players and coaches to executives and owners. Johnson’s contributions helped elevate the profile of the WNBA and brought attention to the importance of diversity in sports leadership.

Beyond sports, Sheila Johnson has pursued a range of philanthropic and entrepreneurial efforts. She has been active in education, the arts, and international development, leveraging her success to support initiatives that empower women, students, and underserved communities.

Sheila Johnson’s achievement as the first Black woman majority owner of a major professional sports team stands as a landmark in American history. Her legacy continues to influence discussions about equity, representation, and leadership in sports and business.