The 50 most powerful African Americans in sports: think you know who the real players are? Forget those who earn millions on the field. Here's our all-star list of entrepreneurs and executives who drive the sports industry

Black Enterprise, March, 2005 by Alan Hughes

Larry Miller President Nike Jordan Brand Age: 55

Quite possibly the most famous piece of footwear in the word, the Air Jordan has a life of its own. Miller's responsibilities include overseeing all fiscal/business strategies, marketing efforts, and expansion of the Jordan brand. With Jordan off the court, Miller boosted "Team Jordan" by signing Carmelo Anthony, Gary Payton, and Jason Kidd to the brand. Miller holds an M.B.A. from La Salle University and is a member of the Association of Sporting Goods Professionals.

Highlight Reel: Under Miller's leadership, the Jordan brand has grown to approximately $500 million in business, an increase of 288% from 2001 to 2003.

David B. Rone Executive Vice President Network Development & Rights Acquisitions, FOX Sports Age: 42

Rone cut his teeth at Disney. These days, he plots the strategic direction, financial analysis, and negotiation of cable television rights acquisitions for FOX Sports, from collegiate teams to professional sports teams in MLB, the NBA, and NHL. He also oversees programming for FOX College Sports.

Highlight Reel: Prior to his appointment as a corporate officer, Rone served as vice president of business affairs for the entire Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group from March 1995 to March 1997. While there, he was instrumental in structuring the motion pictures group's relationships with various filmmakers and other talent.

FRONT-OFFICE LEAGUE EXECUTIVES

Shawn Lawson Cummings Vice President International Corporate Sponsorship & Licensing HLB Properties Age: 40

She's the closer for deals in foreign markets. Pitching American baseball to fans in Japan, Korea, Taiwan, Europe, Latin America, and Canada, Lawson Cummings manages all aspects of international licensing and consumer products marketing. She also oversees corporate sponsorship. After nine seasons, she's turned the MLB's licensing program in Japan into the most successful sports property within the industry. Lawson Cummings previously worked in brand management for Kraft Foods and marketing at General Mills.

Highlight Reel: Lawson Cummings was named one of the 25 Most Influential African American Women in Business by the Network Journal in 2004.

Harold R. Henderson Executive VP for Labor Relations/Chairman of Management Council Executive Committee NFL Age: 62

A former labor attorney, Henderson made an immediate impact on NFL labor relations. Under his guidance, the NFL Player and Employee Development Programs were created, which provide financial planning assistance for players as they transition into retirement. As part of Henderson's initiative, the programs offer a continuing education component and prepare players for post-football careers. The graduate of Harvard Law School is the representative for all NFL labor matters, dealing regularly with NFL franchises, NFL players associations, and player's agents.

Highlight Reel: Always the master negotiator, Henderson arranged a new collective bargaining agreement, ensuring labor unity in the NFL through 2007.