Readers voted NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue the most effective commissioner in 2005. Tagliabue retired in 2006 and that year NBA Commissioner David Stern received the most votes. From 2007-13, when readers were asked the same question, or to identify the most influential person in the sports business, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell took the top spot. Readers this year recognized Adam Silver’s quick start as NBA commissioner, while the handling of domestic violence issues in the NFL sent Goodell’s Flashback stock tumbling.
Most effective commissioner/top executive:
| Adam Silver (NBA) | 38% |
| Gary Bettman (NHL) | 15% |
| Bud Selig (MLB) | 15% |
| Roger Goodell (NFL) | 11% |
| Don Garber (MLS) | 10% |
Responses: 853
Least effective commissioner/top executive:
| Mark Emmert (NCAA) | 33% |
| Roger Goodell (NFL) | 28% |
Responses: 803
Most innovative property:
| NBA | 16% |
| MLB | 14% |
| NFL | 13% |
| NHL | 12% |
Responses: 835
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Most underrated commissioner/top executive:
| Don Garber (MLS) | 28% |
| Gary Bettman (NHL) | 23% |
| Adam Silver (NBA) | 10% |
Responses: 839
Property/organization that has the most growth potential:
| MLS | 38% |
| NHL | 13% |
Responses: 837
2013-14 championship-winning team you would rather work for:
| Boston Red Sox | 28% |
| Seattle Seahawks | 25% |
| Los Angeles Kings | 19% |
| San Antonio Spurs | 18% |
| Sporting Kansas City | 10% |
Responses: 850
In 2009, readers successfully predicted that the UFL and Women’s Professional Soccer would soon fold. However, another frequent target when that question was asked in earlier surveys, the WNBA, has completed its 18th season.
Coach who would make the best corporate executive:
| Mike Krzyzewski | 43% |
| Gregg Popovich | 26% |
| Joe Maddon | 13% |
Responses: 840
