TIME magazine announced its list of the 100 Most Influential Sports Figures of 2026, with Milan owner Cardinale included in the "Leaders" category.
Cardinale was selected for the "Leaders" category of this list of 100 most influential figures in the sports world. Each honoree is accompanied by a brief biographical description, and Cardinale's introduction was written by TIME staff writer Sean Gregory.
He wrote: "Gerry Cardinale may be the most powerful person in sports you've never heard of. Cardinale's investment firm, RedBird Capital Partners, manages $14 billion in assets and is one of the key controlling shareholders of Paramount SkyDance. Cardinale was also a key figure in the consortium's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery in February.
Paramount SkyDance is spending billions of dollars to acquire NFL broadcasting rights (through its CBS subsidiary) and UFC broadcasting rights (through a $7.7 billion contract signed with the fighting organization in August 2025). Once the deal with Warner Bros. Discovery is complete, Cardinale's capital will also help support assets such as the NHL and Major League Soccer.
RedBird also holds a majority stake in Milan. The iconic Italian club's games are streamed in the U.S. on Paramount+, and RedBird also holds stakes in French club Toulouse FC, Fenway Sports Group, and a U.S. football league co-owned by Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson."