Name: Jeanie Buss Title: President and Governor, Los Angeles Lakers Age: 53 Late Lakers owner Dr. Jerry Buss left his 66 percent controlling interest of the Lakers to all six of his children, but Jeanie emerged as the ultimate decision maker for the most high profile sports franchise in Los Angeles.

Name: Pat Haden Title: Athletic Director, USC Age: 61 The two-time national champion quarterback at USC isn't shy about expressing his opinion, often finding himself in the news as a result. Haden's status in the Los Angeles sports scene is only enhanced by the high profile of USC athletics, particularly the football program, which regularly makes headlines on and off the field.

Name: Kathryn Schloessman Title: President, L.A. Sports and Entertainment Commission Age: 52 Under Schloessman's leadership, the L.A. Sports and Entertainment Commission negotiated the return of the NCAA tournament to Los Angeles after an absence of 20 years, brought two NBA All-Star games to Staples Center in seven years and helped the Rose Bowl become the center of the college football universe by hosting the BCS national championship game four times since 2002.