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Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators

Some of sports' most recognizable names and faces and world champions are available for speaking engagements. Virtual keynote motivational sports speakers and top athletes offer insights on teamwork, overcoming adversity, motivation, perseverance, being the master of our own success, finding inner strength, goal-setting, and tenacity. These athlete speakers make great moderators, emcees, event hosts, and keynote speakers on inspiration and motivation. From basketball speakers to boxing speakers to master of ceremonies, check out these athletes and commentators.

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Women Motivational Speakers
Katie Ledecky

Katie Ledecky

Most Decorated U.S. Female Olympian, 14x Olympic Medalist, 21x World Champion Swimmer, 16x World Record Breaker

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Katie Ledecky

Katie Ledecky is a 14-time Olympic Medalist and 21-time World Championship Gold Medalist, the most for any female swimmer. She has broken 14 World Records and 38 American Records in her career. Katie was the most decorated female athlete at both Tokyo and Rio Games and had the most decorated single Olympics performance ever by a U.S. female athlete in Rio. Katie’s success has earned her USA Swimming’s Golden Goggles Award as Female Swimmer of the Year an unprecedented eight times. A recent graduate of Stanford University, Katie is passionate about the importance of education, especially STEM and leadership programs for girls. Katie went home with more hardware at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics - two gold medals and two silver medals, making her the most decorated female swimmer in individual events of all time. She also made history by winning gold at the first ever 1500m women’s event.
Topics & Types
Peak Performance Inspiration & Motivation Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators Female Speakers Olympians
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Cal Ripken, Jr.

Cal Ripken, Jr.

Legendary "Iron Man" of Baseball

Fees
  • Local: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US East: $75,001 and up*
  • US West: $75,001 and up*
  • Europe: $75,001 and up*
  • Asia: $75,001 and up*
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Cal Ripken, Jr.

One of the true legends of baseball, "Iron Man" Cal Ripken, Jr. broke several professional records during his 21 seasons, but none is as sacred as his consecutive-games-played record. Shattering Lou Gehrig's streak of 2,131 games by more than 500, Ripken displayed perseverance, endurance, and an everyday work ethic that endeared him to fans, transformed him into a national icon, and some argue, even saved baseball at its darkest moment. An inspirational speaker, philanthropist, businessman, and best-selling author, Cal Ripken, Jr. is the personification of leadership, commitment, and excellence. In warm and witty presentations filled with stories from his illustrious career, he shares how his keys to success apply to both the business world as well as the baseball field.
Topics & Types
Peak Performance Inspiration & Motivation Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Teamwork & Collaboration Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators
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MyKayla Skinner

MyKayla Skinner

Olympic Silver Medal-Winning Gymnast

Fees
  • Local: $10,001 - $20,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Asia: $35,001 - $55,000*
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MyKayla Skinner

Acclaimed for her indomitable tenacity and daredevil skills, Olympic silver medalist MyKayla Skinner burst onto the American gymnastics scene when she won the junior individual all-around title at the 2011 American Classic. At 24, she became the oldest U.S. Olympic gymnast since 2004 when she competed in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, where she brought the trademark resilience and competitive spirit that have earned her a reputation as a powerhouse performer and model teammate, vaulting her way to a silver medal on the global stage. Her optimism, fire, and flair can be felt throughout the room as she provides an Olympian’s perspective on performing at a championship-level in high-pressure situations, overcoming adversity, and charting your own path to achieving your goals.
Topics & Types
Inspiration & Motivation Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Social Media & Social Networking Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators Female Speakers Olympians
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Jon Dorenbos

Jon Dorenbos

Keynote Speaker, World Class Magician, TV Personality, Former NFL Pro Bowler

Fees
  • Local: $75,001 and up*
  • US East: $75,001 and up*
  • US West: $75,001 and up*
  • Europe: $75,001 and up*
  • Asia: $75,001 and up*
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Jon Dorenbos

As an entertainer for over twenty years, Jon is known as the NFL's “Magic Man" and is respectfully referred to as the "Entertainer's Entertainer." He also has performed personally for Jason Statham, Nicholas Cage, Garth Brooks, Magic Johnson, the entire New England Patriots football team, Joe Montana and Dan Marino.
Topics & Types
Peak Performance Inspiration & Motivation Leadership Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Teamwork & Collaboration Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators Entertainment Acts Something Different
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John Calipari

John Calipari

Championship Basketball Coach

Fees
  • Local: $55,001 - $75,000*
  • US East: $55,001 - $75,000*
  • US West: $75,001 and up*
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John Calipari

John Calipari is the former head coach of the University of Memphis Tigers, the University of Massachusetts Minutemen, and the National Basketball Association's New Jersey Nets. He is the only coach to direct three different colleges to a No. 1 seed in the NCAA Tournament. As a college coach, Calipari has 18 20-win seasons (17 official), 8 30-win seasons (7 official), and has been named National Coach of the Year 3 times and is a 2-time Naismith National Coach of the Year. In the 2011–12 NCAA Division I men's basketball season, Calipari led Kentucky to its 8th NCAA Tournament Championship, and the first of his career.
Topics & Types
Inspiration & Motivation Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators
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Laila Ali

Laila Ali

Boxing Champion, Elite Athlete, Fitness & Nutrition Expert, TV Host, Beauty & Lifestyle Brand CEO, Actress, Advocate for Children, Author, & Speaker

Fees
  • Local: $75,001 and up*
  • US East: $75,001 and up*
  • US West: $75,001 and up*
  • Europe: $75,001 and up*
  • Asia: $75,001 and up*
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Laila Ali

Laila Ali is a world-class athlete, fitness & nutrition expert, TV host, cooking enthusiast, founder of the Laila Ali Lifestyle Brand and mother of two. The daughter of late beloved global icon and humanitarian, Muhammad Ali, she is a four-time undefeated boxing world champion, whose stellar record includes 24 wins (21 of which were "knockouts") and zero losses. Laila is heralded as the most successful female in the history of women’s boxing.
Topics & Types
Peak Performance Inspiration & Motivation Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Entrepreneurship Mental Health, Happiness, & Wellness African American Speakers Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators Authors Diverse Voices Female Speakers
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Tim Howard

Tim Howard

Retired US Men's National Soccer Team Goalkeeper

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  • Local: $55,001 - $75,000*
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  • Europe: $10,001 - $20,000*
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Tim Howard

Tim Howard is an American soccer legend. He has the most caps and wins of any goalkeeper in US Soccer history, he played in three World Cups and holds the record for most saves by any goalkeeper in a single game in World Cup history. Tim is also the first USA ambassador for Everton Football Club. . Retiring from soccer at the end of the 2019 MLS Season, his career in the league was filled with honors including being named a MLS All-Star, All-League, and Humanitarian of the Year. Tim was diagnosed with Tourette Syndrome at a young age and has volunteered countless hours to the advocacy of Tourette-related disorders. He works with several Tourette Association organizations and continues to be a role model off the field with his philanthropic work. He published an autobiography, The Keeper: A Life of Saving Goals and Achieving Them, chronicling his career and life with Tourette Syndrome and OCD. Personable and charismatic, Tim is now a full-time studio analyst for NBC Sports and their English Premier League broadcast.
Topics & Types
Inspiration & Motivation Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators Diverse Voices Olympians
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Dominique Dawes

Dominique Dawes

3-Time Olympic Gymnast, Olympic Gold Medalist; First African American Gymnast to Qualify for the Olympic Games

Fees
  • Local: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US East: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • US West: $20,001 - $35,000*
  • Europe: $35,001 - $55,000*
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Dominique Dawes

Dominique Dawes spent years breaking barriers and breaking records in the sport of Gymnastics and is best known for her tremendous success as an Olympic gymnast who competed in three Olympic Games. She was a member of the gold-medal-winning "Magnificent Seven" team at the 1996 Atlanta Games. After much dedication to the sport, Dominique retired to focus on her passion to encourage, educate and motivate others. Currently the Co-Chair of the President’s Council on Fitness, Sports and Nutrition, she works closely with First Lady Michelle Obama and the President’s Council to help promote the Let’s Move! Initiative, educating children on fitness and nutrition while motivating them to get moving.
Topics & Types
Peak Performance Inspiration & Motivation Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Teamwork & Collaboration Mental Health, Happiness, & Wellness African American Speakers Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators Diverse Voices Female Speakers Olympians
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Chaunte Lowe

Chaunte Lowe

4-Time Olympian, Author, TEDx Speaker, Breast Cancer Thriver

Fees
  • Local: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US East: $35,001 - $55,000*
  • US West: $35,001 - $55,000*
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Chaunte Lowe

Chaunte Lowe is a four-time Olympian and current American record holder in indoor and outdoor high jump. Her athletic journey began as a sophomore at Georgia Tech, where she made her first Olympic appearance. Alongside her athletic achievements, she has become an advocate for breast cancer awareness after being diagnosed with an aggressive form of the disease in 2019. Despite undergoing surgeries and chemotherapy, she continued training for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, using her platform to raise awareness about early detection and breast cancer research.
Topics & Types
Peak Performance Inspiration & Motivation Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Teamwork & Collaboration Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion African American Speakers Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators Authors Female Speakers Olympians
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Earvin Magic Johnson

Earvin Magic Johnson

Legendary NBA Player

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Earvin Magic Johnson

Earvin "Magic" Johnson is a retired American professional basketball player. He was rated the greatest NBA point guard of all time by ESPN in 2007 and since his retirement, Johnson has been an advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention.
Topics & Types
Inspiration & Motivation Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion African American Speakers Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators Diverse Voices Olympians
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Amy Purdy

Amy Purdy

2018 Paralympic Silver Medalist & 2014 Paralympic Bronze Medalist and Three-Time World Cup Gold Medalist

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  • Local: $55,001 - $75,000*
  • US East: $55,001 - $75,000*
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Amy Purdy

Amy Purdy had a typical childhood until losing her legs at 19 as a result of Meningitis, which has led to an adulthood of extraordinary accomplishments. Amy is the top ranked adaptive snowboarder in the US, a three-time World Cup Para-Snowboard winner, the 2014 Paralympic Bronze Medalist, and the 2018 Paralympic Silver Medalist. She is the co-founder of Adaptive Action Sports (AAS), a non-profit organization which helps disabled youth, young adults, and wounded veterans get involved with action sports, and the author of the New York Times best-selling book, On My Own Two Feet. Amy has evolved into a powerful inspirational and motivational speaker who has been seen by millions of people and invited to share her story to audiences around the world.
Topics & Types
Peak Performance Inspiration & Motivation Resilience & Overcoming Adversity Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators Female Speakers Olympians TED Speakers
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Jim Harbaugh

Jim Harbaugh

Head Coach, Los Angeles Chargers; Former NFL Quarterback and Michigan Coach

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Jim Harbaugh

Jim Harbaugh was named the Los Angeles Chargers head coach on January 24, 2024. Jim Harbaugh has been the head coach of the University of Michigan football team for nine seasons. He was named the 20th coach in Michigan football history in 2014 and is the sixth former Michigan football player to be named the leader of college football's winningest program. Harbaugh is a National Champion, leading Michigan to the 2023 CFP and defeating Washington in the National Championship game. Harbaugh came to Ann Arbor, MI after an impressive four-year run in the National Football League as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers (2011-2014). He led the 49ers to the NFC Championship Game in each of his first three seasons, winning the George Halas Trophy as NFC champions in 2012. Harbaugh tallied a 49-22-1 overall record that included a 5-3 mark in the postseason as 49ers head coach. At Michigan, Harbaugh has guided the Wolverines to a 74-25 record and 51-17 in Big Ten games. He has led Michigan to five 10-win seasons, seven bowl games, three straight College Football Playoffs (2021-23), and a National Championship (2023). He is highly respected in the coaching world for his consistent success and winning philosophy.
Topics & Types
Peak Performance Inspiration & Motivation Relationship Building Teamwork & Collaboration Athletes, Coaches, & Commentators College & University Speakers
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Bring The Game Inside With A Motivational Sports Speaker

Our motivational sports speakers are naturals on both the playing field and the stage. And with the vast number of exceptional commentators and athletes we represent, you’re bound to score a home run with your audience.

Top sports that our professional athlete speakers and commentators represent and can give a keynote speech include but are not limited to:

  • Football
  • Swimming
  • Track & Field
  • Soccer
  • Basketball
  • Baseball
  • Golf
  • Wrestling
  • Boxing
  • NASCAR
  • Rugby
  • And more!

Elevate Your Event With Influential Athletes, Coaches, and Commentators

As sports continue to reach new heights, with their popularity spanning across various parts of the world, having an athlete, coach, or commentator for your next event is a brilliant move. Bring in the expertise of our speakers who are virtuosos in their fields, and give them the platform to inspire, motivate, and entertain your audience.

Our athlete and commentator speakers are highly influential, shaping narratives and offering diverse insights to attendees. Empower your event with speakers who offer:

  • Unique perspectives: Our athletes offer firsthand experiences, from sharing their preparations to overcoming challenges, and our sports commentators deliver insightful analyses to provide exemplary perspectives. 
  • Motivational impact: Athletes embody resilience and determination, while commentators convey their intellectual depth. 
  • Entertainment value: The athletes and commentators on our roster are skilled storytellers. They can easily captivate the audience with their wit and compelling narratives. 

How Our Speakers Prepare for Your Event

Our client-focused event consultation makes your event a success by:

  1. Aligning with your event goals: Our select speakers come with personal stories of success, sacrifices, and everything in between to resonate with the event's objectives. They tailor content and presentations to address your audience's interest.
  2. Considering audience demographics: Our speakers seamlessly connect with your audience for maximum engagement and impact. They conduct detailed research to gather insights on the most suitable topics that would interest the attendees.
  3. Evaluating past performances: Our speakers review previous speaking engagements to align their speaking style with your expectations. They ensure a blend of inspiration and insight to appeal to everyone. 

Count on Leading Authorities Speakers Bureau for a Successful Talk

At Leading Authorities speakers bureau, we carry a roster of trusted speakers who can deliver key insights and empower your audience. We make events memorable and immersive through 

  • A consultative approach: Our team works hand in hand with your request, starting with sourcing the right speaker for your event and giving recommendations that fit your objectives.
  • A wide range of talents: As one of the biggest and most prominent lecture agencies, we provide an extensive selection of speakers for various sports fields.
  • Customized service: We recognize that every event needs a specific speaker to wow the audience. We listen to your needs and tailor our plans accordingly. 
  • An all-inclusive line of business: We have three divisions that handle key aspects of your event. Along with LAI Speakers, we offer LAI Video to conceptualize and produce videos and LAI Live as your trusted live event production team. 

Book an Athlete or Commentator Speaker for Your Next Meeting

At Leading Authorities speakers bureau, we’re all about “wowing” audiences. That’s why we take a consultative approach to matching your event with a motivational sports speaker and business speaker that fits your budget, attendees, and theme. Start searching through our list of professional speakers — from basketball speakers to explorer speakers — today, or contact us if you would like to inquire about their fees range and for more information!

If you are looking for specific sports motivational speakers not listed above, please contact our booking agency team at 855-827-9635 or through our live chat, as we specialize in placing hard-to-find and in-demand keynote speakers from all around the world who may not be listed on our website. You can also email us at contact@lauthorities.com.