Sports Illustrated and Empower Onyx are putting the spotlight on the diverse journeys of Black women across sports—from the veteran athletes, to up-and-coming stars, coaches, executives and more—in the series, Elle-evate: 100 Influential Black Women in Sports.
Shetellia Riley Irving has never been afraid of her voice. Her former roles in the entertainment and media industries kept her surrounded by distinguished role models who helped her shine; however, listening to her talk, it is obvious that she was born with a magnetic personality. It’s evident what her stepson, basketball superstar Kyrie Irving, sees in her as a businesswoman. And when Riley Irving—the only Black woman currently representing an active NBA player—accepted the offer to become his agent, they both “won the championship,” she says. Riley Irving has taken on her new role with poise and prominence (and most importantly, she places Kyrie’s best interests at center court).
