Sandra Douglass Morgan

President at Las Vegas Raiders

“Thank you so much, Sandra Douglass Morgan, for taking the time to share your incredible journey and insights. Your path to becoming President of the Las Vegas Raiders is both inspiring and empowering—showcasing the impact of resilience, leadership, and purpose. Your background in political science and law clearly laid a strong foundation, and your leadership through critical moments—like the 2008 recession and the COVID-19 pandemic—highlights your strength and grace under pressure. Your commitment to mentorship and paving the way for others, especially women in male-dominated spaces, is deeply admirable.What resonated most was your honesty about overcoming bias and imposter syndrome, and your message about leaning in and building self-confidence. Your thoughtful approach to work-life integration and your passion for uplifting others is a powerful reminder of what great leadership looks like. Thank you again for sharing your story and leading by example. Your voice is making a meaningful impact in sports and beyond.”

Please describe your role and responsibilities at that position?

As President, I’m responsible for our team’s success off the field. There’s a lot included in that, from being a good partner to our sponsors to stadium operations, suite, and long sales and experiences, preserving Raiders’ rich history, philanthropy, game day experiences, The Raider Image stores, community engagement, and more.

What did you study in college and how did your educational background shape your career in the sports industry?

I majored in Political Science with a minor in Speech Communications in undergrad at the University of Nevada in Reno, Nevada. I obtained my law degree from the William S. Boyd School of Law at UNLV. Both degrees have played a very important role in my professional journey – both through the lessons I learned in my courses and in studying for the bar, but also through the opportunities it provided as a young professional.

Can you share the key milestones in your career that led you to your current position in the sports industry?

Across all the roles I’ve held in my career, I have faced incredible challenges – both as a woman and as a leader trying to navigate the obstacles standing between my team and our goals. I was the city attorney for North Las Vegas during the 2008 recession. During this time, there was a record breaking number of foreclosures and I was part of a negotiating team to ensure that residents would still have basic services to the city. I later served as Chairwoman to the Nevada Gaming Control Board in 2019 and had to lead during the COVID pandemic. We had to close our doors to 40 million visitors from across the globe in a very short time frame and also reopen them in a safe way where people knew that they could come to Las Vegas and Nevada and still have that unmatched hospitality experience.Rising up to face these challenges taught me what it means to be an effective leader and gave me a level of confidence in myself that helps me be the best leader here with the Las Vegas Raiders.

What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a woman in the sports business, and how have you overcome them?

I experienced many setbacks, whether it be someone assuming my role or not valuing my input on account of their personal biases – but I never let those deter me, and having a strong support system and belief in myself is a big part of that.It isn’t always easy to believe in yourself – especially if you’re one of few women or persons of color in the room. For me, I overcome imposter syndrome by leaning in, especially when times are tough. It’s important to build that confidence in yourself, and to not give up when faced with adversity. If you respond to adversity with commitment and conviction, your confidence and self-trust will grow.

Balancing a career is demanding. How do you manage a work -life balance? What strategies have worked well for you?

Take time for yourself and your loved ones. You won’t be able to be an engaged and present leader if you don’t take time for yourself. I’m lucky to have an incredibly supportive spouse, family, and friends who encourage me to stop and recharge.

How important is mentorship for women in the sports industry? Have you had mentors or role models who played a significant role in your career and can give some details?

Mentorship has played a critical role in my growth as a leader and person. One moment that sticks out to me is when as a young lawyer and a mentor that has guided me throughout my career. When I first met Rose McKinney-James, she was running for Lieutenant Governor for the State of Nevada. I watched her walk confidently through the halls of the Nevada Legislature – as a Public Utilities Commissioner, business owner, public company board member, and clean energy advocate. Being able to meet with Rose, hear and learn from her experiences, and watch women confidently lead is invaluable. We are the product of those who paved the way before us – who believed in us to carry their mantel and walk through the doors they left open. For me, meeting Rose opened a door and gave me the confidence to step through. Now I am committed to opening doors for those who come behind me.

In a male-dominated industry, do you feel women are given equal opportunities? What steps do you think can be taken to promote gender equality in the sports industry?

There could be greater efforts to provide women with equal opportunities in the broader sports industry.

1. Executive Leadership – More women are assuming key decision-making roles in front offices, ownership groups, and league headquarters. Ensuring continued investment in mentorship, sponsorship, and executive development programs will help increase representation at the highest levels.

2. Coaching & Operations – The growth of women in coaching, scouting, and player development roles is encouraging, but there is room for expansion. Leagues can foster this by creating structured pipelines, like coaching fellowships and leadership training, to support women in these areas.

3. Business & Community Impact – Women have excelled in sports marketing, sponsorship, and community relations, driving innovation and fan engagement. Encouraging more women to step into revenue-generating and strategic leadership roles will further enhance their influence in the industry.

4. Media & Representation – Amplifying women’s voices in sports media, broadcasting, and storytelling is essential for shaping the narrative around women in leadership. More women in decision-making roles within media organizations will lead to more inclusive coverage.

5. Ownership & Investment – Women are increasingly becoming team owners, investors, and entrepreneurs in the sports space. Expanding access to capital and investment opportunities will ensure women continue to shape the future of sports business.Ultimately, the key to progress is intentionality. Organizations must commit to hiring, promoting, and empowering women in every sector of the industry.

What aspects of your work in the sports industry do you enjoy the most? What parts do you find the most challenging?

I enjoy collaborating with Raiders team members. I love seeing an employee understand and appreciate a fellow team member’s efforts and celebrate each other when a project or plan comes together. The biggest challenge facing me, and I’m sure most executives in sports and beyond, is to ensure that our team comes to work with their cups full. We have an incredible support team with the Raiders front office and I want to make sure that I am giving them everything they need to help our organization reach its goals. From my perspective, the best way to achieve this is by making sure that my staff knows they have my respect and support. This can come in the form of interpersonal connection, but also by ensuring that our organizational values reflect the priorities of staff.

What advice do you have for young women aspiring to build a successful career in the sports industry?

Obviously, everyone’s situation is different. Whether you’re looking to break into a new industry, like the sporting industry, or move up in your current industry, one piece of advice I always share is to reach out to others, within your organization or outside your organization, to ask “what can I do to expand my skill set?” Leaning in isn’t only something you do in the face of challenges. Sometimes you need to lean in and try to learn or understand what you don’t know, even if it’s beyond what’s listed in your job description.

Any fun facts or interesting things you’d like the world to learn about you? Favorite food, hobbies, pet peeves, etc.?

My favorite food is bulgogi. I have two incredible teenagers – Dylan and Dana. One of my pet peeves is people who eat with their mouths open.