Patriots owner Robert Kraft 12th most powerful in sports, according to Sports Illustrated

Robert Kraft

Patriots owner Robert Kraft was named the 12th most powerful person in sports by Sports Illustrated in the March 11 issue of the magazine.

According to SI:

Kraft, 71, made himself invaluable to the NFL with his work on its broadcast, finance and compensation committees. And as an owner trusted by players, his consensus-building and shuttle diplomacy were keys to resolving the 2011 lockout.

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is ranked No. 1, ahead of NBA commissioner David Stern and AEG owner Philip Anschutz (investor in multiple teams and arenas). ESPN president John Skipper and MLB commissioner Bud Selig round out the top five.

No other Boston personalities are ranked in the magazine’s top 50 list. SI also did top-10 lists for each of the major sports leagues. In the NFL list, Kraft is second to Goodell, while Patriots coach Bill Belichick ranks eighth. In the NBA list, Celtics coach Doc Rivers is eighth. Bruins owner Jeremy Jacobs in included in the NHL top 10, which is not ranked.