The second installment of ‘The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit,’ will be held June 9 at the Prudential Center in Newark.
The event, created by GK Digital Ventures and supported by Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, arrives at an obviously significant moment in the state for U.S. Soccer: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, including the final.
Against that backdrop, The Global Game Summit brings together senior leaders across media, technology, ownership and investment, with participation from international leagues, investors and operators from over 25 countries at a time when the economics of global soccer are rapidly evolving.
Additionally, the 2026 program will place a strong emphasis on the rapid global growth of the women’s game — across media, investment, and cultural influence — reflecting one of the most important commercial shifts in global soccer today.
The inaugural Global Game Summit, held last July, drew senior leaders from 28 countries — and established itself as the premier business summit at the intersection of soccer, media and technology.
This year, it returns as the only B2B soccer gathering of its kind during World Cup match week, the same week New Jersey hosts Brazil vs. Morocco.
“The Global Game exists because the industry demanded a room where the real conversations happen — about ownership, media, technology, and the future of the sport,” DK Digital Ventures Founder and CEO Greg Kahn said. “This year, the World Cup comes to our backyard, and New Jersey isn’t just hosting matches, it’s hosting the Final.
“There is no more powerful moment or place for the business of global soccer to convene, and The Global Game will be the only gathering of this caliber happening during match week. We’re back because this moment is too big to miss.”
Dylan Wanagiel, VP, Sports Properties and Special Events, at HBS&E, said the property is thrilled to play a part in the event.
“From the moment The Global Game launched, it was clear this was something different — a room built for business leaders having important conversations about where this sport is going,” he said. “New Jersey is now at the center of the global soccer universe, and there is no better venue than Prudential Center for the business of the game to gather. We’re proud to bring The Global Game Summit back for a second year, expanded and more timely than ever.”
As a curated, full-day summit, the 2026 program will focus on key forces shaping the global game, including:
Ownership & Capital: Club owners, investors, and league executives on the future of soccer’s ownership landscape, including the rise of sovereign funds, private equity and multi-club models.
Brands, Marketing & Global Market Entry: How brands are activating around the World Cup and the country-specific investment and expansion strategies driving the sport’s global growth.
Women’s Game & Global Growth: The business, media and cultural forces driving the fastest-growing segment of global soccer.
Athletes as Platforms: Top athletes on their roles as business builders, brand partners, and global icons.
AI, Tech & Data: Technology leaders on AI, data, and the next wave of performance and fan engagement innovation.
Media Rights & Distribution: How streaming platforms, leagues, and broadcasters are reshaping control of the fan relationship
Creator Economy & Fan Monetization: How athletes, clubs, and creators are building direct-to-fan businesses and turning digital engagement, merchandising and content into real revenue.
Gaming & Emerging Platforms: How gaming ecosystems are driving the next generation of fans.
For additional details, click here.
For tickets, click here.
