As the 2026 FIFA World Cup reaches its climax, the business side of the world’s most popular sport will take center stage in New Jersey. GK Digital Ventures and Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE) have announced the initial speaker lineup for the second annual “The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit,” taking place Wednesday, July 15, 2026, at the Prudential Center.
The summit arrives at a defining moment in U.S. soccer history. With New Jersey serving as a primary host for the 2026 World Cup—including the tournament’s Final—the Garden State has become the global hub for the sport. This full-day, curated event serves as the only major B2B summit dedicated exclusively to the soccer industry during the tournament’s final week.
“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,” Greg Kahn, CEO and founder of GK Digital Ventures said. “There is no more powerful moment or place for the business of global soccer to convene.”
Influential voices in soccer, tech, and media
The confirmed speaker list features a cross-section of influential leaders from the world’s most prominent leagues, brands, and technology firms. Attendees will hear from:
- Fred Mangione – Chief Business Officer, FIFA World Cup New York-New Jersey Host Committee
- Abe Geiger – Chief Product Officer, U.S. Soccer
- Elliot Richardson – Founder, Chairman and Key Shareholder, Dugout & Onefootball
- Jeremi Gorman – Chief Revenue Officer, Fanatics Advertising
- Jonathan Adashek – Senior Vice President, Marketing and Communications, IBM
- Nicolás García Hemme – Managing Director, LALIGA North America
- Robin Austermann – Executive Vice President, Bundesliga Americas
- Courtney Carter – Chief Revenue Officer, Seattle Sounders FC and Seattle Reign FC
- Laura Correnti – CEO & Founder, Deep Blue Sports + Entertainment
- Rand Getlin – Co-Founder, Park Stories
- Gayle Troberman – Co-Founder, Bubbler Media; Executive Consultant, iHeartMedia
- Charlie Stillitano – President USA, TEG Sport & Global Head of Football
- Darren Rovell – Founder, CCLT Media
- Arda Ocal – Emmy Award-Winning Broadcaster
Exploring the future of the sport
The 2026 program is designed to examine the most critical forces reshaping soccer on and off the pitch. The day will be organized into four core tracks:
- Business & Ownership: Addressing the evolution of private equity, multi-club models, and investment trends.
- Content, Culture & Commerce: Analyzing how clubs and athletes are leveraging the creator economy and direct-to-fan engagement to drive revenue.
- Tech & Innovation: Spotlighting the impact of AI, data analytics, and gaming platforms on fan experiences and performance.
- International & Women’s: Exploring the rapid global growth and commercial expansion of the women’s game.
Registration and Information
Attendance at the summit is limited, ensuring a high-level environment for networking and collaboration. The event includes a full day of programming from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., including breakfast and lunch.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com. For those interested in partnership or sponsorship opportunities, or to learn more about the agenda, visit the official event website at https://www.globalgamesummit.com.
