If you’re looking at the Club World Cup as merely a sporting event, one that serves as a warmup for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, you may be missing the true impact of soccer around the globe.
And the business opportunities that come with it.
Soccer has long been the one true world sport, reaching all corners of globe. But the rapid advancement of social media, technology, data and media has helped it become a global business entity – one that is just beginning to scale.
This concept will be on display Thursday at the Prudential Center, when GK Digital Ventures, in collaboration with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, host a business summit: The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit.
(For ticket information, click here)
The event, timed to take place between the semifinals and final of the Club World Cup, will bring together industry-shaping executives from U.S. Soccer, MLS, NWSL, Fanatics, Disney, CBS Sports, Crystal Palace FC, Gotham FC, and more for conversations at the intersection of sport, technology and culture.
The event, which runs from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., will feature five panels and a fireside chat — in addition to plenty of opportunities for networking.
Greg Kahn said The Global Game business summit aims to attract investors, tech leaders, media executives, sports marketers and streamers as well as athletes. Really, anyone looking to understand the various business lanes and opportunities around the sport, he said.
The event is supported by the N.J. Economic Development Authority and CoreWeave. Key topics during the day will include:
- The future of soccer media and streaming services
- AI and data analytics in performance optimization and fan engagement
- Building global soccer brands and the evolving role of athletes as influencers
- Investment trends and the commercial growth of global soccer
- Future forward tech innovations
See complete agenda here.
Top executives and thought leaders from across the soccer, tech, and media industries will serve as panelists, including:
- Danielle Brown, SVP Sports Streaming and Brand Solutions, Disney Advertising
- Jeremi Gorman, Fanatics Advertising
- Sarah Jones Simmer, COO, NWSL
- Chris Schlosser, SVP of Emerging Ventures, MLS
- Yael Averbuch West, GM, Gotham FC
- Steve Parish, Co-Owner & Chairman, Crystal Palace FC
- Charlie Stillitano, President, TEG Sport North America
- Lex Chalat, Executive Director, Soccer Forward – U.S. Soccer
- Tim Sullivan, CEO, New Jersey Economic Development Authority (NJEDA)
- Paddy Woods, Chief of Staff, CoreWeave
Kahn said The Global Game business summit is aimed at capturing a moment in time where the sport’s global impact — and business potential — has never been greater.
“This is a cultural moment for the sport,” he said. “It’s obviously a huge moment for athletes and for investors that want to be part of building the sport, whether it’s ownership of teams or expansion or ancillary revenues that are developed from the sport.”
Kahn, a native of Piscataway whose company serves as an angel investor (among other lanes), said the New Jersey connection needs to be highlighted, too.
Because of that, Kahn is working with the Murphy administration (the governor will offer the welcome address) and the N.J. Economic Development Authority on not only this event but more events leading up to the World Cup in the next 12 months.
“This is really the moment for New Jersey,” he said. “It’s not the moment for New York/New Jersey. It’s the moment for New Jersey.”
