The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit will bring together leaders from global soccer, media, marketing and technology to discuss the innovations transforming the sport.
It will be held Thursday (7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at the Prudential Center in Newark.
(For ticket information, click here)
GK Digital Ventures, the event organizers, said the summit will aim to focus on how streaming, data, AI, and athlete-driven media are reshaping soccer and its global audience. Attendees will gain insights into emerging trends, network with industry leaders, and explore the next generation of sports technology.
See preview story here.
Here’s a detailed look at the agenda for the event.
7:30 a.m.: Registration and breakfast buffet
8:30 a.m.: Welcome address (Gov. Phil Murphy)
8:45 a.m.: Fireside Chat
Moderator: Eben Novy-Williams, Sportico
- Tim Sullivan, New Jersey Economic Development Authority
- Tad Brown, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment
9 a.m.: Panel I: Streaming the Global Game – The Future of Soccer Media
Description: Streaming services have become the primary destination for global soccer fans. This panel will explore how platforms are transforming soccer viewership, from real-time match coverage to personalized fan experiences.
Moderator: Dianna Russini, The Athletic
- Tim O’Mahony – Director, Head of International Content, X
- Joaquin Duro, NBCUniversal Telemundo
9:45 a.m. Panel II: The Future of Soccer – Investment, Growth, and Global Expansion
Description: Soccer’s global growth is accelerating, creating new opportunities for investors and team owners. This panel will explore strategies for expanding the game in the U.S. and globally.
Moderator: Darren Rovell, CLLCT Media
- TJ Adeshola, Operating Partner, Arctos
- Charlie Stillitano – President of TEG Sport North America & Head of Global Sport; President of Spezia Calcio (Serie B)
- Bruce Revman/Bettina Garibaldi – FIFA World Cup 2026™ NYNJ Host Committee
- Alexandra (Lex) Chalat, Executive Director, Soccer Forward – US Soccer Federation
- Steve Parish – Crystal Palace FC
10:30 a.m.: Panel III: The Marketer’s Perspective – Building Global Brands with Soccer
Description: Top CMOs discuss how they are leveraging the global game to engage with fans and build their brands while shaping the future of soccer culture.
Moderator: Suzanne Vranica, The Wall Street Journal
- Radhika Duggal, CMO, MLS
- Robert Gottlieb, President of Marketing, FOX Sports
- Eliot Hamlisch, EVP and Chief Commercial Officer, Amtrak
- Ricky Engelberg, Maximum Effort
- Ryu Yokoi, Unilever North America
11:15 a.m.: Panel IV: The Women’s Game – Growth, Investment, and Cultural Momentum
Description: The global rise of women’s soccer is transforming the landscape of sports, media, and business. From record-breaking World Cup viewership to a surge in investment and athlete-led storytelling, the women’s game is rewriting the playbook. This panel explores the cultural and commercial momentum behind the sport’s growth, the role of technology in driving visibility, and the athletes and executives leading the charge.
Moderator: Jenny Taft – FOX Sports Host/Reporter
- Sarah Jones Simmer, NWSL
- Danielle Brown, Disney
- Jeremi Gorman, Fanatics
- Yael West, Gotham FC
- Kathy Carter, LA28
Noon: Panel V: Tech and Data in Soccer – Enhancing Performance and Fan Experience
Description: This panel discussion explores how AI, wearables, and data analytics are improving performance on the field and revolutionizing fan engagement off it.
Moderator: Arda Ocal, ESPN
- Bo Han – Chief Commercial Officer, Transmit.Live
- Amir Gelman (WSC Sports)
- Paddy Woods, Chief of Staff, CoreWeave
- Austin Noronha, MD, Sony Ventures
12:45 p.m.: Lunch and networking
- Elizabeth O’Brien, IBM
- Ian Schafer, President & Co-Founder, Ensemble
- Bettina Garibaldi – FIFA World Cup 2026 NYNJ Host Committee
- Sebastian Tomich, Chief Commercial Officer, The Athletic
