04 Nov The Best Sports Business Conferences of 2026
2026 is shaping up to be another pivotal year for growth and innovation across the sports business industry. From media distribution and emerging technologies to fan engagement, sponsorship, and social media, every corner of the industry continues to evolve at a rapid pace. To keep up with the shifting landscape, professionals from teams, leagues, brands, tech companies, agencies, and media organizations will come together throughout the year to share insights, build connections, and spark new ideas. Here’s a look at some of the key sports business conferences to watch in 2026.
Brand Innovators – Marketing Leadership Summit
January 5th-8th, 2026 | Las Vegas, NV
The Marketing Leadership Summit at CES 2026 is a must-attend event for marketing professionals looking to stay ahead of the curve in the rapidly evolving worlds of marketing and technology. Taking place during CES in Las Vegas, the summit gathers top marketing leaders and industry innovators to explore topics such as AI-driven strategies, digital transformation, and next-generation customer experiences. Through a mix of keynote sessions, expert panels, and networking opportunities, attendees gain valuable insights and connections to drive strategic growth in the year ahead.
National Sports Forum
February 22nd-24th, 2026 | St. Louis, MO
Celebrating its 30th year in 2026, the National Sports Forum has become one of the go-to gatherings for anyone working in the business side of sports. What started back in 1996 as a way to break down the walls between leagues like the NFL, NBA, and NHL has grown into one of the industry’s biggest networking and learning events.
Now hosted by Sports Business Journal, NSF brings together more than 1,000 professionals from teams, leagues, agencies, and brands across the country. This year’s event heads to St. Louis for three days packed with breakout sessions, workshops, and main stage talks that dive into everything from sponsorship and fan engagement to ticketing and DEI. It’s a can’t-miss spot to connect, share ideas, and see where the business of sports is headed next.
Sports Industry Networking & Career Conference
February 27th-28th, 2026 | Washington, D.C.
SINC 2026 serves as a leading sports industry conference designed to connect college students and career changers with professionals across all corners of the sports world. Attendees gain valuable insights and networking opportunities with leaders from leagues, teams, media outlets, agencies, esports, venues, the Olympics, and beyond.
Now in its 23rd year, SINC will once again take place in a hybrid format, welcoming participants both in person at The George Washington University in Washington, D.C. and virtually from around the globe, making it more accessible than ever for the next generation of sports business talent.
MIT Sloan Sports Analytics Conference
March 6th-7th, 2026 | Boston, MA
For sports business professionals interested in how data analytics continues to drive business and performance decisions in sports, the Sloan Sports Analytics Conference is a must-attend event. Sports executives and employees will discuss how data analytics are driving business revenue, athlete performance innovation, and fan engagement strategies. Last year’s speakers included athletes like Sue Bird and Shane Battier and leaders at companies like Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment, FanDuel, Endeavor, The Kraft Group, and RedBird Capital Partners.
SportsPro New York
March 12th-13th, 2026 | New York, NY
As sports media continues to evolve at lightning speed, SportsPro New York brings together hundreds of experts to make sense of it all. Hosted in the heart of the country’s busiest sports media market, the event dives deep into how teams, leagues, broadcasters, and tech providers are adapting to a rapidly shifting landscape.
Across panels and networking sessions, attendees explore everything from streaming strategies and rights deals to emerging distribution models and fan engagement opportunities. It’s a true meeting of the minds for anyone looking to understand where the sports media business is headed next—and how to stay ahead of it.
Premium Experience Global Conference
March 16th-18th, 2026 | Manchester, UK
Now in its seventh year, the Premium Experience Global Conference brings together top executives from the world’s leading sports and entertainment venues, clubs, and brands. Powered by ALSD in partnership with SEICon, this year’s event will take place at Emirates Old Trafford in Manchester.
Across three immersive days, attendees will dive into sessions focused on innovation, fan experience, and premium hospitality while exploring some of Manchester’s most iconic venues. With a mix of insights, networking, and exclusive behind-the-scenes tours, it’s an ideal setting for anyone focused on elevating the guest experience in sports and entertainment.
International Sports Convention 2026
March 25th-26th 2026 | London, UK
The International Sports Convention (ISC) stands out as one of the premier global gatherings for professionals in the business of sport. Serving as a hub for events, education, and media, ISC brings together key stakeholders from across the industry to connect, collaborate, and share ideas. Its annual flagship event, held each March at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, is one of the largest networking and content-driven forums in sports. Featuring insightful discussions, innovative programming, and unparalleled networking opportunities, ISC continues to be a must-attend event for anyone looking to make an impact in the global sports business landscape.
SBJ CAA World Congress of Sports
April 14th-16th, 2026 | Los Angeles, CA
There’s no better backdrop for one of the industry’s biggest gatherings than Los Angeles—a city gearing up to host the FIFA World Cup, NBA All-Star Game, Super Bowl LXI, and the 2028 Summer Olympics. From April 14–16, 2026, the CAA World Congress of Sports will take over the JW Marriott at L.A. LIVE, bringing together top executives, owners, and decision-makers from across the global sports business.
Known as one of the most prestigious sports business conferences in North America, World Congress blends high-level discussions on leadership, growth, and innovation with unmatched networking opportunities. Whether it’s in a keynote session or an impromptu hallway conversation, this is where the industry’s biggest ideas—and deals—come to life.
SBJ Tech Week
May 18th-20th, 2026 | New York, NY
If you’re passionate about the future of sports and how technology is shaping it, Tech Week is the place to be. The event brings together some of the most forward-thinking leaders in the industry to explore what’s next—whether it’s emerging tech, data innovation, or new ways to engage fans.
Across a mix of panels, discussions, and showcases, attendees hear directly from executives and innovators inside and outside of sports who are pushing boundaries and driving change. It’s also a chance to connect with peers, celebrate the industry’s biggest tech wins, and see firsthand the tools and ideas that are set to transform how sports are played, watched, and experienced.
Gondola Sports Summit
May 18th-20th, 2026 | Denver, CO
For the creators and storytellers behind the content that drives sports fandom, the Gondola Sports Summit is a must-attend event. Focused on the ever-evolving world of sports social and creative, this summit brings together strategists, social media managers, videographers, photographers, and more for a few days of learning, sharing, and inspiration.
Attendees can expect hands-on sessions, networking with some of the most creative minds in the #SMSports community, and plenty of opportunities to sharpen their storytelling skills. Whether you’re crafting the next viral highlight or building a brand’s online identity, Gondola’s summit is all about celebrating and elevating the people shaping the way sports are seen and shared today.
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