2026 Agenda
WEDNESDAY, March 25
Mercedes-Benz Stadium
12:00 PM
Registration
North Club Entry
Lunch
The Truist Club
1:00 PM
Welcome Remarks
The Delta Sky Club
1:15 PM
The Impact of Hosting a World Cup
Panelists discuss what the game in North America and around the Concacaf region looks like today and the expectation for the future, with a particular focus on the impact of hosting major events like the Club World Cup in 2025, the Men’s World Cup in 2026 and the Women's World Cup in 2031.
Don Garber, Commissioner, MLS
Victor Montagliani, President, Concacaf; Vice President, FIFA
Cindy Parlow Cone, President, U.S. Soccer
1:55 PM
The New Wave: How MLS Stadiums Are Shaping Cities, Communities and the Future of Soccer
This panel explores how next-generation MLS stadium projects are redefining fan experiences and strengthening communities. Leaders behind these developments discuss design innovation, mixed-use concepts, and community integration, positioning soccer venues as long-term economic and cultural hubs.
Dave Baldwin, President of Business Operations, Chicago Fire FC
Brad Sims, President & CEO, NYCFC
2:35 PM
Engaging Fans in the Attention Economy
This session dives into how soccer competes for Gen Z and Gen Alpha attention. Panelists highlight innovative content strategies and tech-driven experiences that resonate with younger audiences.
3:15 PM
Networking Break
3:55 PM
Inside the Concacaf Champions Cup: How Expanded Pathways Are Reshaping Regional Club Soccer
This session takes you inside Concacaf’s revamped competitive ecosystem to examine how these expanded pathways are elevating clubs, intensifying regional rivalries, and redefining what it means to be crowned regional club champion on the road to FIFA’s global tournaments. Attendees will gain insight into the strategic thinking behind the expanded competition and what it signals for the future growth of club soccer across North America, Central America, and the Caribbean.
4:35 PM
Sustaining the Momentum: Unlocking the Next Phase of Growth for Women’s Soccer in North America
Leaders from across North America examine strategies to maintain the rapid growth of women’s soccer, with a focus on investment, media visibility, and revenue generation that ensure long-term commercial success and fan affinity.
Christina Litz, President, Northern Super League
Sarah Jones Simmer, Chief Operating Officer, NWSL
Amanda Vandervort, President, Gainbridge Super League
5:15 PM
Fireside Chat
Clark Hunt, Chairman & CEO, Kansas City Chiefs and FC Dallas
5:55 PM
Networking Reception
Truist Club and Delta Sky Club
Hosted by:
THURSDAY, March 26
8:30 AM
Breakfast
The Truist Club
SBJ Connect: Structured Networking
Right Wing, Delta Sky Club
SBJ Connect: Structured Networking is a facilitated networking experience focused on:
- Connecting attendees through guided conversations and topic-driven discussions
- Sharing insights and exchanging ideas
- Building lasting professional relationships in a structured yet relaxed setting
9:25 AM
Fireside Chat
Sir Mohamed Mansour, Chairman, San Diego FC, Man Capital LLP, Mansour Group
10:05 AM
The World Cup Catalyst: Inside the Marketplace Shift Powering the Future of Soccer in America
Explore how the 2026 World Cup has become a true marketplace catalyst—transforming a moment into a sustained movement for soccer in America. This session highlights how broadcasters, brands, and agencies are adapting to surging fan engagement, shifting content consumption, and unprecedented commercial investment. Learn what it takes to win in a rapidly expanding soccer economy that’s reshaping the U.S. sports and media landscape.
Luis Silberwasser, Chairman and CEO, TNT Sports
David Wright, Chief Commercial Officer, U.S. Soccer
Nadja Bellan-White, CEO, M&C Saatchi North America (Guest Moderator)
10:45 AM
Networking Break
11:05 AM
Fireside Chat
Arthur Blank, Chairman, AMB Sports & Entertainment
11:45 AM
How Broadcasters and Streamers Are Shaping the 2026 World Cup Experience
As North America prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, the tournament’s broadcasters are gearing up for one of the most ambitious coverage efforts in sports history. Executives share their vision, production strategy, and storytelling approach or delivering the tournament to millions of fans across the United States.
Judy Boyd, Executive Vice President, FOX Sports Productions
Quim Domènech, Executive Vice President of Global Content, DAZN
Joaquin Duro, Executive Vice President of Sports, NBCUniversal Telemundo
12:25 PM
Lunch
1:30 PM
An Ode to the 1994 World Cup: How a Pivotal Tournament Sparked a Modern Soccer Era
The 1994 World Cup marked a turning point for soccer in North America — igniting passion, investment, and a new era of opportunity. Thirty years later, standout athletes and executives reunite to reflect on how that moment helped shape the modern soccer landscape in North America.
Alexi Lalas, Commentator, Fox Sports and Former MLS and U.S. International Athlete
Richard Motzkin, Executive Vice President, Wasserman
2:10 PM
What Comes Next? Part I - Converting World Cup Excitement into Lifelong Fans of the Sport
Industry leaders explore tactics for turning the World Cup’s surge in attention into lasting fandom. Expect insights on grassroots programs, digital engagement, and cultural touch points that keep fans connected beyond the tournament.
Radhika Duggal, Chief Marketing Officer, MLS
2:50 PM
Networking Break
3:20 PM
What Comes Next? Part II - How Brands Are Making Long-Term Bets on Soccer in North America
Sponsors share how their activations translate into sustained investment strategies. This discussion examines how short-term exposure evolves into enduring partnerships that shape soccer’s commercial future in North America.
Kim Tunick, Head of Sports Marketing, Walmart
4:00 PM
Closing Session
