2026 Team Sports Conference

REGISTER TODAY: 2026 Team Sports Conference – April 27-28, 2026!

Hosted by SFIA, NFHS, and NCAA

The Team Sports Conference is back, and this year marks 20 years of bringing the industry together.

As youth, school, collegiate, and professional sports continue to evolve, leaders across team sports are navigating more complexity, more change, and more opportunity than ever before. This conference gives you the opportunity to engage with leaders, explore the key topics shaping our industry, and gain leading insights on what’s ahead for 2026.

Expert-led sessions will explore topics shaping the future of team sports, including the role of AI, the continued growth of women’s sports, and how global sporting moments can be leveraged to drive participation. You will also connect with peers, governing bodies, and decision-makers through council meetings, committee discussions, and meaningful networking — all in one place. 

If team sports are part of your future, this is where you belong.

Monday, April 27

**Council Meetings are limited to SFIA Members and invited guests only.**

10:00 AM-12:00 PM

12:30-2:30 PM

3:00-4:30 PM

**All attendees are invited to network in the ballroom foyer or lobby area of the hotel throughout the day, as well as attend the opening night reception.**

5:00-6:00 PM

Tuesday, April 28

CONFIRMED 2026 SESSIONS Include:

Leveling the Playing Field: Breaking Barriers for Women in Sports

Indianapolis is on its way to becoming the female sports capital of the country – a city where champions are made and history is written. For many women in sports, the path to success is still riddled with challenges. This session will explore the realities female athletes and business leaders in the industry face, from access and equity to representation and recognition. We will address the impact media coverage has on women’s sports and its role in shaping public perception, the financial impact and economic opportunities driving this movement forward, and how industry leaders and manufacturers can help remove barriers to create opportunities and a more inclusive future for women in sports.

SPEAKERS:

The Winning Decade: Leveraging Global Events in the U.S. for Lasting Impact

Global sporting events serve as a powerful catalyst for increased participation, empowering communities to welcome new sports and stay active. With the 2026 World Cup coming to the U.S. this summer and the 2028 Summer Olympics on the horizon, millions of people of all ages will have a front row seat to be inspired to try new sports and become active. This session will explore how global events can help drive engagement in sports at all levels. We will cover the opportunities these events create, the infrastructure needed to make it easy to welcome new sports participants, and innovative strategies and programs, such as SFIA’s 2034WARD campaign, to ensure the industry takes advantage of this global spotlight to increase sports and fitness participation in America.

SPEAKERS:

Rising to the Spotlight: The Evolution and Elevation of NCAA Women’s Sports

Women’s sports are experiencing a cultural surge, breaking attendance records, drawing unprecedented viewership, and capturing the national spotlight like never before. That momentum is fueling a transformative era within the NCAA. As engagement reaches new heights, the NCAA is expanding opportunities for women’s athletics through new championships, emerging sports, and increased media visibility. In this fireside chat, learn how the NCAA is building on this momentum by elevating women’s championships, supporting the growth of emerging sports, and partnering with media to bring women’s collegiate athletics to a broader audience, and, what this historic rise means for the future of women’s collegiate sports.

SPEAKER:

From Service to Sports: Engaging and Empowering Veteran Talent Across the Sports Industry

Sports and fitness have the power to unite, inspire, and transform lives – a truth that resonates strongly within the veteran community. Many veterans are drawn to the sports industry because it mirrors the teamwork, discipline, and purpose they value. By intentionally nurturing this talent with support from professional development initiatives such as SFIA’s VetsEXCEL programs, we can engage and empower veterans as they transition into new career paths and help open doors. This session will bring together leaders from across the sports and veteran communities to discuss these pathways, share real‑world success stories, and highlight how intentional support can accelerate veterans’ impact from service to the sports industry.

SPEAKER:

E-Commerce Chalk Talk: Excelling in Today’s Digital Consumer Landscape

As the team sports landscape continues to evolve, digital commerce has become an increasingly important connection point between brands and consumers. From shifting expectations around convenience, and personalization to new tools that enhance the online buying experience, e-commerce is playing a critical role in how the industry reaches and engages athletes, families, and teams. This session will bring together e-commerce leaders from across the team sports ecosystem to explore how organizations are adapting their digital strategies to better serve today’s consumers. Gain insights from industry leaders on emerging trends, innovative platforms, and practical approaches that support sustainable growth, strengthen customer relationships, and help expand participation across team sports.

SPEAKERS:

The AI Playbook: How Technology and Innovation Are Reshaping Team Sports

AI is changing the game and reshaping the rules – literally and digitally. From real-time pitch challenges being introduced in baseball, to the many levels of instant replay assist, to advanced analytics and fan data powered by AI, technology is redefining how sports are played, coached, and experienced. This session will explore how AI is being integrated across all levels of competition, including its growing influence on college and high school athletics. We will discuss the benefits and challenges of adopting AI-driven tools, the impact on athlete development, and what these innovations mean for the future playbook of sports and fan interactions.

SPEAKERS:

The State of the Industry

Team sports leaders are navigating a dynamic environment shaped by economic uncertainty, tariff pressures, and shifting participation behaviors. In this session, SFIA will share exclusive insights from our 2026 State of the Industry Report, grounded in the latest participation data and executive survey benchmarks. Attendees will gain a clearer understanding of participation trends, current industry sentiment, and how organizations are performing relative to their peers. Designed to provide context and clarity, this session offers a data-driven opportunity to assess where the industry stands today and how leaders can position themselves for the remainder of the year.

SPEAKER:

Inside the High School Sports Arena: Top Initiatives Shaping the Path Forward

As high school sports continue to evolve across states and communities, programs are navigating new expectations, shifting participation patterns, and rapidly changing day‑to‑day realities. In this session, leading voices from the NFHS – the national authority on high school sports and activities – and the National Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (NIAAA) – the organization dedicated to supporting and developing athletic administrators – will unpack the top initiatives shaping the future of the high school sports arena. Hear directly from the national organizations influencing policies, setting priorities, and guiding athletic departments across the country. Gain valuable, forward‑looking insight into the trends and initiatives redefining high school sports – and what these shifts could mean for the broader team sports ecosystem.

Questions on the Team Sports Conference or interested in sponsorship opportunities? Contact Lisa Futterman at [email protected].

Click here to see photos from the 2025 event!
Photos Courtesy of G.Watson Images

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