NEWARK, N.J.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), today announced the return of “The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit,” set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.
The Global Game exists because the industry demanded a room where the real conversations happen — about ownership, media, technology, and the future of the sport.
Against that backdrop, The Global Game Summit brings together senior leaders across media, technology, ownership, and investment, with participation from international leagues, investors, and operators from over 25 countries at a time when the economics of global soccer are rapidly evolving. Additionally, the 2026 program will place a strong emphasis on the rapid global growth of the women’s game — across media, investment, and cultural influence — reflecting one of the most important commercial shifts in global soccer today.
The inaugural Global Game Summit drew senior leaders from 28 countries — and established itself as the premier business summit at the intersection of soccer, media, and technology. This year, it returns as the only B2B soccer gathering of its kind during World Cup match week, the same week New Jersey hosts Brazil vs. Morocco.
“The Global Game exists because the industry demanded a room where the real conversations happen — about ownership, media, technology, and the future of the sport,” said Greg Kahn, CEO and Founder of GK Digital Ventures and Founder of The Global Game Summit. “This year, the World Cup comes to our backyard, and New Jersey isn’t just hosting matches, it’s hosting the Final. There is no more powerful moment or place for the business of global soccer to convene, and The Global Game will be the only gathering of this caliber happening during match week. We’re back because this moment is too big to miss.”
“From the moment The Global Game launched, it was clear this was something different — a room built for business leaders having important conversations about where this sport is going,” said Dylan Wanagiel, Vice President, Sports Properties and Special Events, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. “New Jersey is now at the center of the global soccer universe, and there is no better venue than Prudential Center for the business of the game to gather. We’re proud to bring The Global Game Summit back for a second year, expanded and more timely than ever.”
2026 Programming Highlights
As a curated, full-day summit, the 2026 program will focus on key forces shaping the global game.
- Ownership & Capital – Club owners, investors, and league executives on the future of soccer’s ownership landscape, including the rise of sovereign funds, private equity, and multi-club models.
- Brands, Marketing & Global Market Entry – How brands are activating around the World Cup, and the country-specific investment and expansion strategies driving the sport’s global growth.
- Women’s Game & Global Growth – The business, media, and cultural forces driving the fastest-growing segment of global soccer.
- Athletes as Platforms – Top athletes on their roles as business builders, brand partners, and global icons.
- AI, Tech & Data – Technology leaders on AI, data, and the next wave of performance and fan engagement innovation.
- Media Rights & Distribution – How streaming platforms, leagues, and broadcasters are reshaping control of the fan relationship.
- Creator Economy & Fan Monetization – How athletes, clubs, and creators are building direct-to-fan businesses and turning digital engagement, merchandising and content into real revenue.
- Gaming & Emerging Platforms – How gaming ecosystems are driving the next generation of fans.
Attendance is limited. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com
For additional details, including partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.globalgamesummit.com
About GK Digital Ventures
GK Digital Ventures is an advisory firm focused on emerging media, technology, and global sports, known for convening senior leaders and building high-impact industry platforms.
About Prudential Center
Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League’s (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University’s NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball program, Professional Women’s Hockey League’s (PWHL) New York Sirens and more than 210 concerts, family shows and special events each year. Ranked in the Top 10 worldwide by Pollstar, Billboard and various other industry publications, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually. For more information about Prudential Center, visit https://www.prucenter.com/ and follow the arena on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok @PruCenter. Prudential Center is a HBSE property.
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