2025 INVEST IN SPORTS LOS ANGELES
Panel Timing Subject to Change - Additional Speakers and Panels To Be Announced!
Rachel Nichols, Television Host & Sports Reporter, FOX Sports
In this exclusive keynote, veteran agent Nez Balelo pulls back the curtain on one of the most closely watched athlete-agent partnerships in modern sports: his long-standing work with Shohei Ohtani. Orchestrating one of the most innovative contracts in sports history, Balelo shares how trust, strategy, and long-term vision have shaped Ohtani’s trajectory on and off the field.
Nez Balelo, Head of International Baseball, CAA
Moderated by Ben Verlander, Major League Baseball Analyst; Host, Flippin’ Bats Podcast
The growth in women’s sports isn’t just a movement - it’s a market opportunity. From media rights and franchise valuations to fan engagement and brand partnerships, this panel brings together voices from across the ecosystem - team, league, athlete, investor, and strategists - to unpack what’s driving momentum, where the money’s going, and how much upside remains.
Frank Arthofer, President, OneTeam Partners
Carmen Bona, President, Business Operations, Angel City FC
Kara Nortman, Managing Partner, Monarch Collective
Moderated by Haley Rosen, Founder & CEO, Just Women's Sports
In this conversation, presidents of LA’s leading franchises explore what it takes to build, sustain, and evolve winning organizations in one of the most competitive markets in the world. From fan engagement and venue innovation to media strategy, partnerships, and community leadership, this panel offers an inside look at how LA teams are shaping the future of the sports industry, both on and off the field. Gain executive insight into navigating market pressures, brand building in a city of stars, and leading teams through cultural and business transformation.
Larry Berg, Co-Managing Owner, LAFC
Christine Monjer, President, Los Angeles Sparks
Luc Robitaille, President, Los Angeles Kings
Moderated by Brent Lawrence, Founder & CEO, Accelerate Sports
Michael D. Eisner, Founder of The Tornante Company and former CEO of The Walt Disney Company, joins us for a conversation on leadership, investment strategy, and building lasting value in sports. Drawing on his experience guiding one of the world’s most iconic media companies and leading Portsmouth Football Club, Eisner will share insights on what it takes to run successful organizations, navigate change, and approach sports as a long-term business opportunity.
Michael D. Eisner, Founder & CEO, The Tornante Company
Moderated by Scott Soshnick, Editor-in-Chief, Sportico
Get an inside look at the strategies that drive some of the most successful sports organizations in the world. In this exclusive panel, presidents from the Los Angeles Dodgers, Los Angeles Clippers and San Francisco 49ers will dive deep into the art of leadership, innovation and decision-making in the competitive sports industry. Moderated by Daniel Zweben, Managing Director at Moelis & Company, this dynamic conversation will explore how these executives build winning teams, expand brand influence, and create a lasting impact on their respective communities.
Stan Kasten, CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers
Al Guido, President, San Francisco 49ers; Chairman & CEO, Elevate
Gillian Zucker, President of Business Operations, Los Angeles Clippers
Moderated by Daniel Zweben, Managing Director, Moelis & Company
Los Angeles Rams Head Coach Sean McVay and Chief Marketing Officer Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick share how the team is redefining what it means to lead a modern NFL franchise. From culture and leadership to fan connection and brand evolution, this conversation explores how the Rams are navigating the intersection of performance, entertainment, and innovation in the most competitive sports market in the world.
Sean McVay, Head Coach, Los Angeles Rams
Kathryn Kai-ling Frederick, CMO, Los Angeles Rams
In this conversation, we'll explore how capital is being deployed across the sports ecosystem - from team ownership and infrastructure to initiatives aimed at driving equity and community engagement. The discussion will examine how investment strategies in sports are evolving, and where financial performance and social impact intersect.
Jason Wright, Managing Partner and Head of Investments, Project Level (Ariel Investments)
Xavier A. Gutierrez, Chairman & CEO, ImpactX Sports Group, LLC
As the sports and entertainment world rapidly evolves, digital strategy and event experiences are transforming how fans interact with teams, leagues, and venues. Join FOX Sports’ Michael Bucklin, SVP, Digital and Adolfo Romero, VP of Event Booking for SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park, for an inside look at how media companies and iconic venues are adapting to shifting consumer behavior. With Los Angeles preparing to host global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup, hear how leaders are leveraging digital platforms, venue innovation, and fan-centric strategies to stay ahead in one of the world’s most competitive markets in a panel hosted by award-winning sports journalist, Rachel Nichols.
Michael Bucklin, Senior Vice President, Digital, FOX Sports
Adolfo Romero, VP of Programming and Booking for SoFi Stadium and Hollywood Park
Moderated by Rachel Nichols, Television Host & Sports Reporter
As the sports landscape continues to evolve, new leagues are rising to meet the demands of a global, diverse audience. This panel explores the unique challenges and opportunities in investing in and developing breakthrough sports leagues. From securing initial funding to building sustainable infrastructures and attracting top talent, panelists will delve into the strategic decisions that drive the success of these leagues. We’ll examine the role of investors in shaping the future of sports, how to foster community engagement, and what it takes to scale leagues in an increasingly competitive market.
Cristina Georgoulakis, Partner, Seven Seven Six
Kayla Green, CMO, Athlos
Victorien Tixier, Co-Founder & CEO, Scoreplay
Moderated by Eric Jackson, Reporter, Sportico
In today’s evolving landscape, athletes are no longer confined to the playing field—they’re building empires, shaping industries, and redefining wealth through purposeful investing and entrepreneurship. This dynamic panel brings together athletes who have successfully transitioned from sports icons to influential investors and business leaders. Learn what drives their investment strategies, the challenges they’ve faced, and how they’re using their influence to create lasting impact beyond the game.
Jozy Altidore, Former Soccer Player; Limited Partner, Buffalo Bills
Michael Johnson, Founder and Commissioner of Grand Slam Track
Moderated by Joe Lum, Regional President, MAI Capital Management
Rachel Nichols, Television Host & Sports Reporter, FOX Sports
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