INVEST NEW YORK 2026
Panel Timing Subject to Change
As institutional capital continues to reshape the sports landscape, José E. Feliciano and Kwanza Jones are bringing a distinct perspective to the next era of team ownership. Following their investment in the San Diego Padres, the pair will discuss the evolving economics of professional sports, the opportunities driving investment in major league franchises, and their vision for building long-term value both on and off the field.
As sports franchise valuations continue to soar and new investment opportunities emerge across the global sports landscape, Al Tylis offers an insider’s perspective on the evolving business of sports ownership. Drawing on his experience investing in professional sports, Tylis will discuss what makes sports an attractive asset class, the opportunities and challenges facing investors, and where he sees the next wave of growth across the industry.
Once driven primarily by nostalgia and fandom, sports collectibles have evolved into a multibillion-dollar marketplace attracting serious investors, record-breaking valuations, and a new generation of buyers. Darren Rovell, AJ Scaramucci, and Ken Goldin will explore the forces fueling the growth of the collectibles industry, from the rising value of rare memorabilia to the influence of athletes, technology, and digital marketplaces. The conversation will examine what drives value, how the market is evolving, and where the next opportunities lie at the intersection of sports, culture, and commerce.
As franchise valuations reach new heights and institutional capital plays an increasingly influential role in sports, the dealmaking landscape is becoming more complex and competitive. Moderated by New York Islanders co-owner Jon Ledecky, this conversation brings together three of the industry's leading dealmakers, Rob Tilliss of Inner Circle Sports, Steve Greenberg of Allen & Company, and Gregg Lemkau of BDT & MSD Partners, for an inside look at the transactions reshaping professional sports. From franchise acquisitions and ownership stakes to private equity investment and innovative financing structures, the discussion will explore what drives valuations, how deals are structured and negotiated, and where the next wave of opportunities is emerging across the global sports industry.
As sports franchises continue to attract new sources of capital, family offices are emerging as increasingly influential players in the ownership and investment landscape. With flexible investment horizons, patient capital, and a long-term approach to value creation, family offices are bringing a distinct perspective to sports investing. Chris Small of Black Owl Capital and Tory Palmer of Bolt Ventures will discuss what is driving their growing interest in professional sports, how they evaluate opportunities across teams and leagues, and the role family capital will play in shaping the next generation of sports ownership.
As the business of sports continues to evolve, the relationship between fans, brands, and leagues is creating new opportunities for engagement and revenue growth. Moderated by Sportico's Jacob Feldman, this conversation brings together Glenn Schiffman of Fanatics and Will Stredwick of American Express to explore how strategic partnerships are transforming the fan experience, unlocking new ways to connect with consumers, and building value beyond the game. From commerce and payments to loyalty and personalized experiences, the discussion will examine how companies are capitalizing on the passion of sports fans to drive innovation and long-term growth.
After helping define the NIL era, Haley and Hanna Cavinder are taking the next step: building a business of their own. The former college basketball stars and entrepreneurs join Sportico's Sara Germano to discuss their transition from brand partnerships to ownership, the launch of their wellness company Go-Two, and how they're leveraging their audience, business experience, and entrepreneurial instincts to create lasting enterprise value. The conversation explores the evolving opportunities for athletes to become founders, investors, and business leaders long after their playing careers end.
From professional sports to the world of business and investing, athletes are leveraging their experience, networks, and capital to build successful ventures and create lasting value beyond their playing careers. Moderated by Kara Nortman of Monarch Collective, this conversation brings together NBA legend and investor Grant Hill and two-time world champion sailor Mike Buckley, Co-Owner, CEO and Team Principal of the United States SailGP Team, to explore how athletes are translating lessons from competition into success in the boardroom. From investing in emerging companies and pursuing team ownership opportunities to launching their own businesses, the discussion will examine their investment strategies, entrepreneurial journeys, and the opportunities they see across sports and the broader business landscape.
A new generation of owners, investors, and executives is bringing fresh perspectives to the business of sports, rethinking how teams are operated, how fans are engaged, and how franchises build long-term value. Moderated by Sportico's Tom Lowry, this conversation brings together Daniel Sillman of Ross Sports & Entertainment, Josh Glessing of the Milwaukee Bucks and Fiserv Forum, and Joe Pagliuca of PagsGroup to explore evolving ownership models and the growing intersection of sports, media, and entertainment. The discussion will explore the opportunities and responsibilities of ownership, strategies for building lasting franchise value, and the future of the industry.
While private equity and franchise acquisitions dominate headlines, the public markets offer investors another avenue to capitalize on the growth of the global sports economy. From publicly traded teams and media businesses to investment vehicles focused on the industry, this conversation will examine how Wall Street is evaluating opportunities across the sports landscape. Chris Marangi and Greg Maffei will discuss valuation trends, investment strategies, and the opportunities and challenges shaping the future of investing in publicly traded sports businesses.
As basketball's global footprint continues to expand, the NBA is finding new ways to grow the game, engage fans and unlock commercial opportunities around the world. NBA Deputy Commissioner and Chief Operating Officer Mark Tatum joins Sportico's Scott Soshnick for a wide-ranging conversation on the league's evolving business strategy, from international expansion and emerging markets to media rights, partnerships and the next generation of basketball fans. The discussion will explore the opportunities shaping the NBA's future and what comes next for one of the world's most influential sports leagues.
As stadiums and arenas evolve into year-round destinations and major economic engines, investment in sports infrastructure is creating new opportunities for teams, developers, and investors. Moderated by David Abrams of Inner Circle Sports, this conversation brings together Bruce A. Beal Jr. of Related Companies and Pat Ryan Jr. of Ryan Sports Development to explore the capital strategies, financing models, and partnerships driving the next generation of sports venues, from major stadium projects to surrounding mixed-use developments. The discussion will examine the evolving economics of sports real estate, the challenges of bringing ambitious projects to life, and opportunities to generate long-term value for teams, investors, and communities.