Listen to this article

The basics:

• Global Game Summit set for June 9 at Prudential Center in Newark
• Timed with FIFA World Cup matches in New Jersey, including MetLife Stadium games
• Event convenes leaders in soccer, media, tech, investment
• Program to cover AI, media rights, ownership, fan monetization, women’s game

The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit will return for a second year, bringing together leaders across sports, media, technology and investment at a pivotal moment for the industry.

GK Digital Ventures announced the event in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. It will take place June 9 at Prudential Center in Newark — the same week the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off. New Jersey will host Brazil vs. Morocco June 13 for the first of eight matches that will take place at MetLife Stadium. Dubbed New York New Jersey Stadium for the tournament, the area will also host the Final; putting the eyes of the world on the region and the great Garden State.

The event will be the only B2B soccer summit of its kind during World Cup match week. It event builds on the success of 2025’s inaugural meeting. NJBIZ was on hand for that first gathering at Prudential Center last summer, which attracted participants from 28 countries.

This year’s program will again convene international stakeholders while expanding focus to include key trends shaping the global game. Topics will include:

• Ownership and capital
• Media rights and distribution
• Artificial intelligence and data
• The creator economy and fan monetization
• Gaming and emerging platforms
• The continued rise of the women’s game

Meeting the moment

Greg Kahn is CEO and founder of GK Digital Ventures and founder of The Global Game Summit. He said the event is back because this moment is too big to miss.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Dylan Wanagiel, vice president, Sports Properties and Special Events at Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment, said HBSE is proud to bring the event back for a second year.

It returns with an expanded agenda along with a timely launch.

“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,” he said. “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.”

Attendance is limited. Organizers frame the summit as a curated, high-level gathering aligned with one of the most consequential weeks in global soccer. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com, with additional information at globalgamesummit.com.