SPORTNXT 2025 FIRST SPEAKERS AND TOPICS ANNOUNCED
5 Dec 2024
SportNXT, the premier international thought-leadership summit, returns to Melbourne for its fourth edition from March 12-14, 2025. Backed by the steadfast support of the Victorian Government, the landmark event will bring together domestic and global leaders to drive forward-thinking discussions shaping the future of the sports industry.
Taking place once again at CENTREPIECE at Melbourne & Olympic Park, the summit will offer unparalleled access to visionary voices in global sport and business. The first two days will feature a world-class lineup of in-person and virtual presentations, while the final day will showcase Melbourne’s world-renowned sports infrastructure through curated VIP site visits. Tickets are available for purchase now at Ticketek.com.
Today’s announcement is headlined by the participation of Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA) Commissioner Cathy Engelbert, who will join live from the US, World Rugby CEO Alan Gilpin, Brisbane 2032’s new CCO Francois-Xavier Bonnaillie, and Major League Baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred who will join virtually.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos MP said it’s great to welcome SportNXT back to Melbourne in 2025.
“SportNXT has become one of the biggest events where global sporting topics are discussed and great sports minds come together. Where better to host this event – in the sporting capital of country, right here in Melbourne.”
With an ever-growing list of esteemed speakers, those announced today to take the stage in 2025 include:
- Cathy Engelbert – Commissioner, Women’s National Basketball Association (WNBA)*
- Alan Gilpin – CEO, World Rugby
- Rob Manfred – Commissioner, Major League Baseball (MLB)*
- Francois-Xavier Bonnaillie – CCO, Brisbane 2032
- Nina Walsh – Global Leader, Business Development, Amazon Web Services
- Andrew Dillon – CEO, AFL
- Liz Ellis AO – Chair, Netball Australia
- Rowena Samarasinhe – Managing Director, GENSport
- Leanne Bats – Head of Digital & Innovation, Sport Waikato
- Dave Stevenson – CEO, National Basketball League
- Kylie Rogers – CEO, Victoria Racing Club
- Ed Sanders – CCO, Cricket Australia
- Marissa Pace – Former CMO, World Rugby and Head of Marketing, Formula 1; Consultant
- Margot Foster – Boardroom Excellence Australia
*speakers participating virtually.
The summit will feature over 60 speakers with further speaker announcements planned over the coming weeks and months.
2025 Content Themes
The 2025 program will explore a diverse range of critical topics and trends shaping the future of the sports industry. Main Stage panels will delve into various topics, including:
- The state of sport and macro trends around the globe
- An investor forum exploring the trends driving capital investment in sport
- The evolution of women’s sport
- The future of sports venues and fan experience
- Media innovation, content creation and its growing dominance in the marketing sphere
- Takeaways from the Paris Olympics and the implications for future major sporting events.
Complementing these themes, breakout streams will focus on commercial and revenue growth, fan experience, emerging technology, including AI, and brands and marketing, ensuring a comprehensive exploration of the opportunities and challenges in global sport. In a new feature for 2025, the event will also feature a range of interactive workshops exploring various topics, including sustainability, diversity and inclusion, and ethics & integrity.
About SportNXT
SportNXT 2024 attracted nearly 1,000 delegates from 20 countries, with over 50% comprising c-suite, board, and senior sport leaders, facilitating valuable networking opportunities with industry decision-makers. Renowned past speakers have included NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, Formula 1® President and CEO Stefano Domenicali, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver, ESPN President Jimmy Pitaro, Angel City FC Co-Founder & President Julie Uhrman, LA28 Chair Casey Wasserman, Brisbane 2032 Chair Andrew Liveris AO, all Australian League Commissioners, and executives from the likes of Tesla, NewsCorp, Disney, FIFA, Foxtel, Silver Lake, and ONE Championship.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Stephanie Rudnick,
Emmanuel Cavaleri
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