About The Event
The days of professional sports being so focused on the Big Four are long gone. Today’s sports fans are following far more than the NFL, NBA, MLB, and NHL. The WNBA had its most successful season in history. The NWSL is expanding into new markets. Olympic viewership renewed interest in sports like track and field, rugby, and cricket. And there are esports on ESPN.
Tune in May 15, 2025 at 1pm ET as we speak with experts from emerging leagues and the brands that support them about what these leagues are doing to keep growing.
Agenda
How Esports Are Changing the Game
Esports have evolved from niche gaming communities to packing arenas and garnering major brand sponsorships despite minimal traditional broadcast presence. Explosive growth in the industry has established a new blueprint for how leagues can build massive audiences and monetize engagement in this new media era.
Challenger Leagues
Emerging pro sports leagues like the PWHL, PLL, UFL and USL are not just creating new opportunities for athletes but also are rewriting models for how leagues operate, engage fans, and generate revenue. From the PWHL’s take on women’s hockey to the PLL’s touring model, these leagues are proving there is more than one way to build a successful sports property.
Big Growth for Global Games
International leagues are showing that global sports can capture new fans in America, as demonstrated by the U.S. success of Major League Cricket, Rugby, and European soccer clubs. As these leagues reshape the global sports landscape, they’re unlocking new revenue streams and fan bases in untapped markets.