Two former Sorare executives are launching the SportGen Summit, a new business conference set to take place in Paris during the Roland-Garros tennis tournament. The event aims to gather top executives and innovators from the global sports industry, capitalizing on the influx of decision-makers already in the city for the Grand Slam.
The founders, who previously held senior roles at the French blockchain-based fantasy sports platform Sorare, identified a gap in the market for a high-level, curated networking event focused on sports business, technology, and investment. They plan to host the summit at a venue near the Roland-Garros stadium, leveraging the tournament's prestige and international attendance to attract speakers and attendees from major sports leagues, clubs, media rights holders, and tech startups.
The SportGen Summit will feature panels, keynotes, and workshops covering topics such as fan engagement, digital transformation, sports betting, and the intersection of sports with AI and Web3. Organizers expect participation from executives at organizations like the NBA, La Liga, and leading sports agencies, as well as venture capitalists specializing in sports tech.
The event is scheduled for late May to early June, coinciding with the second week of Roland-Garros. Tickets will be limited to ensure an exclusive, high-quality networking experience. The founders emphasize that the summit is not a trade show but a focused business forum designed to facilitate meaningful connections and deal-making.
By timing the summit with Roland-Garros, the organizers aim to attract a global audience already present in Paris, reducing travel friction and maximizing attendance from key industry players. They also plan to offer attendees access to matches and hospitality events, blending business with the unique atmosphere of the tournament.
The SportGen Summit represents a strategic move to position Paris as a hub for sports business innovation, building on the momentum from the 2024 Olympics and the city's growing reputation as a tech and startup ecosystem. The founders hope the event will become an annual fixture on the sports industry calendar.