PTTOW! Sports Summit Reveals Strategies for $600 Billion Sports Market Amid ROI Crisis

Executives from major sports leagues and brands gathered to discuss challenges and opportunities in the rapidly evolving sports sponsorship landscape.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 1:39am

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The PTTOW! Sports Summit, an annual event for marketing executives, sports leaders, and cultural icons, convened in November 2024 to address the growing challenges of measuring return on investment (ROI) from sports sponsorships as the global sports market reaches $600 billion. The summit featured discussions on strategies for brands to engage with major events like the 2026 World Cup, the rise of emerging sports leagues, and the importance of authentic connections with younger audiences.

Why it matters

The sports sponsorship industry is facing a crisis as marketing executives struggle to measure the ROI of their investments, even as sports viewership and fan engagement remain high. The PTTOW! Sports Summit provided a platform for industry leaders to share insights and strategies for navigating this complex landscape, which is crucial for brands looking to effectively leverage the power of sports to reach and engage their target audiences.

The details

The PTTOW! Sports Summit brought together 120 CMOs and senior executives from major sports organizations, including the Golden State Warriors, Kansas City Chiefs, NASCAR, LAFC, U.S. Soccer, and the NJ Devils, as well as commissioners, athletes, and cultural leaders. The event featured discussions on topics such as regional activation opportunities for the 2026 World Cup, the growth of emerging sports leagues like the Women's Pro Baseball League, and the importance of looking beyond traditional broadcast giants to reach younger, more engaged audiences.

  • The PTTOW! Sports Summit was held on November 18, 2024.
  • The Women's Pro Baseball League is set to debut in Summer 2026.

The players

Don Garber

Commissioner of Major League Soccer.

Jay Williams

ESPN and Improbable Media personality.

Alex Honnold

Subject of the acclaimed film "Free Solo".

Emily Harrington

Five-time U.S. National Champion in rock climbing.

Justine Siegal

Founder of the Women's Pro Baseball League.

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What they’re saying

“Brand leaders and sports icons coming together to envision the future of this category... that's what PTTOW! Sports is all about.”

— Jay Williams, ESPN and Improbable Media

What’s next

The broader PTTOW! network operates year-round through over 20 member experiences, including regional gatherings during the Super Bowl and Cannes Lions.

The takeaway

The PTTOW! Sports Summit highlighted the growing challenges and opportunities in the sports sponsorship industry, as brands and sports organizations grapple with the need for measurable ROI and authentic connections with younger, more engaged audiences. The event provided a platform for industry leaders to share insights and strategies for navigating this evolving landscape.