Houston Business Journal presents Business of Sports 2026

College athletics leaders to discuss the growing economic impact of college sports in Houston

Mar. 12, 2026 at 7:21pm

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The Houston Business Journal is hosting the 2026 Business of Sports Panel: The College Athletics Power Play — How College Sports Fuel Local Economies, bringing together athletic directors from major universities across Texas and the Gulf Coast to explore how college athletics extend far beyond school pride, driving business activity, shaping local economies and influencing the future of the sports industry.

Why it matters

College sports have become a major economic driver for many cities and regions, with the potential to generate significant revenue, create jobs, and boost local businesses. This event will provide insights into how universities are leveraging their athletic programs to build brands, strengthen community ties, and create new opportunities for fan engagement.

The details

The event will feature a panel discussion moderated by Houston Business Journal sports reporter Chandler France, with panelists including athletic directors from Louisiana State University, Texas Christian University, the University of Texas at Austin, Rice University, Texas A&M University, and the University of Houston. They will discuss how their universities are building brands, strengthening community ties, and creating new opportunities for fan engagement through athletics.

  • The event will be held on April 21, 2026 from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.
  • Early bird tickets are currently available, but space is limited.

The players

Verge Ausberry

Director of athletics at Louisiana State University.

Mike Buddie

Director of intercollegiate athletics at Texas Christian University.

Chris Del Conte

Vice president and athletics director at the University of Texas at Austin.

Tommy McClelland

Vice president and director of athletics at Rice University.

Taylor McGillis

Executive associate athletic director for external relations and revenue generation at Texas A&M University.

Eddie Nuñez

Vice president for athletics at the University of Houston.

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What’s next

The location of the event will be released at a later date. Organizers note that all ticket purchases are final and non-refundable, though registrations may be transferred to another guest if the purchaser cannot attend.

The takeaway

This event will provide valuable insights into how universities are leveraging their athletic programs to drive economic growth and create new opportunities for fan engagement in the Houston region. It highlights the growing importance of college sports as a key component of local economic development strategies.