Overview
The Middle East Sports Investment Forum 2026 is Europe’s leading conference and exhibition covering the latest trends in sport investment in the Middle East. This forum, powered by the Ministry of Investment in Saudi Arabia, will welcome representatives from across the world, including public and private sector investors, sports brands, broadcasters, infrastructure providers and key regional sports stakeholders. Attendees will convene to discuss the latest trends in sports finance and investment, stadium design, sports technology, sports tourism, and fan engagement.
We are proud to be a Gold Sponsor of the event. To be a part of this forum, please register here.
Sessions
June 2, 18:10–18:20 pm BST
The next chapter — Sport, strategy and legacy in a changing Middle East
This keynote will explore how the Middle East sports ecosystem is entering its next phase of growth, shaped by investment, infrastructure, mega-events, and the commercialization of sporting assets. It will also examine how governments, investors, and industry leaders can build sustainable sports economies and create long-term legacies beyond major tournaments and venues.
Presenters: Guillaume Thibault, partner, Oliver Wyman; Ivan Shapochkin, partner, Oliver Wyman
June 3, 11:50–12:25 pm BST
Commercialization of sporting assets — Investing in clubs, infrastructure and lands
This panel will explore how sports organizations, investors, and governments are unlocking new sources of value by commercializing sporting assets across the Middle East. Discussions are likely to focus on investment opportunities in clubs, stadiums, mixed-use developments, and surrounding real estate, as well as the role of infrastructure, partnerships, and long-term strategic planning in building sustainable and commercially viable sports ecosystems.
Speakers: Guillaume Thibault, partner, Oliver Wyman; Senior Representative, Ministry of Sports; Jam Bisgrove, CEO, Al Qadsiah Club; Samantha Bailey, director of Stadium Revenue, Tottenham Hotspur; Koen Bosma, partner and Head of VC, APEX
Moderator: Trevor Watkins, Global Head of Sports and Entertainment, Pinsent Masons
Meet the team
