Celebrating 250 Years of Giving
Sports Philanthropy
World 2026
Three days where the leaders of sports philanthropy gather to sharpen their impact. Keynotes, the national Pitch Competition, the Sports Philanthropy Awards, and the launch of the Hall of Fame.
The Room Is the Reason
Executives, funders, athletes, and nonprofit leaders from across the country. Here is who was in the room in 2024 and 2025.
Where They Come From
Who They Are
Who They Represent
A National Gathering in the Nation’s Capital
Hosted at George Washington University in the year America celebrates its 250th, SPW2026 brings the sports philanthropy community together where giving and history meet.
Three Days. One Mission.
Select a day for the summary below, or open the full schedule with every speaker and panelist. Agenda subject to change.
Kickoff Reception
Opening Keynote — Authentic Identity
About this keynote
When identity becomes unclear, culture weakens, trust erodes, and impact drifts. Blending storytelling, cinematic visuals, original live music, and practical leadership strategy, Michael King challenges leaders to move beyond performance and reconnect with purpose, because the strongest organizations are built on leaders whose authenticity creates trust and unites people around a mission worth believing in.
SPW2026 Pitch Competition
Four finalists take the stage before a judging panel including Leigh Steinberg, Rhonda Klch, Mikel Thomas, and Roland Weedon. See the Pitch & Awards section below to meet the finalists.
After Hours Networking
Marriott Lobby
Registration, Breakfast and Networking
The Self-Care Room, hosted by Kristie Abbs (Asst. Professor of Social Work, Slippery Rock University), is open all day for rest, connection, and practical wellness techniques.
Opening Keynote — Humanality™
About this keynote
Drawing on his years as a Division I athlete, a decade of coaching, and 16 years as a Global Executive at The Ritz-Carlton, Bart Berkey shares a practical framework for building cultures where donors, volunteers, athletes, and communities feel genuinely valued, seen, and heard. Donors give more when they feel connected. Volunteers stay longer when they feel valued. Communities show up when they feel seen.
Lunch Keynote
Panels and Breakout Sessions
Running through 5:30 pm. See the full Tuesday schedule for every panel and speaker.
Leigh Steinberg Book Signing
Meet Leigh, hear about his career and work, and purchase one of his books with proceeds donated to nonprofits.
Sports Philanthropy Awards Hall of Fame Launch
The annual Sports Philanthropy Awards, plus the reveal of the Inaugural Class of 2026 of the Sports Philanthropy Hall of Fame.
After Hours Networking
Marriott Lobby
Registration, Breakfast and Networking
Morning Keynote Speaker to be announced
Panels and Breakout Sessions
Closing Keynote — The Business Case for Strategic Philanthropy
About this keynote
What if clubs are missing a golden opportunity to deploy philanthropy strategically, supporting financial performance while strengthening communities? Steve Rochlin shares findings from his Project ROI research quantifying the financial potential of philanthropy done well, with best practices for clubs and companies alike.
Workshops and Roundtables
Including the invitation-only Funders Forum, a working session where funders collaborate on the hardest questions of grantee engagement and impact ROI.
Workshops and Roundtables
Two Nights That Define SPW2026
The Pitch Competition
Four finalists — Beyond The Season, FootIntel, Life Beyond the Game, and Uplifting Athletes — pitch live for the future of their organizations before a panel of judges.
The Awards & Hall of Fame Launch
The annual Sports Philanthropy Awards honor the people and organizations moving the field forward. This year adds history: the Sports Philanthropy Hall of Fame launches with its Inaugural Class of 2026, revealed live.
Nominations open
Hotel Room Blocks
Washington Marriott Georgetown
202-872-1500 Book this rate
Courtyard Washington DC / Foggy Bottom
202-296-5700 Book this rate
SPW2026 Sponsors
SPW2026 is made possible by the sponsors who invest in the sports philanthropy community.
Interested in sponsoring? View the SPW2026 sponsorship flyer · See our SPW2025 sponsors
Be in the Room
Where Impact Happens
August 3–5, 2026 at George Washington University, Washington, DC. Three days of keynotes, competition, connection, and the launch of the Sports Philanthropy Hall of Fame.