Axios, Meridian International Center Partner to host Inaugural Sports Diplomacy Forum
January 14, 2026
1 big thing: Axios will join Meridian International Center as its official media partner to host the inaugural Sports Diplomacy Forum on January 29, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
Why it matters: The 2026 Sports Diplomacy Forum comes ahead of the U.S.-hosted FIFA World Cup, LA28 Olympics, and Salt Lake City Winter Olympics 2034, offering critical insights into sports as a powerful tool of diplomacy from senior thought leaders.
- Axios reporters Maxwell Millington and Eleanor Hawkins will lead candid conversations with top government, industry, and diplomatic voices at the first-of-its-kind Forum.
Confirmed speakers include:
- The Hon. Muriel Bowser, Mayor, District of Columbia
- Michelle Freeman, Owner, Washington Spirit
- Alex Lasry, CEO, FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee
- Dilpreet Sidhu, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs, Los Angeles, CA
- The Hon. Quinton Lucas, Mayor, Kansas City
- Rick Wade, Senior Vice President of Strategic Alliances and Outreach, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Michelle Strauss, Chairman, Strauss Family Office
- Mark Tatum, Deputy Commissioner, NBA
- Marjorie Harris, Co-Founder, Harris Philanthropies
- Kelsey Trainor, Advisor, Athena Global Advisors
- Jason Wright, Partner, Ariel Investments
- Deborah Lehr, Interim CEO, Meridian International Center
Register join the livestream here: https://diplomacyforum.meridian.org/sports-interest
For questions, please email communications@meridian.org.
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