MEDIA ADVISORY: 2026 Meridian Sports Diplomacy Forum

WHAT: Meridian International Center, a nonpartisan center for diplomacy founded in 1960, will host the Sports Diplomacy Forum, an inaugural convening of industry leaders, investors, policymakers, and cultural influencers. The half-day event on Thursday, January 29 (1:00 PM–5:30 PM ET) will explore the powerful role of sports as a catalyst for economic growth, community development, and global engagement. 

WHO: Confirmed 2026 Sports Diplomacy Forum speakers and leaders include:

  • Michelle Freeman, Owner, Washington Spirit
  • Alex Lasry, CEO, FIFA World Cup 26 NYNJ Host Committee
  • Mark Tatum, Deputy Commissioner, NBA
  • Rick Wade, Senior Vice President, Strategic Alliances and Outreach, U.S. Chamber of Commerce
  • Quinton Lucas, Mayor, KC Mayor
  • Dilpreet Sidhu, Deputy Mayor of International Affairs, Los Angeles Mayor's Office
  • Marjorie Harris, Co-Founder, Harris Philanthropies
  • Kelsey Trainor, Advisor, Athena Global Advisors
  • Jason Wright, Partner, Ariel Investments
  • Deborah Lehr, Interim CEO, Meridian International Center

2026 Sports Diplomacy Forum Sponsors: Axios (Media Partner), Jetr, Fanduel, Strauss Family Foundation

WHEN: Thursday, January 29, 2026 | 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM ET  

WHERE: Meridian House, 1630 Crescent Place, NW, Washington, DC 20009

WHY: The 2026 Sports Diplomacy Forum comes ahead of the US-hosted FIFA World Cup, LA28 Olympics, and Salt Lake City Winter Olympics 2034, offering exclusive insights into sports as a powerful tool of diplomacy from senior thought leaders. Key discussion themes will include:

  • Winning Public-Private Partnerships
  • Local Leaders Shaping Global Sports Diplomacy
  • Investing in Impact Through Global Sport
  • The Rise of Women’s Sports as a Force for Social and Economic Progress
  • Global Impact of Major Sports Leagues and International Sporting Events

RSVP: Members of the media should RSVP by contacting Meridian International Center’s Communications team at communications@meridian.org, or request an invitation here.  

PHOTO/INTERVIEW OPPORTUNITIES: The Sports Diplomacy Forum offers rich coverage possibilities. Journalists can arrange interviews with leading corporate and diplomatic figures on site. Photo/video highlights include panel discussions and networking. Please email the team at Communications@Meridian.org for more information. 

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