Meridian to Honor Dana White for Transforming UFC into a Global Cultural Force
Dana White, President & CEO of UFC, headlines Meridian’s global sports gathering
Program also features conversation with Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group Holdings, and Brian Rolapp, CEO of the PGA Tour
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
WASHINGTON, DC, June 4, 2026—Meridian International Center will host The New Power Play on June 11, 2026, at Meridian House in Washington, DC—highlighting how sport is shaping modern diplomacy—and how it connects nations, inspires fans, and strengthens America’s global influence.
Taking place at a pivotal moment for global sport in the United States and as the country marks its 250th anniversary, the event brings together Meridian’s partners at TKO Group Holdings, UFC, and the U.S. Department of State to advance dialogue at the intersection of sport, culture, business, and international affairs.
A Global Sports Leadership Dialogue
The program will open with a featured conversation between Mark Shapiro, President and COO of TKO Group Holdings, and Brian Rolapp, CEO of the PGA Tour, moderated by John Ourand, sports correspondent at Puck. Their discussion will explore the evolving global business of sport, including media rights, league expansion, and the growing geopolitical and economic influence of American sports organizations worldwide.
"Sport has always been a bridge between cultures," said Deborah Lehr, Vice Chair and Chair-Elect of the Meridian Board of Trustees. "But what we are seeing now is something more consequential—leagues and athletes operating on a global stage with the reach and credibility to advance understanding in ways that complement the work of diplomats and institutions. Meridian exists to convene exactly this kind of dialogue, and The New Power Play puts the right people in the room."
Dana White to Receive the Meridian Global Leadership Award
During the program, UFC President and CEO Dana White will be honored with the Meridian Global Leadership Award for building one of the most globally influential sports enterprises of the modern era—expanding the UFC’s reach across continents and demonstrating how American sports can transcend borders and shape global culture.
Following the award presentation, White will participate in a fireside conversation hosted by veteran UFC analyst and commentator Laura Sanko, in which he will reflect on UFC’s global growth, the evolution of combat sports as mainstream entertainment, and the role of sports leadership in shaping cultural influence at scale.
“President Trump‘s use of iconic sporting events to project American leadership, combined with the global reach of leagues like the UFC, creates powerful opportunities to advance US interests in ways that traditional diplomacy alone cannot – yet another example of leadership on the global stage,” shared Alexander Gray, CEO of American Global Strategies.
Past recipients of the award include Roger Goodell, Commissioner of the NFL and Mary Barra, CEO of General Motors, reflecting Meridian’s recognition of leaders who leverage sport to connect nations and expand American influence worldwide.
A Platform Where Sport, Diplomacy, and Global Leadership Intersect
The New Power Play is organized as part of the Meridian Center for Culture and Sports Diplomacy. The initiative reflects Meridian's broader mission: to serve as a platform where leaders across sectors, government, business, sport, and media, engage on the issues shaping America's role in the world.
For media credentials or more information, contact:
Danielle Najjar
Senior Director, Communications & Marketing
Dnajjar@meridian.org; communications@meridian.org
About Meridian International Center
Meridian is a nonpartisan center for diplomacy founded in 1960 and headquartered on a historic campus in Washington, D.C. Our mission is to empower leaders to advance the next era of diplomacy for a better future. Our programs strengthen American leadership by accelerating collaboration on shared challenges, increasing economic competitiveness, and building geopolitical resilience. We equip leaders from business, science and technology, cities and states, culture and sports with the insights, networks, and resources to navigate a complex world.