Executives, athletes, and industry leaders discuss the business of football at a pivotal moment for the sport in North America. Sponsored by The Hub at Columbia Business School at the Media and Technology program.
With the FIFA World Cup 2026 set to make history as the first tournament hosted across the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Columbia Business School brings together leading voices in sports, media, and business to explore what's at stake. From the commercial opportunities reshaping the game to the lasting legacy for host communities, this forum examines the World Cup's impact on and off the pitch.
10:30 AM - 10:40 AM
Welcome
Jonathan Knee, Columbia Business School
10:40 AM - 11:00 AM
The Context
Sunil Gulati, Columbia College, former US Soccer President
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Panel One: Short and Long Term Commercial Impact
Panelists: John Shea, CEO, Octagon Sports & Entertainment Network; Brad Sims, President & CEO at New York City Football Club (NYCFC); Al Tylis, CEO, Apollo Sports Capital; Moderator: Gary Stevenson, Deputy Commissioner, MLS; President, Soccer United Marketing
12:00 PM - 12:45 PM
Lunch Break
12:45 PM - 01:45 PM
Panel Two: Lived Experience and Legacy
Panelists: Ed Foster-Simeon, President & CEO, U.S. Soccer Foundation; Tim Howard, Broadcaster and Former Goalkeeper, U.S. Soccer; Tammy Murphy, Chair, Board of Directors, New York-New Jersey 2026 FIFA World Cup; Moderator: Sunil Gulati, Former President, U.S. Soccer Federation; Michael K. Dakolias Senior Lecturer Economics, Columbia College