Join Licensing International for the 2026 Sports Licensing Summit: Sports Licensing in Focus. There are massive opportunities in sports licensing, especially as it expands into the entertainment and lifestyle categories. SLS brings together top decision-makers and thought leaders to discuss a range of topics, including Women’s Sports, NIL (Name, Image, Likeness), Changing Retailer Strategies, and more. This event will also include opportunities to network with industry leaders.

Program: 9:30am – 5:00pm
Networking Reception: 5:00pm – 6:00pm

Agenda

9:30 – 10:00 AM Arrivals & Check-In

10:00-10:05 AM Opening Remarks

Maura Regan, President of Licensing International

10:10-10:30 AM Keynote and Q&A
“Going Global with the NFL”

Join Salha Latif to learn about the league’s international expansion and the role consumer products are playing in helping to grow football’s global fan base.

• Salha Latif, Global Vice President of Consumer Products and Licensing at the National Football League (NFL)

10:35-11:15 AM Research Presentation and Q&A

“The Current Score in Sports Licensing”

The Sports & Fitness Industry Association shares new research on the consumer behaviors driving trends in the sports licensing landscape.

• Glenn Horine, Chief Operating Officer of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)

11:20-11:45 AM Coffee & Networking

11:50-12:00 PM Presentation

• Bill Patterson, EVP of Product Authentication at Octane5

12:05-12:25 PM Fireside Chat and Q&A

“The Power of Pickleball”

Pickleball isn’t just the fastest-growing sport in the world; it’s also a masterclass in community-driven brand loyalty. Join industry leaders to deconstruct the pickleball phenomenon and provide a blueprint for brands looking to turn casual players into obsessed advocates.

• Alita Friedman, President of the National Women’s Pickleball Foundation
• Tom Neale, Franchise Owner at The Picklr and Founder at Arete Sports Group

12:30-1:30 PM Lunch

1:30-2:10 PM Roundtable Networking

• Anti-Counterfeiting – Marlon Dubuisson, Manager of External Relations | Customer Trust-Product Integrity at Amazon
• Brand Protection – Tiphaine Grosse, Senior Global Brand Engagement Manager at Amazon
• Capitalizing on Hot Markets – Jon Wheeler, Partner at 500 LEVEL
• Cultivating Fandoms based in Story Telling – Sean Williams, CEO of Detroit Vs. Everybody
• How to Use Research Effectively – Glenn Horine, Chief Operating Officer of the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA)
• In-Person Fan Engagement in Stadiums and Arenas – Robbie Eicher, Resident Creative at RWS Global
• Partnering with the Leagues – Mike Zagurski, VP of Sales at Something Inked
• Pickleball – Alita Friedman, President of the National Women’s Pickleball Foundation
• Player-Focused Strategies – Florence Louisgrand, Vice President of Licensing at MLBPA
• Women in Sports – Rachel Leber, CEO of Rebel Licensing
• Working with a Licensing Agent – Steven Heller, President of The Brand Liaison

2:15-2:55 PM Panel and Q&A
“Re-Writing the Sports Licensing Playbook”

Women in sports are changing the game. From evolving league structures to leveraging athlete engagement, these teams are creating opportunities across consumer products categories and connecting with new audiences. Learn more about how to take advantage of the growing fan base for leagues.

Moderator: Rachel Leber, CEO of Rebel Licensing 

• Michelle McGoldrick, Chief Business Officer at League One Volleyball
• Toni Schutte, Director of Licensing at the National Women’s Soccer League
• Andrew Ansel, Director, Merchandising and Licensing at the LPGA

3:00-3:10 PM Presentation and Q&A

Speaker: Rachel Aronson, Co-Founder and Head of Business Development at CounterFind

3:15-3:45 PM Coffee and Networking Break

3:50-4:20 PM Fireside Chat and Q&A

“When Sports and Fashion Meet”

Fashion and sports collaborations—like Pacsun x Formula 1—have been scoring big with consumers. This session will examine the keys to succeeding at the intersection between fashion and fitness as well as provide insights into what retailers and consumers are looking for moving forward.

• Ryan Vogt, VP of Business Development at CAA Brand Management
• Richard Cox, Chief Merchandising Officer at Pacsun

4:25-4:45 PM Fireside Chat

“Collectibles are King”

This in-depth conversation will shed light on Fanatics’ strategy to partner with athletes, teams, and leagues across baseball, basketball, football, hockey, and more to create toys and collectibles that connect with fans around the world.

• Tim Storch, Vice President of Business Affairs and Licensing at Fanatics
• Ben Ruiz, Vice President of Consumer Products at NFL Players Inc.

4:50-4:55 PM Closing Remarks

Maura Regan, President of Licensing International

5:00-6:00 PM Cocktails and Networking

Pricing:
Members: $250
Nonmembers: $325

For sponsorship opportunities, please contact info@licensing.org.

Sponsored By 

Media Partner

CANCELLATION POLICY:
All registration cancellations and refund requests must be made in writing to info@licensing.org by February 6, 2026. If you are registering a group, you acknowledge you are agreeing to the terms on behalf of each individual. A refund of the registration fee, less a $50 cancellation fee, will be given for cancellations received on or before February 6, 2026. Registration can be transferred to another person to attend Sports Licensing Summit. Registration fees cannot be transferred to another event, meeting or membership. All refunds will be made payable to the payer only. There will be no exceptions to this cancellation policy.