Days before the FIFA World Cup brings visitors from around the world to Los Angeles, the Rose Bowl will host not a game, but a global conversation about how the power of sportsmanship shapes society.
The Rose Bowl Institute announced Wednesday that it will convene the inaugural Sportsmanship Summit on June 8–9, 2026, gathering Olympic champions, World Cup legends, Hall of Famers, award-winning actors, industry power brokers, and emerging youth leaders at the Pasadena stadium for what organizers call “unprecedented conversations” on how the power of sportsmanship shapes society in a rapidly changing world.
The summit falls as the nation commemorates America 250 and the Los Angeles region prepares to welcome visitors as one of the FIFA World Cup host cities. Against this backdrop, the two-day gathering will feature world-class athletes, cultural influencers, educators, and international thought leaders examining how integrity, respect, and fair play transcend the playing field to strengthen communities and build a more connected world.
“There is no better place than the Rose Bowl Stadium to host a global summit on sportsmanship, where generations from around the globe have witnessed the unifying power of sport,” said Dedan Brozino, President of the Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation. “As the soccer and sports world arrives to the Los Angeles area, we’re proud to convene leaders who understand that respect, integrity, and character are the true foundations of sport and the keys to building stronger communities worldwide.”
The program, titled “Unite Through Sportsmanship–Past, Present & Future,” will feature keynote addresses, expert panels, and interactive workshops organized across three primary tracks: professional, collegiate, and youth sports. Topics will include the evolution of sportsmanship across generations, sports diplomacy, the unifying power of sport, and athletes as agents of social change.
The tracks are designed to explore how shared values create stronger teams, healthier environments for young athletes, and more connected communities across cultures.
The Institute has assembled best-in-class partner organizations from around the world, including the Aspen Institute’s Sports and Society Program, the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute, Players Coalition, Sport for Impact, and Champions for Good. Together with the Rose Bowl Institute, they will serve as a global platform for dialogue celebrating both the enduring legacy and future promise of sportsmanship.
Speakers, schedule, and registration will be announced in early 2026.
For more visit https://sportsmanshipsummit.splashthat.com.
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