originally published: 04/26/2026
(NEWARK, NJ) -- GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has announced the return of "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit," set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.
Against that backdrop, The Global Game Summit brings together senior leaders across media, technology, ownership, and investment, with participation from international leagues, investors, and operators from over 25 countries at a time when the economics of global soccer are rapidly evolving. Additionally, the 2026 program will place a strong emphasis on the rapid global growth of the women's game — across media, investment, and cultural influence — reflecting one of the most important commercial shifts in global soccer today.
The inaugural Global Game Summit drew senior leaders from 28 countries — and established itself as the premier business summit at the intersection of soccer, media, and technology. This year, it returns as the only B2B soccer gathering of its kind during World Cup match week, the same week New Jersey hosts Brazil vs. Morocco.
"The Global Game exists because the industry demanded a room where the real conversations happen — about ownership, media, technology, and the future of the sport," said Greg Kahn, CEO and Founder of GK Digital Ventures and Founder of The Global Game Summit. "This year, the World Cup comes to our backyard, and New Jersey isn't just hosting matches, it's hosting the Final. There is no more powerful moment or place for the business of global soccer to convene, and The Global Game will be the only gathering of this caliber happening during match week. We're back because this moment is too big to miss."
"From the moment The Global Game launched, it was clear this was something different — a room built for business leaders having important conversations about where this sport is going," said Dylan Wanagiel, Vice President, Sports Properties and Special Events, Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment. "New Jersey is now at the center of the global soccer universe, and there is no better venue than Prudential Center for the business of the game to gather. We're proud to bring The Global Game Summit back for a second year, expanded and more timely than ever."
2026 Programming Highlights - As a curated, full-day summit, the 2026 program will focus on key forces shaping the global game.
* Ownership & Capital – Club owners, investors, and league executives on the future of soccer's ownership landscape, including the rise of sovereign funds, private equity, and multi-club models.
* Brands, Marketing & Global Market Entry – How brands are activating around the World Cup, and the country-specific investment and expansion strategies driving the sport's global growth.
* Women's Game & Global Growth – The business, media, and cultural forces driving the fastest-growing segment of global soccer.
* Athletes as Platforms – Top athletes on their roles as business builders, brand partners, and global icons.
* AI, Tech & Data – Technology leaders on AI, data, and the next wave of performance and fan engagement innovation.
* Media Rights & Distribution – How streaming platforms, leagues, and broadcasters are reshaping control of the fan relationship.
* Creator Economy & Fan Monetization – How athletes, clubs, and creators are building direct-to-fan businesses and turning digital engagement, merchandising and content into real revenue.
* Gaming & Emerging Platforms – How gaming ecosystems are driving the next generation of fans.
Attendance is limited. Tickets are available at Ticketmaster.com
For additional details, including partnership and sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.globalgamesummit.com
GK Digital Ventures is an advisory firm focused on emerging media, technology, and global sports, known for convening senior leaders and building high-impact industry platforms.
Prudential Center is the world-class sports and entertainment venue located in downtown Newark, New Jersey. Opened in October 2007, the state-of-the-art arena is the home of the National Hockey League's (NHL) three-time Stanley Cup Champion New Jersey Devils, Seton Hall University's NCAA Division I Men's Basketball program, Professional Women's Hockey League's (PWHL) New York Sirens and more than 210 concerts, family shows and special events each year. Ranked in the Top 10 worldwide by Pollstar, Billboard and various other industry publications, Prudential Center is recognized as one of the premier venues in the United States, and hosts over 2 million guests annually.
FEATURED EVENTS
You can have your events appear here, whenever someone reads an article about NEWARK
click here for more information
"the Antoinette Montague Experience: Here's To The Ladies Who Swing And Bling" As Part Of North To ShoreWednesday, June 17, 2026 @ 6:00pmNewark Culture Club
Newark, NJ
EVENT PREVIEWS
Garden State Wine Growers Association presents SIPS, STARS & STRIPES: A NJ Wine Revolution on May 30th
The Garden State Wine Growers Association (GSWGA) has announced the cancellation of Sips, Stars & Stripes: A NJ Wine Revolution, originally scheduled for May 30, 2026. The decision comes in response to the unprecedented freeze events that impacted vineyards across New Jersey during April 2026. According to vineyard managers and growers throughout the state, prolonged overnight temperatures below freezing caused extensive and widespread damage to grapevines in nearly every wine-producing region of New Jersey.
Land of Make Believe slates Grand Opening for Memorial Day Weekend
(HOPE TWP, NJ) -- There are many traditions come Memorial Day Weekend including parades, tributes to our service men and women, past and present, and family gatherings. For many families there is another annual tradition - a trip to the Land of Make Believe, a close by destination with affordable, bargain pricing.
State Theatre New Jersey's A Night in Lights Annual Benefit Gala to Take Place May 30th
(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey (STNJ) invites the community to its signature fundraising event, A Night in Lights Annual Benefit Gala, on Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Christopher's Restaurant & Bar located inside The Heldrich Hotel. This highly anticipated evening directly supports STNJ's arts education and community engagement programs, which serve more than 30,000 children and families each year.
North Jersey Artists, Leaders and Businesses Invited to Shape Region's Cultural and Economic Future at Community Gathering on National Heritage Area Designation
(SOUTH ORANGE, NJ) -- The Northern New Jersey Community Foundation (NNJCF) invites artists, community leaders, business owners, cultural organizations, and residents to participate in Community Conversation: National Heritage Area in New Jersey on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 from 6:15pm to 7:45pm at the South Orange Performing Arts Center.
Visual Arts Center of New Jersey to Celebrate Spring Exhibitions with a Community Day on June 6th
(SUMMIT, NJ) -- On Saturday, June 6, 2026, the Visual Arts Center of New Jersey will celebrate its spring exhibitions with a Community Day event. The day, which will feature artist-led walks around Summit, a live podcast recording, and drop-in workshops, will run from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
"The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit" returns on June 9th
(NEWARK, NJ) -- GK Digital Ventures, in partnership with Harris Blitzer Sports & Entertainment (HBSE), has announced the return of "The Global Game: The Future of Soccer, Tech & Media Summit," set to take place on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at Prudential Center in Newark, NJ. Following its acclaimed inaugural edition, the second annual summit arrives at the most significant moment in U.S. soccer history: New Jersey is hosting eight matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup — including the Final — placing the Garden State at the center of a global spotlight.
Wine & BBQ Fest to Take Place in Sewell June 13-14
(SEWELL, NJ) -- FIRE UP YOUR SUMMER! After years of unforgettable summers at Washington Lake Park, the team behind the beloved Washington Lake Park Wine Festival returns to this stunning South Jersey destination—this time with a bold new twist. Get ready to kick off summer in smoky, savory style at the WINE & BBQ FEST, happening June 13-14, 2026 at Washington Lake Park in Sewell, New Jersey, from 12:00pm–5:00pm each day.
UBS Arena To Host International Soccer Watch Party on June 19th
(BELMONT PARK, NY) -- UBS Arena will host an International Soccer Watch Party, a public screening of two of the FIFA World Cup 26 (TM) matches on Friday, June 19 featuring USA v. Australia and Haiti v. Brazil. The fan-focused events will highlight all the excitement the tournament is bringing to the New York Metro area this summer and provide local residents with a unique way to experience these soccer matches together as a community.
2026 Princeton Festival to Take Place June 5-21 at Morven Museum & Garden
(PRINCETON, NJ) -- The Princeton Symphony Orchestra (PSO) is pleased to announce that world-renowned bel canto soprano Sondra Radvanovsky and The Bacon Brothers, Michael and Kevin, are scheduled to perform at the 2026 Princeton Festival. At the core of the Festival, there is live opera with Festival veteran and current Met Opera star Toni Marie Palmertree returning to sing the title role in Puccini's Madama Butterfly. These major stars typify the quality of musical offerings to be found at this year's Festival which runs from June 5-21 on the grounds of Morven Museum & Garden.
Jersey City Theater Center presents 2026 Voices International Theatre and Arts Festival
(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey City Theater Center (JCTC) presents its signature Voices International Theatre and Arts Festival from June 4-26, 2026 across multiple venues in Jersey City, and the Professional Voices Festival Conference on June 11 at White Eagle Hall.
MORE EVENTS
Click on the listing to bring up its webpage
