Leader from the U.S. Department of State, open the evening by framing sportsmanship, rivalry, and diplomacy as powerful tools of cultural exchange. Set against the backdrop of America250, the Men’s World Cup, and the legacy of Ping Pong Diplomacy, this opening moment establishes the global significance of sport in shaping connection and understanding.
Through a “State of Sportsmanship Today” reflection—grounded in new Better Rivals national polling—the program explores a central tension: while competition continues to inspire, there is growing concern around the erosion of respect, civility, and fairness. Yet, sport remains one of the last spaces where people believe we still get it right—presenting a unique opportunity to lead by example on a global stage.
Rob Placek , Senior Advisor for Sports Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State
This opening discussion sets the tone for the Summit by exploring how sportsmanship transcends borders. Through personal stories and global experiences, speakers will highlight how respect, trust, and competition can unite cultures, bridge divides, and serve as a powerful common language on the world stage.
Allyson Felix , Most Decorated U.S. Track & Field Olympian in History
Valorie Kondos, Legendary UCLA Gymnastics Head Coach, Leadership Expert
Moderator: Hayley Elwood, Host and Reporter across major National Broadcasts
A special featured discussion with Alan Rothenberg reflecting on the evolution of global sport, the impact of the 1994 FIFA World Cup on the United States, and the opportunities ahead as Los Angeles prepares to welcome the world once again for the 2026 Men’s World Cup and LA28.
Alan Rothenberg, Chairman & CEO, Premier Partnerships; Former President of U.S. Soccer and Architect of the 1994 FIFA World Cup™, widely recognized for transforming the global landscape of soccer in the United States
Renata Simril, President & CEO, LA84 Foundation, President, Play Equity Fund Legacy organizations of the 1984 Summer Olympic Games in Los Angeles
Moderator: Jaime Maggio, CBS Los Angeles Sports Broadcaster
This dialogue explores how sport has become one of the world’s most influential and unifying platforms for diplomacy, leadership, cultural connection, and international engagement. Positioned against the backdrop of the 2026 Men’s World Cup, America250, and the road to LA28, the discussion examines how athletes, leagues, governments, brands, and international organizations increasingly serve as ambassadors and leaders capable of shaping relationships and bridging divides far beyond competition itself. The dialogue will focus on the idea that sport remains one of the last truly universal languages that can transcend borders, politics, and cultural differences in ways few institutions still can.
US State Department & Maven Strategy Group
Exploring how sport has evolved into one of the world’s most influential diplomatic and cultural tools. The discussion highlights the ways athletes, leagues, governments, and international organizations increasingly act as global ambassadors capable of fostering dialogue, strengthening relationships, and creating understanding across borders through the universal language of sport.
Champions for Good Club
Sport’s ability to bring people together across cultural, political, and social differences. The topic examines how sportsmanship, respect, and shared competition can create common ground, model leadership during moments of division, and encourage cooperation and understanding in an increasingly polarized world.
Aspen Institute & LACMA
Exploring the cultural power of athletes and organizations, the growing role of athlete voice and civic leadership, and how visibility and platform can shape conversations around leadership, identity, community, and global impact.
LA Sports Council
Integrated into the session through conversations surrounding the unifying ideals of the Olympic and Paralympic movements and their relevance ahead of LA28. The discussion showcases themes of global unity, resilience, representation, and leadership while exploring how international sporting moments can inspire connection, inclusion, and civic pride on a global stage.
Moderators:
Major Garrett: Chief Washington Correspondent, CBS News
Scarlen Martinez: CEO, Maven Strategy Group
Tanya Bennett: Australian Consul-General, Los Angeles
Marc Brix: Former NCAA Division I Tennis Athlete Turned Global Sports Marketing Executive
Stephen Cheung: President and CEO, Los Angeles County Economic Development Corporation (LAEDC)
Caitlín Higgins Ní Chinnéide: Consul General of Ireland in Los Angeles
Lorrie Fair: Former USWNT midfielder & Member of 1999 FIFA Women's World Cup Championship Team
Tom Farrey: Executive Director of the Aspen Institute Sports & Society Program
Kacey Florence: Vice President of Commercial Affairs, Los Angeles Chargers
Jamal Hill: Paralympic swimming medalist, Team USA athlete, and founder of Swim Up Hill focused on water safety, inclusion, and community impact through sport.
Isaiah Jewett: Olympian and Team USA track & field athlete widely recognized for exemplifying sportsmanship on the world stage.
Volker Lichte: International Sports Executive, MATRIX-Advisor, Founder Lichte Momente & Matchpoint
Kelsey Nicole Nelson: Award-Winning Journalist, Communications Specialist, Professor, Speaker
John Naber: Five-time Olympic swimming medalist, Olympic champion, acclaimed broadcaster, and leadership speaker recognized as one of the great ambassadors of Olympic sport.
Rob Placek: Senior Advisor for Sports Diplomacy at the U.S. Department of State
Dan Reed: Chair of the Heisman Trophy Trust
Britt Salvesen: Curator and Department Head, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA)
Malcolm Smith: Seattle Seahawks Super Bowl XLVIII Champion & Super Bowl MVP
Markus Rogan: Four-time Olympian and Olympic swimming medalist known for his work in elite performance, mindset, and leadership.
12:30PM - 1:00PM | Fireside Chat | Beyond the Competition
Character • Rivalry • Respect • The Culture of Sport
A conversation with BYU President, Shane Reese and Dr. Lara Brown exploring how sport can shape character, leadership, and a culture of respect. From the BYU–Utah rivalry and the “Rival Right” initiative to Utah’s Olympic legacy and global impact through sport, this discussion will examine how self-discipline, sportsmanship, and respectful competition can influence communities, institutions, and the next generation of leaders on and off the field.
Welcome & Introduction
Dedan Brozino: President, Rose Bowl Legacy Foundation
Guest Speakers
President C. Shane Reese: President, Brigham Young University
Dr. Lara Brown, Ph.D.: Senior Policy Advisor, Center on Civility and Democracy, Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation & Institute
This dialogue shifts from the global influence of sport to the personal realities of competition while exploring how sportsmanship, rivalry, leadership, mental wellbeing, media culture, and athlete influence are shaping the future of sport and society. Centered more heavily around collegiate and professional athletics, the discussion examines how athletes, universities, leagues, media organizations, and civic leaders can help create environments rooted in respect, resilience, accountability, and healthy competition in an increasingly high-pressure and polarized culture. The dialogue focuses on the human side of modern sport looking at whether competition can still model leadership, respect, and unity at a time when athletes face high visibility, pressure and influence.
Better Rivals & Regan Institute & Disagree Better
Exploring how competition and rivalry can still model respect, discipline, and leadership in today’s sports culture.
Sport for Impact
Exploring the growing pressures tied to performance culture, public expectations, identity, and social media while highlighting the importance of emotional wellbeing, resilience, support systems, and helping athletes navigate life both during and beyond competition.
Players Coalition
How today’s athletes are redefining leadership, influence, and civic responsibility in the modern sports landscape.
LaChica Sports & Entertainment
Exploring leadership, representation, visibility, and the evolving role of women across the sports industry
Moderators:
Ashley Green: VP of Player Engagement, Players Coalition
Mo Hasan: Media Personality, Sports Broadcaster, Former NFL Quarterback, Founder of Second Spoon
Brian Bell: 3x Paralympic Gold Medalist in Wheelchair Basketball
Heather Birdsall: VP of Community Relations, Los Angeles Chargers
Nico Davillier: Defensive Lineman, UCLA
Tori Franklin: Olympian, CEO, Author, Wellness Practitioner
Natalie Gutierrez: LA City Manager, Center for Healing and Justice Through Sport
Waymond Jordan: Running Back, USC
Brooklyn Moors: Olympian, NCAA National Champion, Former UCLA Gymnast
Mike Mulvihill: President, Insights and Analytics, Fox Sports
Tyson Ross: Former MLB Pitcher, All-Star, and Community Advocate
HRM Mansa Suliman Al Kushi — Architect of Youth Leadership
Mo Wells: Director of Pro & Elite Sports, Elite Performance
Raylen Wilson: Linebacker, University of Georgia
Darren Woodson: 3x Super Bowl Champion; Former Dallas Cowboys Captain
Attire: Business Casual
We recommend comfortable footwear, as portions of the program may require walking throughout the venue.
Parking & Arrival: Parking for both days will be available in Lot F. For your convenience, venue maps outlining parking locations, gate access points, and arrival routes are attached. Please review the maps prior to your visit and allow extra travel time, as traffic around the stadium may be heavier during peak arrival periods.
What to Bring:
Government-issued photo ID
Business cards for networking
A notebook or device for taking notes
Comfortable footwear
A spirit of collaboration, curiosity, and conversation
Monday, June 8, 2026 5:30PM - 8:30PM
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium – Loge Lounge
Guest Access: Gate F
Parking: Lot F
Our Opening Reception will bring attendees together for an evening of networking and featured conversations exploring the influence of sport beyond the game. Set against the backdrop of the Rose Bowl Stadium, the reception will highlight the ways sportsmanship can inspire leadership, bridge divides, and create lasting impact across communities and cultures.
Tuesday, June 9, 2026
Location: Rose Bowl Stadium – West & East Locker Rooms
Check-In: Gate A
Parking: Lot F
Check in and a light breakfast will begin in the morning, followed by a full day of programming featuring interactive dialogues and featured discussions focused on:
Sport as a Global Language: Diplomacy, Leadership, Culture & Global Impact
Rivalry with Respect: Competition, Wellbeing, Leadership & the Future of Sport
Beyond the Competition: Character, Rivalry, Respect, The Culture of Sport
For media inquiries regarding the 2026 Sportsmanship Summit at the Rose Bowl Stadium, please contact:
LaChica Sports & Entertainment Group
angela@lachicasports.com
The Sportsmanship Summit will take place June 8–9, 2026, at the iconic Rose Bowl Stadium,
bringing together athletes, civic leaders, educators, executives, and cultural voices to explore the power of sportsmanship to unite, lead, and inspire.
Media credentials, interview requests, and partnership/media collaboration opportunities are available upon request.
