- Published:
- Tuesday 25 August 2026
Global sporting leaders will descend on Melbourne for SportNXT, ahead of Australia’s first NFL regular-season game.
Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines today confirmed the lineup of speakers for the 2026 SportNXT Summit from 7-9 September at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
SportNXT is Melbourne’s annual global sports summit, bringing together industry leaders to share ideas, drive innovation and showcase Victoria’s world-class sporting infrastructure.
The event will feature more than 75 speakers including senior leaders from the Rams, the 49ers, the AFL, Cricket Australia, Chelsea Football Club and Disney.
NFL Executive Vice President Peter O’Reilly will headline the line-up, alongside leaders from both teams.
Other speakers include Olympian Scotty James, Chelsea Football Club President Jason Gannon, AFL Commission Chair Craig Drummond, Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg and Disney and ESPN executive Kylie Watson-Wheeler.
Launched in Melbourne in 2022 with support from the Labor Government, SportNXT has become one of the southern hemisphere’s leading sports business conferences.
SportNXT is part of Melbourne Global Exchange, with Victoria hosting a range of major business events including Data Center World and The AI Summit Australia from 7-9 September and the Intersekt Fintech Festival from 3-4 September.
SportNXT will build momentum towards the Rams v Niners blockbuster at the MCG on 11 September.
Melbourne’s NFL match at the MCG on Friday 11 September will add another major event to Victoria’s already packed sporting calendar.
The state’s packed calendar of events generates around $3.3 billion for Victoria’s economy each year, with major events including the Australian Open, Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix, Spring Racing Carnival and AFL Grand Final.
Together, these events have helped build Melbourne’s reputation as Australia’s sporting capital and a leading destination for major international events.
For more information on the 2026 SportNXT Summit, visit sportnxt.org.
Quote attributable to Minister for Major Events Anthony Carbines
“Victoria’s major events deliver billions for our economy and support thousands of jobs – SportNXT is another example of Melbourne bringing the world’s biggest events and sporting leaders here.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Sport Steve Dimopoulos
“SportNXT brings the biggest names in global sport to Melbourne, showcasing our sporting credentials just days before Australia’s first NFL game.”
Quote attributable to SportNXT Co-Founder Eddie McGuire AM
“There has never been a better time to be in Melbourne if you're in the business of sport. In the same week that Australia hosts its first-ever NFL regular season game.
“SportNXT will bring together leaders from some of the biggest organisations in global sport to foster conversations and connections that will help shape the industry’s future. We are excited to be part of this special moment in the state’s history.”