A new industry report suggests that a growing proportion of fans remain “commercially invisible” to sports organisations, with implications for how major events and commercial rights are valued.
According to the Anonymous Fan Index – based on insights from senior executives across 50 leagues, clubs and rights holders – roughly one in three rights holders estimates they lose between $1 million and $5 million annually because they cannot identify and monetise much of their audience.
Across the sample, 62% believe they forgo more than $100,000 annually due to limited ability to reach or convert fans, and organisations say they only know about a quarter of their total fanbase by name or contact.
The findings arrive in a broader industry context where sports bodies increasingly prioritise direct fan engagement and data-driven revenue streams amid slowing media rights growth. Major global events such as the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics are pushing digital fan engagement strategies as part of rights and sponsorship negotiations, but the new research underscores a persistent gap between visibility and commercial capture.
The research notes that some smaller and challenger organisations may be moving faster to adapt. Over a third of respondents said that more than half of their sponsorship renewals are now directly linked to fan engagement and data, reflecting the need to maximise commercial returns from smaller audiences.
Ed Abis, CEO of Dizplai, who produced the report, says the findings should be a wake-up call. “This isn’t a data issue. It’s a commercial one. Rights holders aren’t losing fans – they’re losing the ability to know them. And if you don’t know them, you can’t grow them.”
Not all stakeholders view fan anonymity solely as a missed revenue opportunity. Privacy advocates warn that data collection – especially at scale and during major events – raises legitimate concerns.
Surveillance technologies in stadiums and digital platforms in particular can create uncomfortable environments for fans who value privacy, and European and US frameworks like GDPR and CCPA require explicit consent and transparency in data use. For some spectators, remaining anonymous is not just preference, but protection against intrusive tracking and potential misuse of personal data.
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Report highlights million-dollar opportunity of reaching “anonymous fans”
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How brave Scotland safeguarded the future of the Commonwealth Games
When the Australian state of Victoria pulled out of hosting the 2026 Commonwealth Games in 2023, citing cost concerns, the future of the mega multisport event was thrown into jeopardy – until Scotland and Glasgow intervened to keep it alive.
“The reason there was no host, frankly, was because the Games had become unaffordable,” said Ian Reid, Chair of Commonwealth Sport Scotland.
When considering stepping in to host the Games, the challenge – and opportunity – was to create a feasible model of delivery, he said, speaking at an exclusive event at Edinburgh Castle on 29 January 2026 to celebrate Scotland’s hosting of the Games.
“We thought not just about bring the Games to Scotland, but can we leave a legacy for Commonwealth Sport in terms of how the Games are delivered.”
“The world needs more partnership”
The Commonwealth Games in 2026 will feature an electrifying, but reduced, programme of sports events with participants from 74 nations and territories.
“Glasgow 2026 will be a different Games in terms of what we experienced in 2014, a revised and a developed model to make it sustainable for the future,” said John Swinney, First Minister of Scotland.
“It is about respecting what has come before and embracing the excitement of what lies ahead… but above all else, cherishing what is strong about the Commonwealth, which is friendship, partnership and shared ambition.
“The world needs an awful lot more partnership and cooperation at this moment, so let Glasgow be the focal point for so much of that in the course of this summer.”
For Commonwealth Sport, the rightsholder of the event, Scotland has not just saved the day but the future of the movement.
“We’re deeply grateful because what Glasgow is delivering is not simply a plan for 2026; it’s a signal for the Commonwealth, a signal that the Games can be reimagined, more flexible, more sustainable and more inclusive, without losing the ambition and meaning of the Games,” said Helen Phillips MBE, Vice President of Commonwealth Sport.
“And thanks to everybody’s efforts, we now have a real momentum across the Commonwealth Sport movement, with Malta hosting the 2027 Youth Games, the city of Ahmedabad in India hosting our Centenary Games in 2030. And beyond that, there’s an incredible strong interest emerging for 2034 and 2038 and other Youth Games.”
“On track to deliver”
Despite having to organise the Games in such a compressed timeframe – less than two years – the project remains on schedule.
“I am pleased to say we remain on track to deliver these Games on time and within the overall budget,” said George Black, Chair of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Company.
“But we’re now 175 days to go, and the pace has picked up, and it needs to. We need to ensure the athlete and spectator experience are positive and be reassured that transport plans are robust and that C3 contingency arrangements proportionate.”
The success of the event delivery is very much a team effort, and there are still opportunities to play a part in making it a success.
“We are open arms to anyone who wants to help us make this event altogether brilliant,” said Phil Batty, CEO of the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games Organising Company.
“Major events have a magical power to bring people together,” he said. “And the idea that we’re going to have over the course of 11 days, one of those moments where you see smiles, you see joy, you see energy and you see electricity created by the act that one single athlete can do on the field of play is just phenomenal. It’s exactly what we need right now.”
“We want to be trailblazers”
“The most important thing is that we have an event for our athletes,” said Reid. “The main reason we did this at Commonwealth Games Scotland is because we know how much it means to them.”
“Glasgow standing up and being brave matches the Scottish culture and how we play as athletes: we want to be trailblazers,” said netballer Emily Nichol.
Glasgow 2026 will have the largest parasport programme in the history of the Commonwealth Games.
“Growing up I was very inspired through Ellie Simmonds,” said Para powerlifter Finlay Davidson. “To feel like I’m slowly reaching that level, and now inspiring another generation, is just amazing.” -
Trivandi appointed as Official Advisory & Delivery Founding Partner for Expo 2031
[Source: Trivandi] Trivandi, the global leaders in planning and delivering mega events and experiences, has been appointed as the Official Advisory & Delivery Founding Partner for Expo 2031. The appointment sees Trivandi support Expo 2031 from early strategic advisory through to operational readiness and delivery, starting with the USA Pavilion at America’s first A1 International Horticultural Exposition.
Taking place from May to October 2031, Expo 2031 is expected to welcome approximately four million visitors during its six-month run and host participation from 60 to 80 countries, making it one of the most significant international cultural and economic events in the United States in decades.
James Bulley, CEO and Co-founder of Trivandi: “Events like Expo 2031 have the power to connect people, spark innovation and leave something meaningful behind for the communities that host them.
That is what drives us. Every project we have delivered, from Olympic Games to World Expos, reinforces the same truth. It is the experience that people remember. We are honored to bring that knowledge to Expo 2031 and to work alongside the organizers as one team, helping to shape an event that creates a lasting legacy.”
Trivandi’s appointment follows the company’s successful role as Operational Delivery Partner of the award-winning USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, which welcomed more than 1.8 million visitors.
Trivandi also managed operations for the United Arab Emirates Pavilion and the Australia Pavilion at Expo 2025, delivering three complex pavilion experiences simultaneously across a six-month program.
Wendy Meadley, CEO of Expo 2031 Minnesota USA: “Delivering a pavilion that welcomes millions of visitors requires world-class operational planning. Trivandi brings unmatched experience from global events and will help ensure the USA Pavilion operates seamlessly from opening day through the entire six-month exposition.”
Founded by the leadership team behind the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Trivandi brings its integrated “One Team” approach to Expo 2031 – synchronizing expertise across strategy, design, operations, visitor experience, readiness and legacy planning to seamlessly guide the project trivandi.com from concept through to reality. The company’s scope spans the complete pavilion lifecycle, drawing on lessons learned from every Summer Olympics since 2012, Qatar 2022 FIFA World Cup, as well as every World Expo since 2015.
Expo 2031 forms part of a remarkable period for major events in the United States, with the country also preparing to host the FIFA World Cup 2026, the Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028 and the 2034 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2034. Together, these events represent a once-in-a-generation opportunity for the country to welcome the world, attract international investment and build lasting infrastructure and capability. Trivandi brings experience from 300+ projects in 29 countries to this exciting chapter.
Sawyer Franz, Vice President Trivandi USA and Director of Pavilions: “Having delivered the USA Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka and managed operations across three pavilions simultaneously, we know what it takes to partner with a nation on the world stage. For Expo 2031, we will be embedded from the start, synchronizing strategy, design, operations and readiness so that nothing is lost between the drawing board and opening day. That continuity is what makes the difference.”
The USA Pavilion is planned as the symbolic heart of Expo 2031, featuring:
• A vertical greenhouse and living horticultural exhibits
• A performance theater and gathering plaza
• Diplomatic and cultural exchange spaces
• Food and culinary experiences celebrating American agriculture
• Landscapes highlighting native plants and pollinator habitats
It will serve as both a national showcase and a platform for American companies, growers, innovators, and cultural institutions to engage with global audiences. -
Irish and Norwegian events among big winners at European Sponsorship Awards 2026
Europe’s most innovative and impactful event partnerships took centre stage last night at the 2026 European Sponsorship Awards (ESA), where festivals, races, cultural spectacles, and sports events were among the winners celebrated for their ground-breaking collaborations. In front of a packed audience of 600 at London’s The Brewery, the awards recognised the power of partnerships – from music festivals and charity races to marathons, cultural celebrations, and sports spectacles.
Winning event partnerships The 2026 ESA Awards shone a spotlight on events of all kinds, proving that sponsorship can elevate experiences across every sector: Vhi Women’s Mini Marathon 2025 (Ireland) was crowned Event of the Year, proving that mass-participation events can drive both community engagement and commercial success. Gjensidige’s The Breathing Space (Norway) claimed the Festival Sponsorship award, demonstrating how brands can turn festivals into immersive, socially impactful experiences. The Pfizer Cycle 2025 (Ireland), co-organised by Titan Sports, won Best Employee Engagement, showcasing how a charity cycling event can drive internal engagement while supporting a global cause.
Sustainability and social purpose take centre stage The awards particularly celebrated partnerships that prioritise purpose and sustainability. The Irish Times Ireland’s Greenest Places, in partnership with Electric Ireland, won Environmentally Sustainable Sponsorship, setting a benchmark for eco-conscious events. This award was presented by Andrew Hodson of Wasserman Live. Sparebank 1 Østlandet and Retail Factory’s The Entry Room claimed Sponsorship with a Social Purpose, proving that events can drive meaningful change in their communities. Cairn Community Games won the Equality, Diversity & Inclusion in Sponsorship award, showing how local events can champion inclusivity. Canon & RNIB’s World Unseen took home ESA Sponsorship of the Year and Arts & Culture Sponsorship, making photography accessible to blind people and proving that event sponsorships can drive both business and social impact. Culture and entertainment shines RTÉ’s The Traitors dominated the TV and entertainment space, with sponsors Centra and Very winning awards for their creative activations, proving how TV events can become cultural phenomena through smart partnerships.
Tommy Hilfiger and F1: The Movie received the Chair’s Award for “disruptive brilliance”, blending fashion, film, and motorsport in a way that redefined cross-sector collaboration. Guinness secured a triple win, including ESA Best of Europe for Lovely Summer for a Guinness, showing how beer brands can own both sports and cultural moments. “Heartfelt, spirited debate” Hosted by England rugby legend and diversity advocate Ugo Monye, the 18th annual ESA Awards celebrated 26 categories of sponsorship excellence. MSQ Sport + Entertainment was named Agency of the Year, while Oak View Group won Rights Holder of the Year for the first time. “The standard was higher than ever,” said ESA Awards Chair of Judges, Matthew Leopold. “More than a few categories came down to the sort of margin that made the judges re-check their notes and engage in heartfelt, spirited debate.” -
Trivandi Wins King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade
[Source: Trivandi] Trivandi has been awarded a King’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade, the UK’s highest official recognition for business excellence. Personally approved by His Majesty The King, the Award recognises Trivandi’s outstanding international growth and its role in taking British major-event expertise from London to clients in 30 countries.
Trivandi was founded in 2013 by the senior leadership team that planned, delivered and operated the 120+ venues and infrastructure of the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Determined to put that hard-won expertise to work for clients around the world, the founders built a business with a clear ambition: to create experiences, better by sharing what they had learned, improving how complex projects are delivered, and helping host communities benefit long after the event itself.
What began with a handful of specialists in London has since grown, steadily and rapidly into a trusted partner for world leaders in sport, government and business delivering complex mega-events, venues and infrastructure globally. Trivandi today employs more than 100 permanent specialists across five global offices in London, Dubai, Riyadh, Brisbane and Los Angeles, supported by an Associate Network of more than 4,000 subject-matter experts.
In the years since London 2012, the team has worked on every Summer Olympic Games, multiple FIFA World Cups, Commonwealth Games and World Expos, alongside some of the world’s most iconic stadia, airports, government summits and visitor destinations.
James Bulley OBE, CEO and Co-Founder of Trivandi, said: “Receiving a King’s Award for Enterprise is a proud milestone for everyone at Trivandi. We founded this business in 2013 to share our knowledge and learnings from London 2012, in order to continually improve how complex projects are delivered, and help clients around the world create stronger, more lasting legacies. Today, our work spans sport, major events, venues and destinations across 30 countries. To have that effort recognised by His Majesty The King is a true honour, and one that belongs to every person who has helped build Trivandi into what it is today.”
Paul May, Co-Founder and Chairman of Trivandi, said: “Britain has a remarkable record in delivering the world’s most demanding events on time, on budget and to a standard that endures. I’m enormously proud that Trivandi has been able to take that experience into international markets – not simply to advise from the outside, but to work alongside clients, partners and local teams to strengthen how major projects are delivered. Through our projects and through Trivandi Academy, we are helping host communities build the skills, confidence and capability to benefit from the transformational projects shaping their own countries. I am grateful to every member of the team who has helped earn this honour.”
Trivandi has grown consistently in international markets, year after year, by helping clients navigate the pressure, complexity and public scrutiny that come with globally significant events, venues and infrastructure. Its integrated One Team model synchronises strategy, design and operations, bringing the right expertise at the right time to help clients move from vision to delivery. The team is embedded across Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 portfolio, from Diriyah and Qiddiya to the transformation of Jeddah Airport. In Egypt, Trivandi has helped reimagine the visitor experience at the Pyramids of Giza. Last year, the company delivered operations for the UAE and Australia Pavilions at Expo 2025 Osaka. This summer, Trivandi serves as Official Event Delivery Partner for the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games, with specialists embedded across the organising company to plan, deliver and operate the
venues that will host more than 3,000 athletes.
The latest chapter is the United States, where Trivandi’s new Los Angeles office is supporting a growing portfolio of major projects. The team has helped Inter Miami CF open Nu Stadium in April, is Founding Advisory and Delivery Partner for Expo 2031 Minnesota and will deliver operations for the Global Esports Games in Los Angeles this December.
For 60 years, the King’s Award for Enterprise has stood as the most prestigious honour a British business can receive. Established by Royal Warrant in 1965 and personally approved each year by His Majesty The King, the Awards celebrate outstanding achievement in international trade, innovation, sustainable development and promoting opportunity. Recipients are entitled to display the King’s Awards Emblem for five years, a globally recognised mark of British excellence. -
SportAccord Convention confirmed for Baku, 9-13 May 2027
[Source: SportAccord] SportAccord today confirmed that the SportAccord Convention will take place in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 9-13 May 2027. Following the postponement of the 2026 edition, SportAccord and its partners in Azerbaijan have worked closely together to secure dates that will deliver the best possible experience for all participants.
Baku, recently named World Capital of Sport, will provide an exceptional setting for what promises to be one of the most anticipated editions of the Convention in recent years, bringing together leaders from the International Olympic Committee, International Federations, host cities, rights holders, and the wider sports industry.
SportAccord President Prof. Dr. U?ur Erdener said: “Baku holds a special significance for me, and I have no doubt it will deliver an extraordinary edition of our Convention. The commitment shown by our Azerbaijani partners throughout this process has been exceptional. This edition will also mark an important moment for SportAccord itself, as we continue to evolve our vision for what this Convention can and should be for the global sports movement.”
Azerbaijan’s Minister of Youth and Sports, H.E. Farid Gayibov said: “Baku is ready. As World Capital of Sport, the city looks forward to welcoming the global sports community and delivering a Convention that reflects our ambition and our enduring partnership with SportAccord. We are confident that 9-13 May 2027 will mark a defining moment for the future of international sport.”
SportAccord is also continuing to build a strong programme of initiatives for the remainder of 2026, with further updates to follow in the coming weeks. With SportAccord in advanced discussions with several world-class cities regarding future editions of the Convention, the organisation expects to announce additional host locations for the coming years, reflecting a strong and exciting pipeline ahead. -
CGA President confident in India’s capability to deliver 2030 Commonwealth Games
[Source: Commonwealth Sport] The Commonwealth Games Association (India) welcomed the visit of a high-level delegation from Commonwealth Sport (CS), led by its President Dr Donald Rukare, along with CEO Katie Sadleir and Director of Games & Assurance Darren Hall, as part of ongoing engagements around the preparations for the 2030 Commonwealth Games to be held in Amdavad.
The delegation undertook a comprehensive multi-city visit from 8–10 April, reviewing key venues and infrastructure across Amdavad, Gandhinagar, Vadodara and Ekta Nagar.
The visit included inspections of competition venues such as Mahatma Mandir, Veer Savarkar Sports Complex, Narendra Modi Stadium and IIT Gandhinagar, among others, as well as meetings with senior Government of Gujarat officials and city authorities.
In addition to venue assessments, the delegation held discussions with senior Indian sports leadership, including engagements with the CGA (India), Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports, and other stakeholders to review progress, governance frameworks, and delivery plans for the Games.
The visit follows continued dialogue between Commonwealth Sport and Indian stakeholders on strengthening the vision for a landmark centenary edition of the Commonwealth Games in 2030.
Dr Donald Rukare, President, Commonwealth Sport, said: “We are very impressed by the scale of planning, quality of venues, and the strong support from national and state authorities in India. Amdavad’s vision for the 2030 Commonwealth Games is both ambitious and forward-looking. The centenary presents a unique moment to celebrate the Games’ rich history while reimagining how they are delivered for the next 100 years. Our discussions this week have reinforced our confidence in India’s capability to deliver a truly landmark edition in 2030.”
Dr PT Usha, President, Commonwealth Games Association (India), said: “India is honoured to host the Commonwealth Sport delegation and showcase the significant progress made towards delivering a world-class Commonwealth Games in Ahmedabad in 2030. The visit reflects our shared commitment to excellence, collaboration, and innovation in sport. We are confident that, together with Commonwealth Sport and all stakeholders, we will deliver a truly historic and athlete centric Games that inspires the Commonwealth.” -
Host City and IOC mourn the passing of Sir Craig Reedie
[Source: IOC] It is with great sadness that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) has learnt of the passing of Honorary Member Sir Craig Reedie at the age of 84.
Sir Craig held a number of leadership positions at the highest levels of international sport, where he helped shape policy, expand global participation and confront some of the most difficult challenges facing the sports world. Among others, he was IOC Vice-President, President of the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), President of the International Badminton Federation (IBF) – today known as the Badminton World Federation (BWF) – and Chair of the British Olympic Association (BOA).
On learning of his passing, IOC President Kirsty Coventry said: “Sir Craig dedicated his whole life to the service of sport and the Olympic Movement. He was a steadfast guardian of integrity, guiding the global sporting community through some of its most challenging moments with dignity and resolve. His contribution to the Olympic Games, to clean sport and to the development of athletes worldwide will endure for generations to come.”
Sir Craig began his sporting career as a national and international badminton player representing Great Britain in the 1960s. After his time as an athlete, he made a name for himself as a leading sports administrator. He was secretary of the Scottish Badminton Union and subsequently President. In 1981 he was elected IBF President, where he led the successful campaign to include badminton on the Olympic programme at the Barcelona 1992 Olympic Games.
He joined the IOC as a Member in 1994, later serving on the IOC Executive Board (2009–2012) and as Vice-President (2012-2016). Over more than two decades, he contributed to numerous IOC commissions, including Marketing, Olympic Programme, Ethics and the Evaluation Commissions for the Beijing 2008 and Rio 2016 Olympic Games, as well as the Coordination Commissions for the Athens 2004 and Beijing 2008 Olympic Games.
In 2013, Sir Craig was elected as the third President of WADA. He expertly steered WADA through one of sport’s most turbulent periods – the revelation of the systematic manipulation of the anti-doping system in Russia – drawing on his well-respected diplomatic skills.
Sir Craig, who was also an enthusiastic golfer, chaired the BOA from 1992 to 2005, during which time he played a crucial role in London’s successful bid to host the 2012 Olympic Games. He served as an inspirational Director of the London 2012 Organising Committee for the Olympic Games and Paralympic Games between 2005 and 2012.
In recognition of his service to the Olympic Movement, he was awarded the Olympic Order in 2023 at the 141st IOC Session in Mumbai.
On top of a wide range of academic honours and national awards, Sir Craig was honoured by the British Crown: he was appointed Commander of the British Empire (CBE) in 1999, knighted as a Knight Bachelor in 2006, and later elevated to Knight Grand Cross (GBE) in 2018, reflecting his extraordinary contributions to sport and public life.
As a mark of respect, the Olympic flag will be flown at half-mast for three days at Olympic House in Lausanne. -
Identity expands to APAC with EPG acquisition, hailing “Golden Age of Experience”
[Source: Identity] Identity has established Australian operations, completing the global experience agency’s major projects footprint across UK and Europe, the US, Middle East and Australia. The agency can now deliver major sporting events, expos, business conferences and cultural activations seamlessly east to west, with local expertise backed by global infrastructure in every market.
Identity has acquired EPG, the Queensland-based major projects specialists, to establish its Australian presence. Led by Andrew Sharp and Jake Benson, EPG brings an exceptional track record in major sporting events, expos, business conferences and cultural activations delivered globally.
EPG retains its name, brand identity and operational autonomy as “An Identity Company,” operating from its Queensland headquarters. Andrew Sharp and Jake Benson join Simon Dunnell’s major projects leadership team, bringing decades of experience delivering complex, high-stakes projects across sport, business, culture and expos worldwide.
The move strengthens Identity’s capability in Australia, combining EPG’s proven local expertise with Identity’s global creative teams, operational infrastructure and specialist sub-brands. This enables the agency to deliver more ambitious, impactful major projects at scale across the region whilst enhancing Identity’s capability globally.
“This represents a significant strengthening of our global major projects capability,” said Simon Dunnell, Director of Major Projects at Identity. “Andrew and Jake have built an exceptional business with deep expertise in sporting events, expos, business activations and cultural projects delivered worldwide. Their capability enhances our delivery across existing operations in the UK, US and Middle East, whilst establishing our presence in Australia. This isn’t about adding a logo to our portfolio – it’s about genuine capability expansion backed by proven expertise.”
“The Golden Age of Experience is happening on every continent, and we’re delighted we can now deliver on four of them,” said Michael Gietzen, Group CEO of Identity. “Our clients demand world-class experiences regardless of where they’re activating. With major projects teams across Europe, North America, the Middle East and now Australia, we can deliver seamlessly around the world – local expertise backed by global resources, 24 hours a day.”
“We’re thrilled to join the Identity family,” said Andrew Sharp, Director, EPG. “Our clients will continue working with the same EPG team they trust, whilst gaining access to significantly enhanced capabilities. Major projects deserve major resources and local expertise – now we can strengthen our delivery of both. Whether it’s a major sporting event, an expo, a multinational business conference, or a large-scale cultural activation anywhere in the world, we can deliver even greater creative excellence and operational rigour.” -
ASOIF General Assembly focuses on strategy, governance and Olympic Games preparations
[Source: ASOIF] The 36 Full and Associate member federations of the Association of Summer Olympic International Federations (ASOIF) gathered today in Lausanne, Switzerland, for the organisation’s 50th General Assembly, with discussions centred on the implementation of the new ASOIF Strategy 2026-2032, the Sixth Review of International Federation (IF) Governance, and preparations for upcoming Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games.
The General Assembly was officially opened by ASOIF President Ingmar De Vos before International Olympic Committee (IOC) President Kirsty Coventry addressed the member federations.
The IOC President highlighted the power of sport and emphasised that all stakeholders within the Olympic Movement must work closely together to fully unlock its potential. She also underlined the vital role played by the IFs and the importance of their continued development and ambition, stating: “If you are not strong and striving, neither are we.”
Implementing the ASOIF Strategy 2026–2032
ASOIF presented the implementation roadmap for its new Strategy 2026–2032, which is built around three strategic pillars: Advocacy, Influence and Representation; Olympic Games Excellence; and Collaboration and Knowledge Sharing.
During the meeting, ASOIF also highlighted its refreshed brand identity which was launched in April and is aligned closely with the organisation’s strategic direction and future ambitions. The new visual identity reflects ASOIF’s commitment to innovation, collaboration and a strong partnership with the IOC.
Reflecting on the new strategy during his opening remarks, ASOIF President Ingmar De Vos said: “Importantly, the strategy recognises that collective action matters more than ever. No single IF can navigate every challenge alone. The strength of ASOIF ultimately comes from the willingness of IFs to collaborate, to share expertise and to act collectively where it matters.”
Governance remains a priority
Governance continues to be a central focus for ASOIF and its members. The General Assembly received an update on the Sixth Review of International Federation Governance, the outcomes of which will be published in June.
All 36 Full and Associate Members participated in the review process, which is overseen by ASOIF’s Governance Task Force and supported by an independent governance consultancy. The review is based on a comprehensive framework of governance principles and indicators tailored specifically to the needs of international sport federations.
Olympic Games and Youth Olympic Games preparations
The General Assembly also received in-person updates from the Organising Committees of LA28, Brisbane 2032 and the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games.
Representatives from LA28 presented how they are planning to deliver the largest sports programme in Olympic history and outlined planned testing and readiness activities. They also highlighted accelerated recruitment across key operational areas as preparations move increasingly toward Games delivery and test event planning.
The Organising Committee reported strong public interest following the launch of the ticket draw, with more than four million tickets sold across 85 countries and all 50 states in the first drop.
The seventh LA28 Coordination Commission meeting with ASOIF representation will take place in Los Angeles from 2-4 June 2026.
Preparations for Brisbane 2032 continue to progress, with the Queensland Government’s Delivery Plan now in place and venue development and procurement processes under way.
The Organising Committee confirmed ongoing engagement with the IOC and IFs regarding the development of the sports programme, with the initial programme expected to be finalised in late 2026 or early 2027. Additional milestones foreseen in 2026 include further venue delivery developments, sustainability strategy confirmation, commercial announcements and the unveiling of the Games emblems. Brisbane 2032 has also set up an Athlete and Sport Advisory Group to ensure structured athlete engagement and input.
Taking place from 31 October to 13 November 2026, the Dakar 2026 Youth Olympic Games will be the next Olympic sports event and the first one on African soil. The Organising Committee presented progress updates across key operational areas, while highlighting continued collaboration with IFs to support sport planning and delivery.
The eighth Coordination Commission meeting with ASOIF participation took place in Dakar in March 2026 and marked the transition from planning to operational readiness.
Updates from the IOC, WADA and ITA
The General Assembly also received updates from the IOC on matters relating to IFs and the Olympic Games, especially in the context of the IOC’s “Fit for the Future” process and the related Working Group discussions. Meanwhile, the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) and the International Testing Agency (ITA) delivered reports on their anti-doping efforts and collaboration with IFs.