Beyond Spectacle
Play Because It Matters
The Play Equity Summit returns April 2, 2026, to the JW Marriott at L.A. Live for a gathering at the intersection of philanthropy, health, education, sports, and youth development. Registration opens at 8AM, and the Summit program begins at 9AM with reception to follow.
From Stadiums
to Playgrounds
"Beyond Spectacle: Play Because it Matters,” explores how we reclaim play & sport for public good in an era of billion-dollar mega events. Drawing on the legacies of LA84, the 1994 and 1999 World Cups, and icons like Pelé and Nelson Mandela, we’ll address how major sports events can unlock promising opportunities so every child and community benefits.
Featured
Voices
Hear from industry leaders transforming the landscape of youth sports and education.
Jenny Taft
Reporter & Host
FOX Sports
Andres Cantor
Lead Play by Play & Soccer Commentator
Telemundo Deportes
Alan Abrahamson
Sportswriter, Television Analyst
Jenna Bandy
Founder, Game ChangeHER
Candace Cable
9x Paralympian, 12x Paralympic Medalist
Lex Chalat
Executive Director, Soccer Forward Foundation
Brandi Chastain
2x FIFA Women's World Cup Champions
3x Olympic Medalist
Anita DeFrantz
2x Olympian, Olympic Medalist, IOC Member
Ezra Frech
2x Paralympic Gold Medalist
Larry Freedman
Co-President, LAFC
Co-Chair, Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee
Matt Geschke
Sr. Director of Americas Social & Community Impact, Nike
Mónica Gil
Chief Administrative and Marketing Officer, NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises
Cobi Jones
3X Men's World Cup Player
2X MLS Cup Champion
Chris Klein
Co-Chair, Los Angeles World Cup Host Committee
Former professional soccer player
Former USMNT player
Kaseem Ladipo
Executive Director, Soccer in the Streets
Lolita Lopez
Reporter, NBC4
Jasmine Maietta
Founder & CEO, Round21
Nichol McKenzie-Whiteman
CEO, Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation
Dr. Edwin Moses
4x Olympian, 3x Olympian Medalist
Tracy Myers
Executive Director, King County Play Equity Coalition
Kely Nascimento
Founder, The Impact Game
Co-Founder & Chief Impact Officer, Hadaf Global
Rich Orosco
Chief Brand Officer, LAFC
Rich Perelman
President & Press Operations, The Sports Examiner
Former Staff, 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Organizing Committee
Cody Pillon
Executive Director, Oakland United
Co-Founder, Oakland Genesis
Fernando Ramirez
Chief Policy and Public Affairs Officer, LA84 Foundation & Play Equity Fund
Jen Roche
Director of Community & Legacy, FIFA World Cup 2026™ Miami Host Committee
Alan Rothenberg
Soccer Commissioner, 1984 Summer Olympic Games
Chairman & CEO, 1994 Men's FIFA World Cup
Chairman, 1999 Women's FIFA World Cup
Founder, Major League Soccer
Founder, U.S. Soccer Foundation
Brandon 'Stix' Salaam-Bailey
Rapper & Producer
Founder, Thinkwatts Foundation
Kathryn Schloessman
President & CEO, Los Angeles Sports & Entertainment Commission
CEO, Los Angeles World Cup 2026 Host Committee
Renata Simril
President & CEO, LA84 Foundation
President, Play Equity Fund
David Sutphen
Managing Director & Global Head of Government Affairs & Philanthropy, Sixth Street
Board Chair, US Soccer Foundation
Julie Uhrman
CEO & Co-Founder, Angel City Football Club
Stephanie Wiggins
CEO, Metro
Dalila Wilson-Scott
EVP and Chief Impact & Inclusion Officer, Comcast Corporation
President, Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation
Summit Agenda
A day packed with inspiration, connection, and actionable insights for the future of play.
Welcome Remarks
What Is Legacy, Really? From Moments to Belonging.
Life Ready Through Sport: Designing a Legacy that Lasts
Belonging: 26 Champions Spotlight
Networking Break
Pele and the Joy of the Beautiful Game: A Legacy Beyond Medals
Inclusion: 26 Champions Spotlight
The Big Bounce: The Surge That Built Soccer in America.
Beyond the Moment: The Lasting Legacy of ’94 and ‘99
Joy: 26 Champions Spotlight
Lunch
Mandela, Sport, and Dignity: Creating Hope Where Once There Was Despair
Building What Lasts: The Policy + Capital Behind Play Equity
The Trust Economy: Why Community Impact Is a Business Imperative
26 Champions Spotlight
The 2026 California Play Equity Report: Soccer Preview
Host Cities, Shared Futures: Legacy Beyond the Pitch
Sneaker Moment - Joy In The Stands
Belonging Starts in the Stands: When Culture Leads, Sport Must Follow
Closing
Reception
Ready to Make
an Impact?
Relive the Summit
Watch highlights from 2024’s sold-out Play Equity Summit where elected officials, thought leaders, coaches, and youth sports advocates celebrated 40 years of impact of LA84.
Co-Presenting Sponsors
Official Airline Sponsor
Sponsors
Media Partners
Become a Sponsor
Interested in sponsoring the 2026 Play Equity Summit? We welcome partners committed to helping our mission of expanding access to youth sports and play for all kids. Connect with our Development team to learn more.
