Annual Sports Conference 2026: investment, integrity and innovation in sport
Insight
We welcomed senior leaders from across the sports industry to our Annual Sports Conference. This year's programme explored the future of investment, integrity and innovation in sport, alongside an inspiring keynote on leadership and purpose.
Panel 1: Investment in sport
Tom Bruce chaired a panel featuring Sasha Ryazantsev, CFP Advisor at ALK Capital, Julia Cove, Founder of Eleven as One, and David Sugden, General Secretary of Qatar Sports Investments (QSI). The discussion highlighted the shift towards diversified sports portfolios – including women's teams, emerging sports and broader cultural partnerships – to strengthen long-term value and fan engagement. The panel also examined scaling challenges, sustainability pressures and the continued growth potential of women's sports.
Panel 2: Sports technology, AI and data
Christian Scotland-Williamson, Barrister at 39 Essex Chambers and former two-sport professional athlete, Owen O'Rorke, Alan Baker and David Morgan explored the rapid evolution of athlete data collection, from concussion-detecting smart mouthguards to full athlete profiling. They emphasised transparency, accountability and enhanced safeguards for under-18s, along with the growing tension between commercialisation, privacy and athlete wellbeing in an increasingly regulated digital environment.
Keynote: Lesley Sackey
Lesley Sackey shared reflections on her journey from elite sport into social entrepreneurship. Drawing on her work with Fight Forward and Pillow, she spoke about resilience, performance under pressure and how sport can drive empowerment and recovery. Her keynote offered practical insights on purpose-led leadership and building impact beyond the ring.
Panel 3: Integrity at the top – managing serious allegations
Ruth Kennedy, barrister at 11KBW, and Peter Finch, Partner at Nepean, joined Rachel Nolloth, David Hunt and Tom Rudkin to address how organisations should respond to serious misconduct allegations. Key themes included proportionate early responses, handling anonymous reports, when suspension may be appropriate, the value of independent investigations, clear communications and trust-building in low-trust environments.
Download the full speaker notes from the event (PDF):
To discuss any of the themes raised at the conference, please contact our Sports team or your usual Farrer & Co contact.
This publication is a general summary of the law. It should not replace legal advice tailored to your specific circumstances.
© Farrer & Co LLP, March 2026
