NEW YORK, SEPTEMBER 22, 2026 – The Atlantic Council today announced the launch of its Power of Sports Center, a groundbreaking convening and content platform that will bring together senior government officials, business leaders, investors, sports leagues and associations, innovators and, of course, athletes from across the $2 trillion worldwide sports industry.
Atlantic Council President and CEO Frederick Kempe announced the launch today at an event on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly before leading a discussion on the global influence and impact on sports with U.S. Soccer President Cindy Cone, a two-time Olympic Gold medalist and 1999 FIFA Women’s World Cup champion. Spanish soccer legend and ESPN analyst Luis García also participated virtually.
The Center’s mission is to leverage the unique power of sports to advance stronger alliances, expand prosperity, and deepen lasting global impact. The Power of Sports Center is supported by founding partners Atlantic Council Chairman John F.W. Rogers, Goldman Sachs; Atlantic Council Executive Vice Chair Adrienne Arsht; Bank of America; Kalshi; Limak Holding; and Super Technologies.
“Sports is more than entertainment – it influences geopolitics, investment, technology, and global culture, bringing people together across national boundaries,” Frederick Kempe, president and CEO of the Atlantic Council, said in launching the center. “The Atlantic Council will bring to global sport what we have to energy, technology, security and so many other issues around the world: convening power, cross-regional expertise and practical ideas.”
Kempe said the Power of Sports Center initially will organize its work around five pillars:
- Statecraft: Advancing international cooperation, strengthening alliances, and promoting global leadership through the unifying power of sports.
- Infrastructure and Development: Exploring investment, private capital, stadium and venue development, tourism, and the economic impact of major sporting events.
- Innovation: Examining the future of sports through artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, and digital transformation.
- Society: Expanding opportunity through workforce development, education, and human capital development.
- Resilience: Strengthening leadership and preparedness by addressing security, climate resilience, public health, and the role of sports in building stronger communities.
The new center will also be highlighted on September 23 at the annual Atlantic Council Global Citizens Awards dinner. The Atlantic Council will honor Formula One President and CEO Stefano Domenicali; Prime Minister of Australia Anthony Albanese; President of the Republic of Finland Alexander Stubb; and two-time Grammy Award-winning and three-time Academy Award-nominated actress, singer, author, and producer, Cynthia Erivo.
For media inquiries or to request an interview with Atlantic Council leadership, please email press@atlanticcouncil.org .
