The 19th Sports Business Awards gathered about 1,000 attendees at the Marriott Marquis Times Square on May 22, 2026, showcasing a range of industry honorees and nominees.
Key honors and standout moments
Veteran sports executive John Henry received the Lifetime Achievement Award, a highlight noted by ceremony photographers. The event also featured a presentation by Terri Carmichael Jackson, executive director of the WNBPA, who introduced several award categories. As the executive director of the WNBPA, Jackson’s involvement shows the growing importance of women’s professional sports and the role of organizations like the WNBPA in promoting and supporting female athletes.
In the Facility of the Year race, three venues were highlighted: MetLife Stadium, Crypto.com Arena, and the Spectrum Center. Photographs captured Katie Pandolfo and Michele Kajiwara from Crypto.com Arena alongside the stadium’s distinctive architecture. The inclusion of these venues reflects the evolving nature of sports facilities, which are increasingly designed to provide immersive experiences for fans, while also serving as versatile entertainment complexes that can host a wide range of events beyond sports.
GMR Marketing earned a nomination for Agency of the Year, while the Sponsor of the Year category listed Delta Air Lines as a contender. The Executive of the Year nominees included Jimmy Pitaro, ESPN chairman, and former NASCAR commissioner Steve Phelps. The presence of a major airline like Delta Air Lines as a sponsor highlights the ongoing importance of strategic partnerships between sports organizations and brands, which can help to drive revenue, enhance the fan experience, and promote the sport more broadly.
Team and individual recognitions
The Golden State Valkyries and Washington Spirit were both named as Team of the Year nominees, reflecting growth in women’s professional leagues. Dan Bartholomae, athletic director at Western Michigan, was honored as Athletic Director of the Year, with his family appearing on the event’s photo wall. The recognition of these teams and individuals serves as a sign to the expanding setting of women’s sports, which is characterized by increasing participation, investment, and popularity.
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SBJ Publisher and Executive Editor Abe Madkour appeared alongside PLL co‑founder Paul Rabil, showing the importance of emerging sports leagues. Additionally, Dan Shevchik and Doug Perlman of Sports Media Advisors, together with Billy King of TurnkeyZRG, were featured among the evening’s notable attendees. The presence of these individuals and organizations highlights the dynamic nature of the sports industry, which is continually evolving to incorporate new leagues, technologies, and business models.
While the ceremony largely celebrated established figures, the gathering also hinted at broader shifts. The presence of a major airline sponsor and multiple venue nominees points to a continued emphasis on partnership models that blend branding with fan experiences. Likewise, the inclusion of both traditional and newer leagues suggests an industry that values legacy while exploring fresh formats. This blending of old and new is reflective of the sports industry’s ongoing efforts to innovate and adapt to changing consumer preferences, technological advancements, and shifting societal trends.
Organizers of the awards noted that the event’s scale—over a thousand guests—reflects the sustained relevance of the Sports Business Awards in recognizing contributions across the sports ecosystem. The ceremony concluded without major controversy, and the award winners were expected to receive their trophies later that evening. The fact that the event was able to bring together such a large and diverse group of attendees is a sign to the awards’ enduring importance and the sports industry’s commitment to recognizing and celebrating excellence.
The awards ceremony also provided a platform for attendees to network and engage with one another, supporting a sense of community and collaboration that is essential for driving growth and innovation in the sports industry. The presence of numerous photographers and media outlets ensured that the event received widespread coverage, further amplifying the reach and impact of the awards. As the sports industry continues to evolve, events like the Sports Business Awards will play an essential role in promoting excellence, recognizing achievement, and facilitating connection among industry professionals.