Debating the Future
of Sports and Gaming
The 2026 Alabama Sports and Gaming Summit, hosted by the Beyond Sports Initiative at The University of Alabama, brings together leading scholars and industry practitioners to discuss and debate the ever-changing landscape of the sports and gaming industry.
Through panel discussions, the summit examines critical questions surrounding collegiate athletics, esports and video gaming, sports betting policy, fan engagement, and the future of sports media. Designed for anyone with an interest in the future of sports and gaming, the summit offers valuable insight for students, scholars, and professionals alike.
Summit Information
Event Details
April 15–16, 2026
The University of Alabama – Gorgas Library
Yellowhammer Room (Room 2019)
Cost
Free and open to the University community.
Schedule
View the full Summit schedule here.
Keynote: A Fireside Chat with Mark Shapiro
Mark Shapiro
President and Chief Operating Officer
TKO Group Holdings, Inc., home of WWE and UFC
Mark Shapiro will join Andrew Billings, co-director of the Beyond Sports Initiative and Ronald Reagan Chair of Broadcasting at The University of Alabama, for a one-on-one discussion exploring leadership, innovation, and the changing global sports and media landscape.
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Houndstooth sponsor
TKO Holdings, Inc.
Crimson Sponsors
ESPN
GuardDog
WHITE Sponsors
Esports Trade Association
Nascar
NBA
