We cordially invite Dutch sports organisations, companies, and knowledge institutions to participate in the SportsNL Sports Mission to Los Angeles, from 15 to 20 October 2023. The sports mission is organised by NBSO Los Angeles, the Consulate General in San Francisco, RVO, OSF, and Green Wave.
Purpose of the sports mission
The aim of the sports mission is to gain valuable insights and make relevant connections with LA's sports sector, ecosystem, and sports market. In addition, we aim to present and position the Netherlands and your organisation in the LA region well in advance of the upcoming World Cup 2026 and the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2028.
About Los Angeles
Home to a multitude of professional sports teams, LA hosts multiple events on a weekly basis throughout the year, captivating local and global fans. The city's most iconic sports franchises include the LA Lakers, LA Galaxy, LAFC, LA Kings, LA RAMS, Angel City, LA Chargers, LA Clippers, and the LA Dodgers. With a strong fan base, these clubs have won numerous championships, making them the pride of the city and a source of inspiration for the next generation of aspiring athletes.
Moreover, Los Angeles has a rich history of hosting major sporting events. The city has hosted the Olympics twice, in 1932 and 1984, proving its prowess in organising and conducting large-scale athletic spectacles.
In other words, LA is the sports capital of the United States and an obvious place to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the 2028 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games (LA'28). The budget for LA'28 alone is USD 6.9 billion. With this hefty sum, LA'28 aims to host the most sustainable and inclusive Olympic Games.
If you want to know more about opportunities related to the Olympic Games 2028, read the RFO market report on opportunities in The U.S. Market for Sports Innovation or the market report 'Olympic Games 2028 Los Angeles' that came out shortly after the awarding of the Olympic Games 2028.
What can you expect on this mission?
The mission will support you in developing business and relationships in LA by putting you in touch with potential decision-makers and influencers who are otherwise hard to reach. The visit should also help position the Netherlands as an ideal partner for the upcoming World Football Championship 2026 and the Olympic Games 2028.
The timing of the mission offers a unique opportunity to build a network in a timely manner, as the mission takes place well before the 2028 World Cup and Olympics.
In addition, the mission coincides with the annual Sports Innovation Conference (SIC) 2023, organised by the LA Sports Council. The SIC 2023 will take place on 17 October at the state-of-the-art Sofi Stadium (the venue for LA'28's opening ceremony).
The LA Sports Council has more than 80 members, including all the renowned sports clubs and venues in LA. During SIC 2023, delegates can meet LA Sports Council members and partners and learn more about the latest trends, developments, and ambitions in the LA sports sector.
The programme will be further developed in the coming months, participants can expect the following programme components:
Workshop and Introduction to the Los Angeles sports sector & market.
Joint field visits to sports stakeholders include sports venues, training facilities, sports clubs, universities, and other relevant sports organisations.
Networking drinks where you can meet and invite (new) local sports contacts.
Knowledge sharing and possible cooperation with participants within the delegation.
Local support from the NBSO in Los Angeles.
A kick-off meeting will be organised on 19 September at 17.00 to prepare for the visit and give participants an overview of the programme and logistics.
Is this mission for you?
The Sports Mission is relevant to organisations, companies, and knowledge institutions active in the Dutch sports sector, in particular in the following areas:
Sports Infrastructure: to optimise sports facilities, stadiums.
Fan Engagement: to be deployed in sports venues aimed at the experience and involvement of visitors and audiences.
Sports Enhancement technologies: to be deployed in training facilities and by professional athletes. Products and equipment within the healthcare sector.
Sports partnerships and marketing: Focused on peer-to-peer relationships and collaborations between sports organisations or sports associations/federations.
Note: diversity and inclusion are very important and highly valued in Los Angeles. We therefore explicitly invite entrepreneurs from different backgrounds to participate in this mission, to enhance the Dutch delegation's diversity, expertise, and perspectives.
Participation fee
The participation fee is €500, - per organisation (max 2 participants per organisation).
The fee includes access to the programme, local transport, meals within the programme, tickets for conferences and receptions, and more.
The fee excludes VAT, travel and accommodation costs (such as hotels, domestic and intercontinental flights), and all individual costs, such as lunches and dinners outside the programme.
Sign up!
Places are limited. If you would like to join the Dutch sports delegation, please register before 21 July 2023 via this link.
After registration, you will receive further details about the mission and the necessary preparations.
For more information about the SportsNL mission, please contact Judith van Akkeren of Green Wave at Judith@green-wave.eu.