On April 29, 2026, Marseille once again positions itself at the crossroads of innovation, influence, and purpose as it hosts the third edition of the SportMed Summit—an event that has rapidly become a defining platform for the future of sport in Europe and the Mediterranean. Bringing together nearly 1,000 participants from institutions, clubs, federations, and the private sector, the Summit goes far beyond competition, reframing sport as a powerful driver of economic, social, and environmental transformation.

Initiated by the World Trade Center Marseille Provence, the SportMed Summit was born from a clear vision: to create a space where dialogue leads to action. As Benoît Vincent, Director General of the World Trade Center Marseille Provence, explains, the Summit reflects the conviction that sport is not merely entertainment, but a dynamic force shaping territories, economies, and societies. Positioned in Marseille—a natural gateway between Europe and the Mediterranean—the event fosters collaboration across borders and disciplines, encouraging tangible, impact-driven projects.

The 2026 edition arrives at a pivotal moment for the global sports ecosystem. As the industry undergoes profound transformation, it faces a complex convergence of challenges: environmental sustainability of major events, evolving financing models, the rise of responsible sponsorship, and growing societal expectations surrounding mental health, inclusion, and well-being. With the horizon of the Alpes 2030 Winter Olympic Games, these dynamics are amplified, placing territories under increasing pressure to innovate responsibly.

Under the leadership of François Singer, Director General of the SportMed Summit, the event aims to serve as a true accelerator of solutions. The ambition is clear: to bring together those who want to act and to create a genuine catalyst for initiatives that redefine the future of sport.

At the heart of the Summit lies a carefully curated program designed to spark meaningful dialogue and actionable insights. The day will unfold through a series of conferences and roundtables addressing key themes shaping the industry today: Alpes 2030 and its ecological and economic implications for territories; the evolution of engaged sponsorship and new partnership models; sport, health and well-being in response to changing societal expectations; the role of sport in territorial development; environmental challenges; as well as financing, innovation, and sportech.

These discussions are brought to life by influential voices from across the sporting world. Among them, iconic footballer Steve Mandanda will take part in the roundtable “Les athlètes ne sont plus neutres : engagement, influence et impact sociétal,” reflecting a broader shift in the role of athletes as active agents of change. He will be joined by Pierre Vaultier, Fabien Gilot, and Marie Patouillet, each contributing their perspective on how sport intersects with pressing societal issues.

Their presence continues the Summit’s tradition of hosting leading figures such as Nikola Karabatic, widely regarded as one of the greatest handball players of all time, and Mickaël Piétrus, former NBA player and European champion—reinforcing its reputation as a hub for high-level dialogue and collaboration across the Mediterranean.

Beyond discussions, the SportMed Summit stands out for its tangible ecosystem. With 64 committed partners and 32 organizations present in the “village of solutions”—including companies, start-ups, federations, and associations—the event functions as a living laboratory of innovation. It also plays a crucial role in engaging the next generation, with more than 200 students actively participating, ensuring continuity and fresh perspectives within the sector.

A major highlight of the 2026 edition is the launch of the Trophées de l’Impact, an initiative designed to recognize and elevate projects that demonstrate the transformative power of sport. Open to clubs, associations, local authorities, and start-ups, these awards will spotlight innovative, scalable solutions capable of generating measurable impact across communities and territories. The winners, revealed during the closing ceremony, will benefit from increased visibility and privileged access to the Summit’s ecosystem.

As the SportMed Summit continues to grow, it cements its role as a key platform where sport, business, and purpose converge. In Marseille, sport is no longer just played—it is reimagined as a force shaping the future.