Industry Leaders to Examine the Future of Investment in Global Sport at International Sports Summit 2025
Premier Sports Network is pleased to confirm the third headline session at the International Sports Summit 2025:
Powering Growth: Investment Trends Shaping the Future of Global Sport.
The panel will feature two leaders shaping the financial and commercial direction of the sports industry:
Bobby Sharma, Founder & Managing Partner, Bluestone Equity Partners
Leela Srinivasan, CEO, Parity
The Context
Investment in global sport is entering a new chapter. Private equity firms, institutional investors and global brands are increasingly active in shaping competition formats, talent pathways, digital fan engagement, and the growth of emerging markets. At the same time, the rise of women’s sport is reshaping commercial priorities, sponsorship strategies, and valuation models.
This session examines how capital and commercial innovation are influencing what grows, who benefits, and which markets lead the next decade.
Speaker Perspectives
Bobby Sharma brings deep experience in private equity and global sports property development — spanning roles at Bluestone Equity Partners, IMG, GA Capital Partners, and the NBA. His work has shaped leagues, media rights, and talent systems across multiple continents, with particular insight into how investment and governance structures influence sustainable growth.
Leela Srinivasan, as CEO of Parity, leads one of the most influential platforms advancing equity and commercial opportunity in women’s sport. Parity connects global brands with a community of over 1,100 elite women athletes across 85 sports, demonstrating how inclusive investment models can create both cultural and commercial impact.
Themes in Discussion
Where institutional and private capital is flowing across global sport
The role of strategic investment in shaping league structure and competitive ecosystems
The commercial rise of women’s sport and shifting sponsorship priorities
The convergence of sport, media, entertainment, and technology
Balancing return on investment with long-term system sustainability
About the International Sports Summit
The International Sports Summit (ISS) brings together senior leaders from across the global sports industry including major leagues, federations, governing bodies, clubs, and commercial partners for two days of keynotes, panel discussions, and private, invite-only networking at Duke University on 12–13 November 2025.