South Australian Sportstech Delegation Builds Global Bridges in the United States
Why the US?
Based on extensive ASTN research and member surveys, the United States remains the number one destination for Australian sportstech businesses ready to expand across sports innovation, investment, venues and fan engagement. With major events such as the FIFA World Cup 2026 and LA 2028 Olympics on the horizon, the timing was ideal for South Australian companies to explore market entry strategies, forge partnerships, and position themselves for international growth.
San Francisco: Innovation Meets Investment
The program kicked off in San Francisco, setting the stage on how to do business in the US and for a week of high-impact engagements.
At K&L Gates LLP, delegates participated in a session on Navigating Global Expansion, gaining insights into legal frameworks, regulatory requirements, and government support programs such as Austrade’s Landing Pad initiative. Delegates also received an introduction by Innovative Growth Capital (IGC) to the business strategy of creating a new market category or redefining an existing one (‘Category Design’).
This was followed by a lunch presentation by Silicon Valley Bank (SVB) outlining startup banking solutions and ecosystem connections. Delegates learned how SVB supports early-stage companies with tailored financial products and access to investor networks.
The afternoon session at Nixon Peabody LLP focused on Venture Capital in the US, offering a platform for South Australian startups to pitch their ideas and engage with investors from Innovative Growth Capital, Scalare VC, and YaJa Tech.
The day concluded with a rideshare in an autonomous vehicle to attend a private Welcome Networking Event hosted at Mindspace, connecting delegates with other Australian business leaders who already operate at the intersection of sport and technology in the US.
Exploring Sportstech Innovation
Day two featured a visit to COPA STC, a cutting-edge soccer training and innovation facility. Delegates explored data-driven athlete performance technologies and COPA’s partnerships with elite clubs including TSG Hoffenheim.
Later, the delegation visited the Chase Center, home of the Golden State Warriors, for a deep dive into Fan Engagement and Business Strategy. The session highlighted how professional sports organisations use analytics and technology to enhance the fan experience.
Los Angeles: Stadiums, Startups, and Strategic Partnerships
In Los Angeles, the delegation continued its exploration of sportstech innovation with site visits to iconic venues. At Dodger Stadium, South Australian company MyVenue showcased its advanced point-of-sale system and discussed its collaboration with the LA Dodgers.
Delegates then toured SoFi Stadium, home to the American Football teams LA Rams and Chargers. Then moving on to the Intuit Dome, the new home of the LA Clippers, where they learned about immersive technologies and smart venue operations.
Evening activities included a visit to COSM Inglewood, an extended reality venue redefining live sports and entertainment, and attending a Major League Baseball game.
Workshops and Roundtables: Building Bridges
The fourth day featured a Market Access Workshop led by the International Sports Technology Association (ISTA). Delegates explored ISTA’s Global Launchpad Incubator and investment pathways, gaining insights into long-term partnership opportunities.
At the U.S. Bank Tower, the LAEDC Workshop and Roundtable provided a practical guide to doing business in California. The roundtable focused on mutual opportunities ahead of LA 2028 and Brisbane 2032, including athlete performance, health innovation, and fan engagement.
The day concluded with a high-level Networking Reception, where delegates engaged with government representatives, corporates, and sports organisations from the greater Los Angeles area.
Academic Engagement and Investment Intelligence
On the final day, the delegation visited the UCLA Anderson School of Management, engaging with the Global Access Program (GAP) and the Center for Media, Entertainment & Sport (CMES). The session explored academic-industry partnerships and UCLA’s new Sports Leadership and Management Program.
The visit concluded with a strategic session at DrakeStar Capital, where Partner Mohit Pareek presented the Global Sports Technology Report 2024. Delegates gained actionable intelligence on global investment trends, M&A activity, and positioning strategies for international expansion.
Final Thoughts
The South Australian Sportstech Delegation to the United States was more than a business trip – it was a launchpad for global growth. The visit highlighted how sportstech intersects with many adjacent industries ranging from healthtech to fintech, occupational health and safety to defence and security.
With engagements across government, academia, venture capital, and elite sports organisations, the visit also underscored South Australia’s commitment to driving sportstech excellence and building strategic pathways ahead of major global sporting events. All companies have taken away new knowledge, extended their networks and been exposed to new opportunities as part of the business introductions facilitated by ASTN.