Sports Summit Madrid took place successfully at the IFEMA exhibition center, marking record attendance and featuring a special announcement: Argentina was honored as the official Guest Country of this inaugural edition—an event of great significance for the global sports business industry.
This distinction, typically granted to countries with a major impact on the international sports landscape, aimed to recognize Argentina’s rich legacy and global influence in the evolution of sport.
Argentina’s Ambassador to Spain, Wenceslao Bunge Saravia, formally accepted the invitation, cutting the ribbon at the Argentine stand at Sports Summit. He later attended a reception alongside Argentina’s Undersecretary of Sports, Diógenes de Urquiza; business leaders; and renowned athletes such as footballer Javier Saviola and volleyball player Facundo Conte.
Argentina hosted one of the main booths in the Sports Summit Madrid expo area, showcasing sportech companies and institutions tied to Argentine sports.
This visibility not only provided an opportunity to present the countrys progress in the sector, but also to strengthen ties with international players looking to innovate in the sports ecosystem—where Spain is seen as a leading reference and a strategic ally.
The Argentine Football Association AFA also had a prominent role in the Congress, presenting its case study on international expansion. The session highlighted Argentinas growing influence in global football, underscored by its triumph in the 2022 FIFA World Cup, the Copa América wins in 2021 and 2024, and the renewed competitiveness of clubs like River Plate, Boca Juniors, and Racing Club in international competitions.
Among the business leaders present was Bernardo Abruzzese, Representative of Santiago del Estero Province, and Rafael Veljanovich, Director of Partnerships at Sports Summit.
“Our Sporting Talent Is a Powerful Bridge with Spain”
In an interview with El Observador España, Ambassador Wenceslao Bunge Saravia outlined Argentina’s goals in the fields of sport, sports marketing, and the entertainment industry:
– What does Sports Summit represent for Argentina?
“Argentina is the first guest country at this Sports Summit, and I believe this reflects the will of both countries to focus on what we have in common—and sport is one of the biggest things that unites us. We share a passion for many sports: tennis, football, padel, sailing—you name it.
It’s truly an honor to host a stand at this first edition, to proudly fly our flag alongside the values that sport represents, which I believe are deeply meaningful in life. I’m honored to be here for the inauguration. Thanks to our government for making this possible, and to our athletes for representing us so well abroad.”
– Is Spain a model to follow in terms of the sports and entertainment industries?
“They are very focused on sport. I think they have more resources than we do in many areas, including sport, and they do things very professionally. We see it in LaLiga, one of the top leagues in the world with global reach. These are areas where we can learn. I also believe Argentinas sporting talent is world-class, and its a great way to strengthen our ties with a brother country like Spain.”
The Power of Sports Summit Madrid
On the opening day of Sports Summit Madrid, IFEMA hosted major figures from basketball, football, tennis, Formula 1, American football, cycling, and other sports.
Held from Monday, June 16 to Wednesday, June 18, Sports Summit Madrid brought together over 5,000 professionals, 200 brands, 130 exhibiting companies, and more than 250 speakers.
Organized by MADCUP—an initiative founded in 2021 to promote culture, education, and family values through sport—in collaboration with Sports Summit, a leading platform in Latin America with over 15 editions, this marked its debut in Spain with the aim of becoming the premier hub for innovation and connection in the sports sector.
The opening ceremony on Monday featured key institutional and organizational figures, including Daniel Martínez Vice President of IFEMA, Miguel Ángel Benzal CEO of Sports Summit Madrid, Alberto Durán President of the Spanish Paralympic Committee, Paco Díez President of the Madrid Football Federation, José Hidalgo President of ADESP, Ion Vilcu Director of Affiliate Members and Public-Private Partnerships at UN Tourism, Sonia Cea Sports Delegate, Madrid City Council, Luis Fernando Martín Deputy Minister of Culture, Tourism and Sport for the Community of Madrid, and José Manuel Rodríguez Uribes President of Spain’s Higher Sports Council.
The Formula 1 Grand Prix in Madrid
The Arena and F1 in Schools zones featured immersive experiences and exhibits that drew large crowds—from live sports demonstrations to race car simulators.
Later in the day, speakers from the new Madring Formula 1 circuit—set to host the Spanish Grand Prix starting in September 2026—took the stage, alongside a prototype of the race car driven by Spanish star Carlos Sainz.
One of the days most symbolic moments was the presence of the Royal Spanish Football Federation, which showcased trophies from the national teams’ World Cup victories, offering visitors a closer look at Spanish football’s historic milestones.
Day Highlights and Panels
Key moments included an interview with LaLiga President Javier Tebas, and a panel on sustainable development in football with executives like Manel del Río FC Barcelona, Leonardo Giammaroli SSC Napoli, and Donna-Maria Cullen Tottenham Hotspur.
The rise of women’s football was addressed in the panel Boosting Women’s Football, featuring Victoire Cogevina Reynal and Mario Malavé Mercury/13, focused on leadership, investment, and gender-inclusive governance.
Prominent sports figures such as Toni Nadal, Jorge Garbajosa, and Argentina’s Luis Scola also participated, reflecting on tennis and basketball as global entertainment platforms.
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