Sporting legends to join new SportsTech stage at LEAP 2025
SportsTech is one of two new content stages for the 2025 event, alongside Tech Arena. These additions reflect LEAP's expansion into key industry sectors.
Saudi Arabia's focus on sports and its Vision 2030 diversification goals have attracted major industry figures to the event.
Hosted by former France and Manchester United footballer Patrice Evra, the SportsTech stage will feature more than 30 speakers, including Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA; Dominic Thiem, Grand Slam tennis champion; Casper Stylsvig, Chief Revenue Officer, Chelsea FC; and Vinai Venkatesham OBE, former CEO of Arsenal FC, who will be attending LEAP for the first time.
Speaking ahead of the event, Javier Tebas said: 'It is an honour for LALIGA to participate in LEAP, a major technology forum. I will address the key challenges and opportunities the sports industry is facing in terms of technology.'
Javier Tebas, President of LALIGA.
Other notable participants include representatives from Formula E, SailGP, the ATP Tour, the DP World Tour, the Ryder Cup, and the Commonwealth Sports Foundation. Senior representatives from global football clubs such as Newcastle United, Juventus, Chelsea FC, and Tottenham Hotspur will also share insights, along with figures from the England and Wales Cricket Board and the F1 McLaren Racing Team.
Attendees will also have the opportunity to meet football figures Andrea Pirlo, a World Cup winner with Italy, and Francesco Totti, AS Roma's record goal scorer. Iker Casillas, Spain and Real Madrid's former goalkeeper, now a commentator, and Mathieu Flamini, former Arsenal and France midfielder and now a biochemical entrepreneur, will also be part of the meet and greet.
'Sports tech is changing the way we play, train, and experience sports. I'm looking forward to attending LEAP to explore new technologies shaping the future of sport,' said Iker Casillas.
Iker Casillas, Spain and Real Madrid's former goalkeeper, now a commentator.
The SportsTech stage is also attracting investors such as Apex Capital, a firm known for its partnerships with sports figures including McLaren Formula One driver Lando Norris, professional boxer Anthony Joshua, and former footballer Raphael Varane.
Technology's role in advancing sports production and fan engagement will be a key focus. Topics will include AI, AR/VR, data analytics, fan engagement, sustainable sports tech, business models, and how investments are shaping the sports industry.
Recent data from Predence Research forecasts the global sports technology market will grow annually by almost 21 per cent, reaching $117.93 billion by 2034. Saudi Arabia's successful bid to host the FIFA World Cup 2034 highlights its growing role in global sports, alongside events such as the Jeddah F1 Grand Prix and investments in ATP Tour tennis, Formula E, football, and esports.
'We have designed the new SportsTech track, in partnership with the Ministry of Sports, to bring leading industry figures to Riyadh next month, with discussions covering topics such as performance, fan engagement, sustainable event production, and business success,' said Michael Champion, CEO of Tahaluf, which co-organises LEAP with the Saudi Ministry for Communications and Information Technology (MCIT) and the Saudi Federation for Cybersecurity, Programming, and Drones (SAFCSP).
LEAP 2025 will run from February 9-12 at the Riyadh Exhibition and Convention Centre, Malham.
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