World Players is proud to announce the inaugural World Players Summit, taking place from June 8 to 11, 2026, at the AFL-CIO Headquarters in Washington, D.C.
Hosted in partnership with the NFLPA, MLSPA, and the AFL-CIO (American Federation of Labor and Congress of Industrial Organizations) — representing 12.5 million workers across the United States — World Players Summit will be a player-led global convening focused on strengthening collective representation, advocacy, policy engagement, and organizing across sport.
Taking place during the opening phase of the 2026 FIFA Men's World Cup and at a pivotal moment for labor movements worldwide, World Players Summit offers a unique opportunity for player associations to engage with the AFL-CIO's institutional expertise while reinforcing cross-movement solidarity between athletes and workers globally.
Building Global Player Power
World Players Summit will bring together representatives from player associations across sports and regions, creating a space for collaboration, knowledge exchange, and strategic alignment.
The programme will feature multiple parallel conference tracks held simultaneously across venues within AFL-CIO Headquarters. Each track will provide in-depth programming tailored to key functional areas within player associations, combining panel discussions and interactive workshops designed to foster collaboration and practical outcomes.
Conference tracks will include:
- Leadership and governance
- Legal and collective bargaining
- Health and safety
- Player relations
- Player development
A cross-cutting perspective on women's sport will be integrated throughout the Summit, addressing the specific challenges and opportunities facing women players and their representation.
Marking a New Chapter for World Players
World Players Summit will also mark the formal launch of World Players' new independent structure, reinforcing a collective commitment to ensuring athletes have a powerful, independent voice in shaping their careers, protecting their health, and influencing the future of sport.
Further details, including the full programme and registration information, will be announced soon.
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