British American Business Council of Greater Philadelphia

Sports are a unifier. The activity binds people within and across societies. Regardless of background or beliefs, spectators of all ages excitedly gather around radios, televisions, computers, and in pubs and stadium seats to cheer on their favorite teams to enjoy the great global pastime – sports. The day after a widely watched game, conversation revolves around the best plays and the winners are celebrated.

Sadly, there was a sports hiatus throughout the world during the thick of the pandemic. Everything was impacted by this global crises, including major and minor league sports practices and games at all levels. Several months ago, when we polled BABCPHL members about what would bring people back out to in-person programing, the answer was “sports related events.”

Sports bring people together. It opens international diplomatic dialogue and unifies deeply divided nations. Throughout the years, the BABCPHL has hosted several sports related programs, including events for the World Cup and the Olympics, as well as soccer, rugby and golf gatherings. We have collaborated with professionals well versed in the business of sports, major league and world renowned athletes, and team owners to deliver interesting content about specific sports or global sporting events.

As both the US and the UK reopen to foreign visitors, the transatlantic corridor is once again flooded with traffic. The first week of April 2022, the Department for International Trade (DIT) led a sports economy trade mission to the US. DIT selected 12 UK companies that excel in delivering new fan engagement, solutions across mobile, social, venue transformation, brand strategy and the metaverse, to travel to Atlanta and Los Angeles. These trade mission delegates were chosen to participate because they are pushing the boundaries of innovation with respect to sports strategy and technology. British innovation is being used to surpass fan expectations and reach wider audiences.

Sport is a national obsession in the UK. Watching, playing and celebrating sport is at the heart of British life. The UK sports economy is known for its creativity and innovation. Debbie Adler, Sector Director, Creative, Media & Sport, North America, DIT said “this year feels like the cusp of a fever pitch as American teams, leagues and venues anticipate hosting dozens of global sporting events in the coming decade. Now is the time to develop new strategies that will reach bigger audiences across a wider set of demographics, and put your businesses at the cutting edge of innovative solutions.” This specialty sector trade mission which introduced the next generation of UK creative sports companies to the US, will bridge new partnerships.

The US and the UK are the greatest allies in the world. The countries are culturally, economically and politically connected in many ways, like no two other nations. The passion for sports is just one tiny aspect of what we share. The BABCPHL is proud to support this interest through our programs and networking opportunities. Sports unites people personally and professionally, and we are honored to partner with transatlantic businesses to grow the US-UK relationship.

Philadelphia, like many cities all over the globe, has held its fair share of major sporting and other high profile events. Currently, Philadelphia is bidding to be one of 10 cities to host The 2026 FIFA World Cup™. Hopefully, we will be selected to host the World Cup. In the meantime, please join the BABCPHL on Wednesday, May 18, 2022 for our next sports related event – an international networking program and major league soccer match at Subaru Park. Click here for more information.

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