Sportico’s Invest West agenda is set, with the May 6 event in San Francisco promising lively discussions around topics ranging from new approaches to sports investing to the power of partnerships to new opportunities in the Bay area to connected fan experiences and launching franchises in women’s sports. The keynote talk will feature Alex Bhathal discussing how team ownership and league expansion are being redefined, with a focus on the growing momentum behind emerging franchises like the Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the Portland Fire (WNBA).

Several weeks ago, we asked you what kind of programming you were interested in for this year’s Invest West event—and we listened.

Our survey showed that more than 80% of you wanted to hear from team owners and executives, followed by private equity and venture investors. Nearly half of you said you preferred the panel discussion format. Sixty percent of you said you most wanted to hear about private equity and institutional investment in teams and leagues and about franchise valuations and team ownership trends.

As you can see from the full agenda below, we are delivering for you.

9:30 AM – Breakfast and Registration

10:25 AM – Opening Remarks

10:30 AM – Keynote with Joe Lacob 

Join Joe Lacob, co-executive chairman & CEO of the Golden State Warriors and Golden State Valkyries, for a keynote conversation on the evolving business of sports ownership. From transforming the Warriors into a global powerhouse to launching new ventures like the Valkyries, Lacob shares insights on franchise valuation, innovation and long-term growth strategies. This session will explore how top owners are navigating media shifts, private capital and emerging leagues while balancing competitive success with enterprise value creation. 

10:55 AM – From Expansion to Excellence

What does it take to create a thriving franchise in the fast-growing world of women’s sports? Stacy Johns, CEO of NWSL’s Bay FC, and Jess Smith, president of the Valkyries, offer a peek behind the curtain at building and scaling expansion teams with ambition and purpose. From defining a brand identity and building front offices to engaging communities and driving early fan adoption, this conversation will unpack the strategic and operational decisions that shape a franchise’s trajectory.

11:20 AM – Investing the Next Wave: The NorCal Volleyball Story

Theresia Gouw, founder of Acrew Capital, and Vivek Ranadivè, owner & chairman of the Sacramento Kings, discuss their investment in the Major League Volleyball NorCal Franchise, exploring the sport’s growth potential and the intersection of venture capital, team ownership and community-driven sports innovation.

11:45 – Lunch

1:00 PM – Behind the Bid: Bay Area Event Impact

What does it take to bring the world’s biggest events to the Bay Area—and ensure they leave a lasting legacy? Following the region’s recent turn on the global stage during the Super Bowl, Bay Area Host Committee CEO & president Zaileen Janmohamed joins Host Committee board and advisory leaders and Bay Area team executives Jonathan Becher, Leslie Osborne and Mike Dunleavy for a conversation about the strategy, partnerships and community vision behind hosting major global events. Drawing on perspectives from teams, leagues and regional leadership, the panel will explore how moments on the global stage drive economic opportunity, strengthen collaboration across the Bay Area and create lasting benefits for local communities.

1:30 PM – A New Approach to Sports Investment

Join Ryan Murphy of Norwest, Roger Mason Jr. of Vaunt, and AJ Swoboda of Formation Partners for a conversation on identifying and building value in the less obvious corners of the sports ecosystem. From growth equity and athlete-driven platforms to strategic partnerships with ownership groups, this panel explores the different ways capital and expertise are being deployed across emerging and underserved segments—and how these approaches are reshaping the sports investment landscape.

1:55 PM – Partnerships Powering the Next Era of Sports

Join Larry Baer, president & CEO of the San Francisco Giants, and Austin Bowers, partner & co-head of sports, media and entertainmentat Sixth Street, for a conversation on how strategic partnerships are reshaping franchise growth.

Following Sixth Street’s minority investment in the Giants—the club’s first significant outside capital in decades—this discussion explores how teams are leveraging institutional capital to invest beyond the field. From ballpark enhancements and fan experience to large-scale real estate developments like Mission Rock, the panel will examine how long-term, flexible capital is helping organizations build enduring value while maintaining operational control.

2:50 PM – Wellness, Performance and the Business of Health

Description TBD

3:15 PM – Connected Fans: Creating Seamless Experiences Across Platforms and Touchpoints

Description TBD

3:40 PM – A Keynote Conversation with Alex Bhathal

Alex Bhathal joins Sportico to discuss how team ownership and league expansion are being redefined, with a focus on the growing momentum behind emerging franchises like the Portland Thorns (NWSL) and the Portland Fire (WNBA). As executive chairman of family-owned firm RAJ Sports, Bhathal brings a unique perspective on strategic investment, long-term value creation, and the role of institutional capital in shaping the future of sports.

It’s still not too late to join us at the Presidio Golf Course & Clubhouse … Register now: https://www.sporticolive.com/investwest2026