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Siegel recognized among 50 influential sports industry executives for leadership, innovation, strategic vision and industry impact
Orlando, FL (November 10, 2026) — The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is proud to share that President & CEO Jason Siegel has been named to Sports Business Journal’s inaugural Impact CEOs list, recognizing 50 executives whose leadership, dealmaking, innovative strategies and influence have helped shape the global sports industry over the past year.
Selected by the Sports Business Journal editorial team following extensive industry research, the inaugural class represents a diverse cross-section of sports business leadership, including teams, leagues, media, agencies, facilities, events, sports commissions, technology and more.
Siegel’s inclusion highlights the growing national prominence of Greater Orlando as a premier destination for attracting and hosting major sporting events, as well as the important role sports commissions play in driving economic development, tourism, community engagement and international partnerships.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, congratulations to Jason on this recognition by Sports Business Journal,” said Tammy Gustafson, Chairman of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission Board of Directors. “This honor reflects the impact of GO Sports’ work to strengthen partnerships, attract world-class sporting events and create meaningful economic impact for Central Florida. It is a testament to what our organization, partners and community can accomplish together.”
“This recognition is incredibly meaningful, particularly because it reflects the collective efforts of our extraordinary staff, our Board of Directors and the many public and private sector partners who believe in the power of sports to positively impact our community,” said Siegel. “Our success in Greater Orlando has always been built on collaboration, relationships and a shared commitment to creating opportunities that extend far beyond the field of play. I’m grateful to Sports Business Journal for this honor and proud to represent our region alongside so many outstanding leaders across the sports industry.”
Elevating Greater Orlando’s Global Sports Profile
Under Siegel’s leadership, the Greater Orlando Sports Commission has helped attract and support more than 500 sporting events, generating billions in economic impact for the Central Florida region during his ten-year tenure. Major accomplishments include hosting the 2024 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Marathon, the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games, multiple NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Championship events, international soccer competitions and numerous national and international youth and amateur tournaments.
“Jason’s leadership, passion and love for our community have helped Orlando become the nation’s premier sports destination,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer. “That success is also a reflection of the strong partnerships and collaboration that define our community. Through the work of the Greater Orlando Sports Commission and its many partners, we continue to attract events that bring people together, support our local economy and showcase Orlando’s vibrancy to visitors from around the world. We’re proud to see Jason’s contributions recognized on a national stage.”
Looking ahead, Greater Orlando’s growing portfolio includes the 2027 FIVB Women’s Volleyball World Cup, the 2028 Olympic Q-Series and the 2028 NCAA DI Men’s Basketball Championship First and Second Rounds, while the region continues pursuing additional marquee events, including the NBA All-Star Game, FIFA Women’s World Cup, WrestleMania and future Rugby World Cups.
In 2024, Orlando was recognized by Sports Business Journal as the nation’s No. 1 Best Sports Business City for Attracting and Hosting Events, further reinforcing the region’s reputation as a global sports destination. The Impact CEOs recognition builds upon that distinction and reflects the continued momentum of Greater Orlando’s sports economy, supported by elite venues, world-class theme parks, hospitality infrastructure, strong civic leadership and an extensive network of community and corporate partners.
Recognition for the Sports Tourism Industry
Among the inaugural honorees are several executives helping shape the future of sports tourism, major event recruitment and destination development alongside Siegel, including:
- Zaileen Janmohamed, Bay Area Sports Commission
- Meg Kane, Philadelphia Soccer 2026
- Pam Kramer, KC2026
- Alex Lasry, FIFA World Cup 26 New York New Jersey
- Will Pitts, Charlotte Sports Foundation
Their inclusion underscores the increasingly strategic role of destination leaders in securing global events, developing partnerships, generating economic impact and positioning communities on the international sports stage.
“Congratulations to Jason Siegel and all of the sports tourism leaders named to Sports Business Journal’s inaugural class of Impact CEOs!” said John David, President & CEO of the Sports Events & Tourism Association. “This recognition shows what we’ve known for a long time: sports tourism isn’t just a vertical, it’s a destination strategy. Every day, leaders across the Sports ETA membership work with local partners, venues and stakeholders to bring events to their communities and deliver real economic and community impact. It’s great to see that work, and the people behind it, celebrated on a national stage.”
“One of the most encouraging aspects of this inaugural class is the recognition of colleagues who are advancing the sports tourism and major events industry across the country,” Siegel added. “While our destinations may compete for opportunities, we share a common belief in the transformative power of sports and the importance of collaboration in strengthening our industry.”
A Distinguished Inaugural Class
Siegel joins an accomplished group of executives and partners that includes JT Batson of U.S. Soccer, Jesse Cole of the Savannah Bananas, Mike McCarley of TMRW Sports, Bill Foltz of OC Sports, Shay Segev of DAZN Group, Craig Sloan of Playfly Sports, John Slusher of the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Properties, Craig Tiley of the United States Tennis Association and leaders from professional sports franchises, global media companies and emerging sports enterprises.
The inaugural Sports Business Journal Impact CEOs class will be featured in the publication’s December 21, 2026 print edition, as well as across its digital and social media platforms.
About the Greater Orlando Sports Commission
The Greater Orlando Sports Commission (GO Sports) is a private, non-profit organization established to attract and manage sports-related events, conferences and activities that drive positive economic development in the City of Orlando, Lake County, Orange County, Osceola County, and Seminole County. Founded in 1992 with the sole purpose of bringing the 1994 FIFA World Cup to Orlando, the organization has since hosted more than 1,700 events in the Greater Orlando area, driving billions of dollars of impact for the community. For more information, visit www.GreaterOrlandoSports.com.
Media Contact:
Kyle Sturley, ksturley@greaterorlandosports.com
Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Special Events
Greater Orlando Sports Commission
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