Athletes are building brands
are you ready?
AthleteCon 2026 brings athletic leaders together for three days of NIL strategy, compliance, and industry access.
June 3–5, 2026 · The Sahara Las Vegas
Built for the People
Behind the Athletes
You’re responsible for guiding student-athletes through one of the most complex and fast-moving landscapes in sports history. AthleteCon gives you the tools, the network, and the clarity to do it better.
Leave with a NIL strategy that actually works
Get beyond the theory. Our sessions are built around what’s working at programs like yours right now, with actionable frameworks you can implement the week you get home.
Connect with the brands recruiting your athletes
Meet the marketing teams at the companies actively pursuing NIL deals with college athletes. Understand what they’re looking for and how your department can facilitate smarter partnerships.
Network with administrators who get it
Spend three days alongside ADs, compliance officers, NIL coordinators, and coaches who are navigating the same pressures you are. The conversations in the hallway are just as valuable as the ones on stage.
Stay ahead of what's coming
From rapidly evolving NCAA policies to the ever-expanding creator economy, our forward-thinking programming keeps you miles ahead of the curve—so you’re not just keeping up, you’re leading the way while others struggle to catch up.
The Administrator Track
A dedicated programming experience running alongside the main AthleteCon conference, designed exclusively for college athletic administrators.
Session topics are being finalized based on administrator feedback. Topics will include:
- NIL Policy & Compliance in 2026: Where the rules stand today, where they’re headed, and how to build a compliance framework that protects your athletes and your program.
- Building a Department-Wide NIL Culture: How to align coaches, staff, and athletes around a shared approach to brand building, without it falling entirely on one person.
- What Brands Actually Want: A candid conversation with brand partners about what makes an athlete (and a program) an attractive NIL partner.
- Supporting Athletes on Social Media: Practical strategies for helping your athletes build audiences responsibly, from content education to platform-specific best practices.
- Case Studies: What’s Working at Other Programs Real examples from administrators who have built effective NIL infrastructure, and what they’d do differently.
- Roundtable: Open Discussion with Fellow Administrators A facilitated, off-the-record conversation to share challenges, swap solutions, and build relationships with peers from across the country.
Full schedule coming soon.
Want a say in what we cover? Take our 2-minute survey
TICKET & LOGISTICS
What's Included
College Administrator Ticket
- 3-night stay at The Sahara Las Vegas (private king room)
- Airport shuttle during designated hours
- Access to the full Administrator Track
- Access to all main AthleteCon programming, workshops, and events.
- 15% discount at all Sahara Las Vegas restaurants
- Exclusive administrator networking sessions
Not included:
- Flights · Meals beyond the restaurant discount
Once your ticket is purchased, AthleteCon will automatically reserve your hotel room.
LOGISTICS AT A GLANCE
- Dates: June 3–5, 2026 Venue: The Sahara Las Vegas
- Room block closes: May 4, 2026
- Shuttle hours: Wednesday June 3: 9AM–7PM · Saturday June 6: 9AM–5PM
Arriving outside shuttle hours? You’ll be responsible for arranging your own transportation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Administrators
Yes. A full administrator schedule will be published on this page once programming is finalized. Sign up for updates to be notified the moment it drops.
Absolutely, and we encourage it. You can purchase tickets.
Not at all. AthleteCon welcomes administrators from programs of all sizes. The NIL landscape affects every school, and our programming reflects that.
June 3 Welcome Party: Elevated cocktail casual.
June 4 & 5 Sessions: Business casual.
June 5 Awards Night (Suits & Sneakers): Statement looks encouraged.
You'll be responsible for arranging your own transportation to The Sahara. On-site parking is available if you're driving.
Feel free to reach out through our Contact Page, and our team will assist you as soon as possible.