On 5 June, the ICAEW brought together industry and finance experts to explore how accountants can support organisations in navigating the financial and commercial impact of global sporting events. The online event discussed the 2026 World Cup and the Commonwealth Games as real-world case studies, investigating their commercial and financial impacts across sport, media, and hospitality.
At the panel, Dr Johan Rewilak, Associate Professor in the School of Sport, Exercise and Health Sciences at Loughborough, shared his experience of working alongside several professional and amateur sporting organisations, offering a unique perspective by applying financial and economic expertise to global sporting events. He spoke about the commercial significance of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for the UK – an event which is to be hosted in North America. With both England and Scotland qualified, and global revenues forecast to exceed $10bn in ticket sales alone, the tournament is expected to drive significant increases in media consumption, sponsorship activity, and commercial investment in the UK.
Appearing alongside Dr Rewilak were alum and award-winning journalist, broadcaster and author Mihir Bose; Jane Pendlebury, CEO of the Hospitality Professionals Association (HOSPA); Craig Flindall, Strategy Director and experienced sports executive at Warwickshire County Cricket Club; and the session chair Graham I. Smith, Managing Partner of Gibson Alexander and Vice Chair of the Strategic Advisory Group on Entertainment, Sport and Media at ICAEW.
Dr Rewilak said, speaking on the event, “It was a great honour to be invited as a panel speaker for the ICAEW live webinar, where we discussed the commercial and financial impacts of major sporting events, including the 2026 World Cup. Alongside Jane and Craig, we were kept on our toes by Loughborough alumnus and the BBC’s first-ever Sports Editor, Mihir Bose, ahead of a very busy summer of sport.”