The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (CCPR) is seeking to position sports as a key driver of economic development in Puerto Rico, arguing the industry’s impact reaches well beyond athletic competition into tourism, hospitality, transportation, media, advertising and retail. CCPR President José "Che" Aparicio said the island has an opportunity to turn sports into a significant economic sector that generates investment, business opportunities and jobs.
To advance that effort, the CCPR will host the Sports Business Summit 2026 on Thursday, bringing business leaders together to discuss the economic potential of sports, entertainment and culture. The event, themed "Sports, Entertainment and Culture: A New Economic Development Model for Puerto Rico," will cover investment in sports infrastructure, facilities and major sporting events as tourism drivers, the rapid growth of women’s sports, and business opportunities tied to Name, Image and Likeness (NIL) agreements, which let athletes profit from their personal brands through sponsorships and endorsements.
Aparicio said Puerto Rico’s world-class athletes, strategic location and unique cultural identity create favorable conditions, and that this vision requires partnerships among the private sector, sports organizations, academic institutions and government agencies. He also pointed to women’s sports, collegiate athletes and international sporting events as areas where Puerto Rican businesses could play a larger role.
The summit will be held Thursday from 1:30 PM to 4:30 PM in the Ballroom of the Bahía Beach Four Seasons in Río Grande. It is invitation-only.