Sports competitions like the upcoming Olympics and the FIFA World Cup have long been a fixture on the global stage, drawing widespread attention and engagement. Sport serves as a platform for cooperation and influence across borders—often through government initiatives, athlete advocacy, and fan engagement.
Though still a developing field, sports diplomacy is increasingly recognized as a form of soft power —supporting international goodwill, cultural exchange, and shared values. For countries like the United States and Germany, sport has become a powerful way to promote shared values, inclusion, and mutual understanding. At the same time, athletes often focus not on political meaning, but on the pride of representing their teams, their countries, and the love for the game itself.
This conversation will explore sports diplomacy from multiple perspectives—political, economic, and athletic. We’ll discuss how governments and international institutions engage through sport, how athletes view their roles beyond the game, how teams and fans build unity across diverse backgrounds, and how sport is used to promote inclusion and opportunity through global initiatives.
Speakers:
Arne Friedrich, Founder Arne Friedrich Foundation
Lindsay Krasnoff, Sports Diplomacy Expert, NYU
Lyzz Ogunwo, VP, Player Experience, Operation and Global Impact, National Basketball Players Association
Marc Lingenhoff, Managing Director BVB Americas Inc.

Date and Time: September 18, 2025 / 6:30 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: Liederkranz Club - 6 E 87th St, NY, NY 10128 *LOCATION MIGHT BE SUBJECT TO CHANGE*
More Information: https://www.1014.nyc/events/balancing-the-game