Some of South Australia’s most influential leaders in women’s sport helped launch the Women in Sport Summit 2026 at Adelaide Oval today.
The Women in Sport Summit 2026, being staged over four days in October, will connect students, athletes, sponsors and investors on ways to accelerate investment and growth in women’s sport.
Now its ninth year, the event is being relocated from Queensland to Adelaide due to our State’s expanding women’s sport and events calendars.
The event attracts more than 1000 delegates annually, contributing $3.8 million to the South Australian economy each year. Organisers have committed to hosting it in Adelaide for the next five years.
As women’s sport continues to grow in popularity, so too does investment and this event will provide invaluable information and resources to capitalise on this growth.
From grassroots to elite performance, the summit will connect sporting bodies, students, investors, athletes and other stakeholders in a series of dynamic and informative events.
It comes at an important time for women’s sport in South Australia with the Australian Women’s Golf Open, the Adelaide International WTA 500 and a host of national and international women’s cricket, netball and football fixtures scheduled for Adelaide later this year and early in 2027.
The Women in Sport Summit 2026 includes:
Day 1 Futures Day: For students and emerging talent (yrs 10-12)
Day 2 Performance Forum: Elite athletes, coaches, high performance leaders, sport scientists, educators, medical and wellbeing specialists (ESSA accredited)
Day 3 Leadership Summit: Executives, marketers, commercial teams, governing bodies, brands, investors, lawyers and administrators.
Day 4 WISS Barossa Leadership Experience: A curated networking & relationship building experience.
The WISS is supported by Business Events Adelaide and the South Australian Government. Early Bird tickets available at ministryofsport.com.
As put by Rhiannon Pearce
Whether it’s the Matilda’s, the AFLW or the Thunderbirds, professional women’s sport is thriving and this is driving exceptional grassroots growth. This event will provide practical solutions in terms how we can sustain and capitalise on this growth.
This event will be invaluable for everyone involved in women’s sport from players, administrators, investors and students.
The WISS further consolidates Adelaide as one of the nation’s leading sporting and event capitals.
As put by Ben Parsons, CEO, Women in Sport Summit
Women’s sport in Australia has reached a defining commercial moment. WISS exists to bring together the leaders, brands and investors shaping what comes next.
The 2026 program is focused on turning growth into opportunity. By bringing together athletes, administrators, marketers, sponsors, investors and sporting organisations, we’re creating a platform where ideas, partnerships and practical solutions can accelerate the future of women’s sport.
