Chicago Sports Tech Is Hitting the Lakefront 🏃
Join our September 23 Run Club and catch up on Chicago’s biggest sports-business and technology news.
Mike Lynch
September 03, 2026
Chicago Sports Tech is hitting the lakefront.
🏃 Join the Chicago Sports Tech Run Club
On Wednesday, September 23, we’re bringing Chicago’s sports and technology community together for a casual three-mile run along the lakefront.
We’ll meet at Oak Street Beach at 5:00 PM, complete the run at a comfortable, all-levels pace, and then walk over to Hopsmith for drinks, networking and conversation.
📅 Wednesday, September 23
🕔 5:00–7:30 PM
📍 Oak Street Beach
🏃 Three-mile run
🍻 Drinks afterward at Hopsmith
Whether you run every week or are simply looking for a different way to connect with the community, we’d love to have you.
Come for the run. Stay for the conversations.
CHICAGO SPORTS BUSINESS & TECH — ROUNDUP
🏒 Chicago startup FutureSports lands landmark NHL deal
Chicago-based FutureSports announced an agreement with the NHL to create financial indexes based on the performance of all 32 teams. Through a separate partnership with Chicago’s CME Group, those indexes could be used to create regulated sports futures contracts.
It represents a fascinating new intersection of sports data, financial markets and fan engagement—and another example of innovation emerging from Chicago.
🏈 The Bears’ stadium decision remains a major business story
The Chicago Bears continued evaluating potential stadium locations during August, with Northwest Indiana gaining momentum while conversations with Illinois officials remained active.
Where the Bears ultimately land will have enormous implications for real estate development, hospitality, sponsorship, transportation and the future of major sporting events in the region.
🏎️ F1 Arcade brings competitive social racing to Chicago
F1 Arcade opened its first Midwest location in River North on August 14, transforming the former Rock Bottom Brewery into a 16,000-square-foot sports-entertainment destination.
The three-story venue features 61 Formula 1 racing simulators alongside food, cocktails and private-event spaces. It’s a strong example of how sports technology is creating new hospitality concepts—and turning fans from spectators into participants.
⚾ The Cubs enter a sports trademark battle
The Chicago Cubs and Washington Nationals filed a joint opposition to the WNBA’s attempt to federally register “The W” for apparel.
The case highlights the growing value—and complexity—of intellectual property as leagues and teams expand their brands across merchandise, media and digital platforms.
💰 Chicago investment group launches $300 million Experience Fund
Chicago-based EMERGING and Promethean Investments launched the Experience Fund, a new $300 million investment vehicle with a $500 million hard cap.
The fund will back AI, automation and intellectual-property platforms serving hospitality and experiential entertainment—including businesses shaping the future of venues, live events and technology-driven fan experiences.
For Chicago’s sports ecosystem, it represents a potentially important new source of capital at the intersection of technology, hospitality and live experiences.
WHAT’S NEXT
We’re keeping the momentum going beyond Chicago Sports Tech Week with more events that bring founders, investors, teams, brands and sports-business leaders together throughout the year.
The Run Club is the next step—and there is much more ahead.
Looking at hosting an event this Fall? Email me at mike@chicagosportstech.com.
See you on the lakefront,
Mike Lynch
Chicago Sports Tech