BAKU, September 8
Azerbaijan’s capital will host one of the world’s premier gatherings at the crossroads of sport and business in 2026, as Baku was officially named the venue for the SportAccord World Sport & Business Summit.
The event is scheduled for May 24–28, 2026, Report informs.
An agreement was signed between the Ministry of Youth and Sports of Azerbaijan, Baku City Circuit, and SportAccord, sealing the city’s selection. The announcement was made at a formal presentation ceremony attended by Minister of Youth and Sports Farid Gayibov, vice president of the National Olympic Committee Chingiz Huseynzade, NOC secretary general Azer Aliyev, and SportAccord president Ugur Erdener, alongside representatives of international federations.
Gayibov called Baku’s choice as host a recognition of Azerbaijan’s growing status in world sport.
“Our capital has been named the international sports capital of the world. It is a great achievement, and together with the federations we will stage numerous international competitions next year to honor this title,” he said.
Plans include world and European championships, World Cups, and Grand Prix tournaments.
Huseynzade praised the partnership with SportAccord and highlighted Erdener’s long record of collaboration with Azerbaijan. “I am confident the summit will be a success,” he said, adding that Erdener’s experience as a former president of the Turkish Olympic Committee has strengthened ties across the region.
Erdener, now leading SportAccord, underlined Baku’s readiness.
“Sport has its challenges, but it continues to inspire and unite societies. SportAccord is not just a platform, it is a preparation tool for the future — and Baku, with its hospitality and proven record of hosting major events, will be an ideal stage,” he said.
Speaking to journalists, Erdener noted the summit will attract 2,800 to 3,000 participants, including all international federations, sports industry companies, and candidate cities from the Bidding campaign.
He also pointed to Azerbaijan’s record — from the European Games to the annual Formula 1 Grand Prix — as evidence of the city’s capacity.
“With its rich experience and high level of hospitality, Azerbaijan is advancing toward the status of a global sporting capital. I believe the country will soon be a candidate to host the Olympic Games and other prestigious competitions,” Erdener said.
The SportAccord Summit brings together Olympic and non-Olympic sports, mind games, and urban disciplines. Organizers suggested that new projects could be launched from Baku — not as test events, but on a full scale, underscoring the city’s rising influence in the global sports arena.
