The Convergence of Athletes & Innovation

For a decade, NFLPA Pitch Day has been a hub for innovation, connecting athletes, entrepreneurs, investors and business leaders to exchange ideas and explore unique sports-focused partnership opportunities.

Through expert-led discussions and the flagship startup competition, industry leaders and athletes explore game-changing topics and opportunities at the intersection of sports and innovation.
 

Event Format

 

Empowering Start-Ups to Succeed

The centerpiece of NFLPA Pitch Day is the startup competition, where three tech-driven companies pitch to an elite panel of NFL Players, investors, and industry leaders. 

Entrepreneurs compete for event access, mentorship, and collaboration to drive innovation in data tracking, technology, and performance-focused consumer products, with the winner receiving exclusive NFLPA event access, and business resources, including expert coaching in small business financial management and consultations on athlete marketing, fundraising, and strategic partnerships with NFLPA advisors, staff, board members, and venture capital partners.

 

 Expert-Led Discussions

Complementing the competition are thought-provoking panels where industry leaders and athletes share key insights and perspectives on emerging trends in the world of sports.

Last year's lineup featured a star-studded roster of player entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investment experts examining a variety of hard-hitting topics. From the future of investment in women's sports to the role of private equity in pro sports ownership, attendees were able to hear from some of the brightest minds in sports and entrepreneurship. 

Past Speakers, Judges, & Panelists

Previous Pitch Competition Winners

2025

2025

2025

VRTL, the leading platform for virtual fan experiences, was named the winner of the 2025 competition

2024

2024

2024

DrinKicks, the pioneering startup renowned for its distinctive sneaker products, clinched the top spot in 2024

2023

2023

2023

Personalized telenutrition platform Culina Health earned first place at 2023's record-breaking event

Read more about other previous winners: 

 

Healium, 2022  |  Round21, 2021  |  A Dozen Cousins, 2020  |  WHOOP, 2017

Get Involved with Pitch Day 2026

Interested in Partnering With Us for the 10th Annual Pitch Day?

Reach Out Here

Are you a player interested in attending or participating?

We'd love to hear from you!

Contact our Player Services Team Here