Nick Keller: Welcome to The 25th Sport Industry Awards

This year marks 25 years of the Sport Industry Awards, a milestone that gives us the opportunity not only to celebrate the achievements of tonight’s winners, but to reflect on the extraordinary journey of our industry.

Since the first Awards in 2001, sport has undergone profound change. What was once at the edges of culture, commerce and influence now sits firmly at the centre of them. Today, sport shapes economies, communities and conversations – reaching far beyond the fan or the viewer and into the heart of society itself.

The UK sport industry has consistently punched above its weight. For a small island nation, the global impact is remarkable – from the power and soft power of the Premier League and Formula One, to the creativity, innovation and new formats continually emerging across the sector – it is an industry defined not only by scale, but by ingenuity and ambition.

Above all, what sets this industry apart is its people. The quality of the individuals, organisations and ideas represented in this room – and recognised through these Awards – remains exceptional. That is why credible, transparent and meaningful recognition has always been at the heart of this event.

Over 25 years, the Sport Industry Awards have grown from a gathering of a few hundred to welcoming over 1,500 leaders, innovators and changemakers each year. That growth reflects the strength of the industry itself and the value of coming together to celebrate excellence.

Tonight is a moment to be proud. Proud of how far the industry has come, proud of the impact it continues to have, and proud of its ability to inspire, entertain and drive positive change in a complex world.

Thank you for being part of this journey, and for everything you contribute to making sport such a powerful force for good.

Nick Keller, CEO, Benchmark Founder, The Sport Industry Awards