CLEVELAND, Ohio – The McLendon Foundation announced today that Jon Patricof, Co-Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Athletes Unlimited, investor, and entrepreneur, will headline the keynote fireside chat at the 2026 McLendon Experience, taking place October 1 and 2 in Durham, North Carolina. The announcement also marks the release of the initial agenda for the 2026 McLendon Experience.

As the visionary behind Athletes Unlimited and the Athletes Unlimited Softball League (AUSL), Patricof has helped challenge traditional professional sports models, create new opportunities for athletes, and navigate the rapidly changing business of women's sports. Under his leadership, the AUSL has emerged as a leading professional destination for elite NCAA softball players, building significant momentum with strong growth in viewership, attendance, fan engagement, sponsorship as well as investment from partners including Major League Baseball, Milwaukee Brewers owner Mark Attancio and Ryan Sanders Baseball. 

"Coach McLendon spent his life opening doors for others. Jon Patricof is helping open the next generation of doors in sports, and we are thrilled to welcome him to The McLendon Experience," said Adrien Harraway, Executive Director of the McLendon Foundation.

Built around the theme Unite. Uplift. Unleash., The McLendon Experience is where the sports industry discovers its future leaders by bringing together emerging talent with executives, recruiters, and decision makers from organizations including the NCAA, NFL, USGA, ESPN, Deloitte, Fanatics, Under Armour, Octagon, Legends, and more.

Unlike traditional conferences, The McLendon Experience is the premier talent exchange for the sports industry, creating meaningful opportunities for attendees to build relationships, explore career paths, and connect directly with organizations that are hiring and shaping the future of sports.

Whether you are seeking your first internship, preparing for your first full time role, or looking to expand your professional network, The McLendon Experience offers a unique opportunity to learn from industry leaders, build lasting relationships, and accelerate your career.

Registration is now open and space is limited.

View the 2026 McLendon Experience Agenda HERE

Register for The McLendon Experience HERE

Become a Sponsor HERE
 

Additional speakers and participating organizations will be announced in the coming weeks.