COLUMBUS, OH (June 2, 2026) -- Sports ETA, the leading trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, today announced that Greg Fante, President and CEO of the Louisville Sports Commission, has been named Executive of the Year. The honor was presented during the Sports ETA CE Summit today in Columbus.

While Fante was unable to attend the Summit in person, Sports ETA surprised him with the award during a special virtual presentation held in advance and shared with attendees during the general session lunch.

The Executive of the Year award recognizes an outstanding sports tourism executive who has demonstrated exceptional leadership, industry impact, and long-term contributions to their organization and community.

Since assuming the role of President and CEO in 2023, Fante has built on nearly two decades of leadership within the Louisville Sports Commission, helping position Louisville as a premier destination for national and international sporting events. Under Fante’s leadership, the Louisville Sports Commission has grown its impact, strengthened community partnerships, and continued to attract premier sporting events that elevate Louisville’s reputation as a leading sports destination. Most recently, the organization announced Louisville will host the 2028 U.S. Olympic Team Trials – Gymnastics, one of the nation’s most prestigious Olympic qualifying events, further showcasing the city’s ability to deliver world-class sporting experiences.

“Greg represents the very best of what leadership looks like in our industry,” said John David, President and CEO of Sports ETA. “His vision and commitment to collaboration have elevated not only the Louisville Sports Commission, but the broader sports tourism profession. Greg leads with purpose, invests in people, and consistently delivers results that benefit his community and our industry as a whole. We are proud to recognize him as Sports ETA’s Executive of the Year.”

The award was presented in front of senior sports tourism executives from across the country attending the annual CE Summit, Sports ETA’s largest leadership gathering focused on strategy, innovation, and the future of the industry.

“I am honored and grateful for this recognition from Sports ETA and my peers,” said Fante. “This award reflects the incredible team at the Louisville Sports Commission and the partners who work alongside us every day to showcase our city through sports. I am proud to be part of an industry that creates economic opportunity and lasting impact.”

The Sports ETA CE Summit convenes top executives from sports commissions, destinations, and rights holder organizations to share insights, strengthen peer networks, and advance the sports events and tourism profession.

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About Sports ETA

As the only trade association for the sports events and tourism industry, Sports ETA is the most trusted resource for sports commissions, destination marketing organizations (DMOs), and sports rights holders. Sports ETA is committed to the success of more than 800 member organizations and 2,400 sports event professionals. We promise to deliver quality education, ample networking opportunities, and exceptional event management and marketing know-how to our members to protect the integrity of the sports events and tourism industry.  For more information, visit SportsETA.org.

Contact: Jackie Reau, Game Day
(513) 708-5822 | jreau@gamedaypr.com