Attendee counts:- 3,400+
Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show 2026 — Event Overview
When & Where
Dates: January 21–23, 2026
Venue: Las Vegas Convention Center (LVCC), Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
Show Schedule:
Wednesday & Thursday: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Who Attends
The Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show (SLATS) attracts the full sports-licensed merchandise ecosystem. The event unites licensors, licensees, retailers, manufacturers, collegiate licensing departments, and mass-market buyers in one venue.
Industry / Sector Breakdown
Participants come from a wide range of business sectors, including:
Licensed apparel, footwear, headwear & accessories
Sports merchandise and fan-gear manufacturers
Tailgating & outdoor fan-event products (chairs, tents, grills, drinkware, coolers)
Souvenirs, collectibles, toys, games & trading cards
Licensed home décor & housewares
Retail buyers: sporting goods stores, fan shops, college bookstores, gift stores, mass retailers, and online marketplaces
Professional & collegiate licensing organizations
Brand licensing agencies and merchandisers
Job Title / Role Breakdown
The show attracts decision-makers and purchasing authorities such as:
Licensing executives and directors
Brand owners and product manufacturers
Retail buyers, category managers & procurement leads
Merchandising & product development managers
Business development & sales directors
Licensing agents, consultants & brand managers
Operations, distribution & supply-chain managers dealing with licensed products
Professionals attending are typically responsible for sourcing new merchandise, negotiating licensing deals, and expanding product lines in sports and tailgate categories.
Geographic Breakdown
Although hosted in Las Vegas, the show serves a global marketplace, drawing:
Major U.S. retailers and national chains
Regional and specialty fan shops across North America
International manufacturers, suppliers, and licensors
Universities and collegiate licensing departments from across the United States
Buyers from international sporting, e-commerce, and souvenir markets
This wide geographic mix makes the show a primary hub for sourcing and licensing sports merchandise worldwide.
Why Attend / What to Expect
More than 300 exhibitors showcasing licensed apparel, gear, tailgate products, souvenirs, collectibles, and home goods
Opportunity to meet major league and collegiate licensors offering official licensing deals
Direct connections with both mass-market and specialty retailers
Strong focus on gameday and tailgate-lifestyle merchandise, a rapidly growing market
Access to exclusive product launches, wholesale ordering, and B2B merchandising partnerships
Ideal for businesses looking to expand distribution channels or secure new brand licenses
Sports Licensing & Tailgate Show 2026_Attendee List
Preview the quality and format before you buy

