Annual community celebration will feature inspiring stories, game-day energy and recognition of the recipients of the Jim Morris Pathfinder Award, the Inspiring Sports Storyteller Award and three additional honors.

INDIANAPOLIS – Indiana Sports Corp will host the 2026 State of Sports presented by Indiana University on Wednesday, November 4, at the JW Marriott Indianapolis. Tickets are now on sale for the public to attend this annual community celebration, which will bring the energy and spirit of game day to the JW Marriott while celebrating how sports inspire people, strengthen communities, and contribute to Indiana’s reputation as a premier sports destination.

State of Sports is a signature event that showcases Indiana Sports Corp’s mission to build stronger communities through sport and honor the individuals and organizations whose contributions have made a lasting impact. The 2026 program will feature powerful storytelling, inspirational moments, and a forward-looking vision for how sports will continue to strengthen the state and its communities.

Indiana University will return as the presenting partner of the 2026 State of Sports, marking its third consecutive year in that role.

“State of Sports brings our community together with the energy of game day to celebrate the people and organizations who demonstrate how sports can inspire and transform lives across Indiana,” said Patrick Talty, president of Indiana Sports Corp. “We are proud to welcome Indiana University back for a third consecutive year as presenting partner. IU’s tradition of excellence and shared commitment to developing the next generation make it an ideal partner as we celebrate Indiana’s proud sports legacy and look ahead to its future.”

"In Indiana, where the reigning national football champions call home, sports unite communities, inspire pride and drive the state’s economy,” said IU President Pamela Whitten. “IU is proud to lead groundbreaking sports performance and health research and develop the leaders who are making Indiana the global epicenter of sport.”

Indiana University shares Indiana Sports Corp’s goal of positioning Indiana as the global epicenter of sport. Through the partnership, IU students gain hands-on experience in the sports industry while contributing to initiatives that advance Indiana’s reputation for sports innovation and excellence. The university’s continued collaboration and community engagement help shape the future of sports in Indiana and beyond.

This year’s program will recognize recipients in five award categories:

  • Jim Morris Pathfinder Award – Honoring individuals who use sports to drive change and inspire action. Past honorees include Michael Phelps, Peyton Manning, Dr. Condoleezza Rice, Melvin Simon, Herb Simon, the Irsay Family, and Larry Bird. View the list of past honorees here.
  • Inspiring Sports Storyteller Award – Celebrating journalists who capture the spirit and societal impact of sports. Previous honorees include Gregg Doyel, Malcolm Moran, Sage Steele, Rowdy Gaines, Anne Marie Tiernon, and Debbie Antonelli. View the list of past honorees here.
  • Community Partner of the Year – Recognizing a nonprofit or civic organization making a difference through sports.
  • Corporate Partner of the Year – Honoring a business championing community engagement and impact through sports.
  • Volunteer of the Year – Recognizing a standout individual whose passion and service elevate sports experiences in Indiana.

The 2026 award recipients will be announced in the coming months and recognized during State of Sports.

Event Details:

  • Date: Wednesday, November 4, 2026
  • Location: JW Marriott (10 S West St, Indianapolis)
  • Schedule:
    • 3:30 PM – Doors Open
    • 4:15–5:15 PM – Program
    • 5:15–7:00 PM – Reception
  • Tickets: $25 per person (theater-style seating) can be purchased by clicking here.
  • Group and Student Tickets: Contact Lily Warren at lwarren@indianasportscorp.org for more information.

Sponsorship opportunities are available. For more information, contact Christina Toler at ctoler@indianasportscorp.org or (317) 237-5004.

To learn more about the 2026 State of Sports or to purchase tickets, visit IndianaSportsCorp.org/StateofSports.