Savannah Council on World Affairs - Lecture Series

The Savannah Council on World Affairs (SCWA) is proud to launch its 2025–2026 Speaker Series with an engaging and timely lecture by international sports policy expert Travis Murphy, titled “Sports Diplomacy and the Decade of American Sporting Events.” The event will take place on Tuesday, September 16, 2025, from 7:00 PM to 9:00 PM at the Benedictine Military School, 6502 Seawright Drive, Savannah, GA

As the United States prepares to host an unprecedented lineup of international sporting events—including the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, the 2028 Summer Olympics, the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup, and the 2034 Winter Olympics—Murphy will discuss how these global moments offer a powerful, yet underused, tool in America’s diplomatic arsenal: sports diplomacy.

“In a decade defined by competition on and off the field, it’s time for the U.S. to fully embrace the strategic power of sport,” says Murphy.

A former U.S. Foreign Service Officer and Head of International Government Affairs at the NBA, Travis Murphy is now CEO of Jetr Global Sports Entertainment, a consultancy that empowers athletes, leagues, and organizations to grow globally. His career has spanned diplomacy, policy, and international sports leadership. Notably, Murphy played a key role in the successful release of WNBA player Brittney Griner from detention in Russia.

In his lecture, Murphy will outline innovative sports diplomacy strategies to help the U.S. successfully host global competitions, better support American athletes competing abroad, and strengthen international relationships through sport.

This event is open to the public. Admission is free for SCWA members and $20 for non-members. Full-time students military are free. Seating is limited.