Doha:Qatar Sports Investments (QSI) took center stage at Web Summit Qatar 2025, unveiling key technological advancements and initiatives that are reshaping the sports industry. The four-day event, held from February 23-26 at the Doha Exhibition & Convention Centre, attracted over 25,000 attendees from 124 countries, including 1,520 startups and 723 investors, all eager to explore the latest in technology and sports.
QSI's presence highlighted innovations across its portfolio, including Paris Saint-Germain (PSG), Premier Padel, and SC Braga, demonstrating how technology is revolutionizing fan engagement, performance analytics, and global outreach.
A standout moment was the launch of PSG Labs, a pioneering global initiative aimed at fostering technological innovation in sports, fan experience, and performance. PSG Labs will serve as an innovation hub, supporting high-potential startups, entrepreneurs, and technology partners in developing game-changing solutions. As part of this initiative, PSG established its first international PSG Lab in Doha, underscoring QSI’s commitment to advancing the sports industry, particularly in the Middle East.
PSG’s leadership also took the stage at Web Summit Qatar 2025. Fabien Allègre, PSG’s Chief Brand Officer, spoke on global brand expansion, detailing how the club has evolved into one of the top franchises in sports while cementing its status as a global brand. Jerry Newman, PSG’s Chief Digital and Innovation Officer, joined a panel on sports innovation, sharing insights into emerging technologies shaping the industry.
“Allègre remarked, "We are still the youngest football club among the major teams, and when QSI took over in 2011, we established a clear vision to build one of the top franchises in sports while transforming PSG into a global brand. This allowed us to think beyond traditional football narratives, tapping into culture to attract and retain new fans, especially the younger generation. We are the club of the new generation."
Newman added, "Thanks to our partnership with beIN MEDIA GROUP, we recently became the first football club to broadcast a live competitive match in Virtual Reality (VR) in the United States. This groundbreaking initiative enables US fans to feel as if they are in the stadium without physically being there, delivering an immersive and electrifying experience unlike any other."
Beyond the panels, QSI’s booth offered interactive experiences, including the Premier Padel Robot Challenge, where attendees tested their skills against the world’s first padel-playing robot. Visitors also engaged with the Glambot and received personalized PSG, Premier Padel, or SC Braga RoboCards, engraved on-site as exclusive Web Summit Qatar 2025 souvenirs.
Adding to the excitement, QSI hosted the Premier Padel Pro Zone, where professional coaches led padel sessions, catering to both beginners and seasoned players. The QSI booth attracted numerous high-profile visitors, including dignitaries, industry experts, and renowned athletes such as football legends Gabriel Batistuta and Adlène Guedioura, as well as former NFL star Kelvin Beachum.
QSI also led a masterclass on blockchain, artificial intelligence, and decentralized identity in sports, featuring PSG’s Head of PSG Labs and Web3, Pär Helgosson, alongside Petrix Barbosa, Founder and CEO of Matchain. The session explored how these technologies can enhance fan engagement, improve performance, and bolster security within the sports industry.
Qatar Sports Investments’ participation at Web Summit Qatar 2025 reinforced its leadership in sports innovation, demonstrating how technology continues to shape the future of fan experiences and athletic performance on a global scale.
