Associated Press Sports Editors is pleased to welcome TKO as the Presenting Sponsor of the 2026 APSE Summer Conference, July 16–18 at the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia.
TKO Group Holdings is a premium sports and entertainment company with a portfolio including UFC, WWE, PBR, and Zuffa Boxing. TKO also serves major sports rightsholders and brands through sports marketing agency IMG and provides premium experiential hospitality through On Location. Across its portfolio, the company reaches more than one billion fans globally, stages events in more than 90 countries, and showcases nearly 2,000 athletes.
One of the highlights of this year’s conference will be our Friday afternoon panel on July 17 at 3:45 p.m. Beyond the Spotlight: Athletes, Media and Storytelling will serve as a conversation exploring how today’s athletes navigate media relationships, shape their own stories and connect with fans in an always-on digital world – and how we can access them and reach their vast audience.
The panel, moderated by Tommy Deas, will feature athletes representing UFC, WWE and PBR and examine the evolving relationship between athletes and journalists, the power of storytelling, and what it means to perform on some of the biggest and most challenging stages in sports.
Meet the panelists
Kyle Daukaus – UFC athlete
A Philadelphia native from a fighting family alongside his brother, former UFC heavyweight Chris Daukaus, Kyle Daukaus is one of the UFC’s most respected middleweights, known for his elite grappling skills, blue-collar work ethic, and willingness to face top competition. Daukaus turned in a masterful performance at UFC 322 at Madison Square Garden, submitting fellow grappling specialist Gerald Meerschaert in the first round to earn a spot on the historic UFC Freedom 250 card on the South Lawn of the White House. Outside of fighting, Daukaus is a devoted family man and proud father of two sons.
Ethan Page – WWE athlete
Few personalities command attention like Ethan Page. The self-proclaimed “All Ego” Superstar made an immediate impact in NXT, capturing the NXT Championship in just his fourth match before later winning the North American Championship. With his sharp wit, confidence, and undeniable in-ring talent, the Canadian rising superstar has quickly become one of WWE’s most compelling performers, including an impressive Raw debut in 2026.
Moria Novakoski – Aspiring PBR Rider
At just 15 years old, Moria Novakoski is pursuing a groundbreaking goal: becoming the first woman to compete at the highest levels of PBR. A former national gymnast, Novakoski discovered bull riding at age 14 and immediately embraced the challenge. Training at Champion Rodeo Fitness while competing in PBR’s Rider Development program, she brings elite athleticism, determination, and a fresh perspective to one of the world’s toughest and most dangerous sports.
Whether you’re interested in athlete access, storytelling, media strategy, or simply hearing remarkable personal journeys, this promises to be one of the conference’s most engaging conversations.
Join us Friday, July 17, at 3:45 p.m. We thank TKO for its support of the 2026 APSE Summer Conference and look forward to seeing you there.
