I saw Michael Jordan just a metre and a half away: Danilov Iurii on SBC Summit Lisbon 2026
06 October 2026 19:30From 29 September to 1 October, Lisbon hosted SBC Summit for the third year running — the flagship event for sports betting, iGaming and payments. Around 40,000 delegates from more than 150 countries, 800 exhibitors and over 600 speakers. Danilov Iurii, CEO of SlamBase, shares what stood out this year.
Iurii, what was your first impression of SBC this year?
The scale. MEO Arena and FIL were packed from the first hour. Over three days I had dozens of meetings — some planned weeks ahead, some completely spontaneous, in a corridor or next to a stand. For me SBC stopped being just an exhibition a long time ago. It’s the place where you get done in three days what would normally take months. The headline moment was, of course, Michael Jordan.
What was it like?
Honestly, one of the strongest impressions I’ve had in years. I’ve played basketball my whole life, and for me Jordan isn’t just a legend — he’s the person a whole generation grew up on. I saw him on the Super Stage, and then at the Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, no more than a metre and a half away. He walked past so close that I could have simply reached out and touched him — and not just once. And I just froze; I couldn’t say a word. To be honest, I didn’t want to intrude on his space either: you realise how much attention surrounds him, and I didn’t want to bother him. But that encounter alone was a happy moment you could never plan.
What struck you about his talk?
That he came on stage not only as a great athlete, but as a businessman and investor. Jordan has invested in Sportradar and DraftKings and serves as a special advisor to both boards — and he shared the stage with their CEOs, Carsten Koerl and Jason Robins. It was his first appearance at an event like this in Europe. I really relate to his point that he only gets involved in projects that genuinely reflect who he is, because the audience has to feel that connection. That is modern business in a nutshell: technology, data, new ways to engage fans — and a reputation you can’t buy.
What was most interesting in terms of substance?
Three topics. First, Brazil: days before the summit, President Lula announced a ban on online betting, and it dominated the conversation. Most market players are convinced it will simply push customers to the black market.
Second, prediction markets. They had their own dedicated forum, and regulators, including Malta, are talking about strong interest from operators. Europe looks closer to this format than many think. Third, the fight against illegal operators and the role of Big Tech. Meta, X and other platforms are under growing pressure to help separate the licensed market from the unlicensed one.
What disappointed you, or felt like nothing new?
A lot of stands look the same: “AI platform”, “all-in-one”, the same promises. There are fewer real product breakthroughs than loud slogans. SBC is becoming less a product showcase and more a networking marketplace — which is fine. You just need to arrive with a clear meeting plan, otherwise it’s easy to get lost in the crowd.
Was the Curaçao data leak a talking point?
It couldn’t not be. Days before the summit, Curaçao’s regulator confirmed unauthorised access to its licensing portal, and journalists working with hacker Lilith Wittmann published more than 40,000 documents on operator ownership. I wouldn’t jump to conclusions: the regulator disputes parts of the reporting, and the investigation is ongoing. But the lesson for the industry is clear — ownership transparency, KYC and cybersecurity are no longer box-ticking, they are the foundation of trust. If you build your business on transparent structures and proper compliance, news like this doesn’t scare you.
Your main takeaway from SBC 2026?
The industry is growing up. Sport, fintech, data and regulation are merging into one field. And I’m glad SBC is staying in Lisbon until at least 2030 — as someone who lives in Portugal, that’s personally pleasing too. Next year, I’ll definitely be back.
