Chiliz Seeks SEC Approval for US Crypto Market Reentry Ahead of 2026 FIFA World Cup

Chiliz, a prominent SportsFi company, has engaged in discussions with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding its plans to reenter the US crypto market. This move comes amidst a more crypto-friendly White House administration and a growing push for regulatory clarity surrounding digital assets. The meeting, held on April 22, focused on Chiliz's proposed structure for fan tokens and the rationale behind why these tokens should not be classified as securities.

Chiliz's reentry into the US market is strategically timed to coincide with the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will be hosted primarily in the United States, with Canada and Mexico serving as auxiliary hosts. The company plans to invest between $50 million and $100 million in the local market as part of this comeback. This investment is expected to attract interest from major sports leagues such as the National Basketball Association (NBA) and the National Football League (NFL), which have expressed interest in launching fan tokens if regulatory clarity improves.

The meeting with the SEC also highlighted Chiliz's previous investments and challenges in the US market. In 2021, Chiliz invested $80 million in partnerships within the US. However, regulatory uncertainty and the fallout from the collapse of FTX led to a strategic exit from the market the following year. Despite these setbacks, Chiliz remains optimistic about its future in the US, leveraging its partnerships with major football clubs, gaming teams, and racing companies to drive its ecosystem forward.

Chiliz's ecosystem has faced significant challenges, with a notable drop in activity and total value locked (TVL). The protocols' TVL fell from $17.8 million on December 9, 2024, to $6.5 million on April 22, 2025, marking a 63.5% decline. Additionally, the price of Chiliz's governance token, CHZ, has declined by 67% over the past 12 months. These challenges underscore the need for regulatory clarity and strategic investments to revitalize the company's ecosystem.

Chiliz's discussions with the SEC and its plans for reentry into the US market reflect a broader trend of increased engagement between crypto companies and regulatory bodies. As the regulatory landscape for digital assets continues to evolve, companies like Chiliz are seeking clarity and support to navigate the complexities of the market. The outcome of these discussions will be crucial for Chiliz's future in the US and its ability to leverage the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a catalyst for growth.