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 FTX collapse 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 company's governance token, Chiliz (CHZ), has also seen a decline in price over the past year. However, Chiliz's partnerships with prominent football clubs such as Football Club Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City demonstrate its continued relevance and potential in the sports and entertainment sectors.

The discussion with the SEC underscores the broader debate within the United States regarding the classification of cryptocurrencies and related assets as securities. This issue is central to the regulation of Web3 technologies and will likely shape the future landscape of digital assets in the country. Chiliz's proactive approach in engaging with regulatory bodies and seeking clarity on the status of fan tokens reflects its commitment to navigating the evolving regulatory environment and positioning itself for future growth.