Chiliz Eyes $100M Comeback in U.S. as 2026 World Cup Sparks Crypto Momentum

Chiliz, the company that pioneered sports-based fan tokens, is laying the groundwork for a bold return to the U.S. crypto market — this time with backing from a more crypto-friendly administration and an eye on the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

The firm recently met with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to discuss its reentry strategy, which includes a proposed $50 to $100 million investment in the local market.

Chiliz Engages SEC Amid Shifting Political Winds

According to a publicly available meeting request, Chiliz hopes to resume operations stateside by the time the U.S. hosts the next World Cup. The company is also exploring renewed partnerships with high-profile sports leagues like the NBA and NFL, who are reportedly open to launching fan tokens—pending greater regulatory clarity. 

On April 22, the same day as the SEC meeting, Chiliz CEO Alexandre Dreyfus posted a photo with Bo Hines, executive director of the Trump administration’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, hinting at parallel discussions with White House officials.

During the SEC meeting, Chiliz argued that fan tokens should not be categorized as securities. The conversation centered on the tokens’ utility-based design and lack of profit expectation—a key point in the broader legal battle around whether digital assets fall under the SEC’s jurisdiction. 

The regulatory fog that has clouded crypto’s U.S. future appears to be lifting, giving international firms like Chiliz room to explore expansion once again.

Ecosystem Struggles to Regain Traction

Despite its global recognition, Chiliz has faced headwinds over the past year. Data from DeFiLlama reveals the total value locked (TVL) in its ecosystem has tumbled by 63.5%, from $17.8 million in December 2024 to just $6.5 million by late April 2025. This decline underscores the waning on-chain activity even as off-chain negotiations pick up pace.

Its native token hasn’t fared much better. According to CoinMarketCap, Chiliz’s governance token has lost 67% of its value over the past 12 months, tracking the broader downturn in altcoins since Bitcoin’s 2024 highs. 

Still, the company’s high-profile partnerships with clubs like FC Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City show the brand’s staying power in global sports.

Chiliz had previously invested $80 million into U.S. partnerships back in 2021. But the twin forces of regulatory confusion and the FTX collapse led to a strategic retreat. With the 2026 World Cup looming and political tides shifting, Chiliz appears ready to return—this time with deeper pockets and a clearer playbook.