Chiliz is making a bold play to re-enter the U.S. market — with a new legal strategy, a proposed $100M investment, and the 2026 FIFA World Cup as its goalpost.

After voluntarily exiting the U.S. in 2023 due to regulatory murkiness, sports token platform Chiliz is now testing the waters again — this time by opening direct dialogue with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

The stakes are high: the world’s biggest sports leagues, billions in fan engagement, and a crypto sector hungry for regulatory greenlights.

At the Table With the SEC

According to the SEC’s public log, Chiliz, The Digital Chamber, and law firm Zuber Lawler LLP met with the agency’s crypto task force on April 22. They submitted a draft no-action letter, urging the SEC not to classify Fan Tokens as securities.

“Fan Tokens aren’t about speculation,” said a Chiliz rep. “They’re about connection — voting on team matters, getting exclusive perks, and being part of a community.”

Chiliz is pushing for a path forward that lets sports teams and leagues safely deploy digital engagement tools without triggering securities law complications.

Frozen Deals with NBA, NFL — But the Teams Are Watching

Chiliz previously inked deals with 13 NFL and 27 NBA teams — but had to pause them due to legal gray areas. Those partnerships could be reactivated quickly if clarity is reached.

• The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted partly in the U.S., is a prime launchpad for a comeback.
  
• Industry insiders confirm teams are closely watching the regulatory landscape.
  

A $100M Bet on American Fandom

Chiliz has proposed to invest $50 million to $100 million into the U.S. market upon re-entry. That includes:

• Rebuilding U.S. partnerships
  
• Launching U.S.-compliant tokens
  
• Creating fan experiences tailored to American sports culture
  

It would mark one of the largest sports-related crypto reinvestments in the U.S. to date.

New SEC Leadership Brings Hope

The timing may be ideal:

• Paul Atkins, a pro-crypto figure, is now SEC Chair.
  
• His predecessor, Mark Uyeda, had already signaled a softer approach, dropping cases against Uniswap, Kraken, and others.
  

For companies like Chiliz, that’s a signal to re-engage and test the boundaries of what’s now possible under evolving policy.

CHZ Struggles, But Rebound Looks Possible

• CHZ is down 67% YoY
  
• TVL has plunged to $6.8M from $17M in just five months
  

But a U.S. return, especially one backed by major sports leagues, could bring attention — and capital — back to the platform.

Final Word

Chiliz is going back to the regulators — not with confrontation, but with collaboration. A successful return to the U.S. could not only boost its token but also reshape fan engagement across the American sports industry.

The game is on. And Chiliz wants back on the field.