Chiliz Engages with the SEC for U.S. Market Re-entry
Chiliz, a prominent player in the SportsFi sector, has engaged in discussions with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) regarding the company’s intention to re-enter the U.S. cryptocurrency market. This endeavor comes on the heels of a more favorable regulatory environment fostered by the current administration’s push for clarity in digital asset regulations. A recent SEC meeting document reveals that Chiliz aims to make its comeback aligned with the global excitement surrounding the 2026 FIFA World Cup, planning a substantial investment estimated between $50 million and $100 million in the U.S. market.
CEO’s Engagements and Regulatory Clarifications
On April 22, the same day of the meeting, CEO Alexandre Dreyfus posted a photo alongside Bo Hines, who heads Trump’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets, hinting at potential further conversations with White House representatives. During the meeting, Chiliz sought to clarify the framework for their fan tokens, arguing against their classification as securities. This classification is crucial as a security generally implies that an investor expects to earn a profit based on the efforts of a third party rather than from their own input.
Challenges in the Cryptocurrency Landscape
The ongoing debate about whether cryptocurrencies should be deemed securities has been a significant hurdle for Web3 regulations in the United States. Despite partnerships with iconic football clubs, gaming organizations, and motorsports teams, Chiliz has witnessed a worrying decline in its ecosystem’s engagement. As per data from DefiLlama, the total value locked in Chiliz’s protocols plummeted from $17.8 million in December 2024 to just $6.5 million by April 22, 2025, marking a staggering 63.5% decrease.
Market Performance and Future Prospects
Additionally, the value of the Chiliz View More token has plummeted by 67% in the last year, according to CoinMarketCap. Known for its innovative fan tokens that allow supporters to own a piece of their favorite clubs’ official cryptocurrencies, Chiliz has previously invested $80 million in U.S. partnerships in 2021. However, uncertainties in regulatory matters and the adverse impacts of the FTX collapse prompted a strategic retreat the following year.
As anticipation builds for the 2026 World Cup, where the U.S. will take center stage alongside Canada and Mexico, the future for Chiliz in the American market remains to be seen as they seek to overcome previous setbacks and reinvigorate their operations.
