Is Chilliz Returning to the US? SEC Meeting Gave Hints of a Relaunch

Chiliz, a trailblazer in the SportsFi industry known for revolutionizing fan engagement through blockchain-powered fan tokens, may be poised for a dramatic return to the U.S. market. 

After a strategic retreat in 2022 due to regulatory headwinds and the collapse of FTX, Chiliz is reportedly preparing a relaunch in anticipation of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. 

Recent discussions with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) indicate that the company is seriously exploring investment and expansion opportunities, possibly injecting up to $100 million into the local economy.

This article unpacks Chiliz’s current U.S. reentry strategy, what was discussed in its high-level meetings with the SEC, and how this could impact the future of fan tokens and sports crypto in America.

Why Did Chiliz Leave the US Market?

Chiliz’s original push into the U.S. in 2021 included an $80 million investment across partnerships with sports franchises and leagues. However, by 2022, the environment had turned increasingly hostile. 

Unclear crypto regulations and the disastrous collapse of crypto exchange FTX prompted Chiliz to make a “strategic exit” from the U.S.

The decision, while disappointing, was pragmatic. With the legal status of crypto assets—especially utility tokens like fan tokens—under intense scrutiny by the SEC, remaining in the market carried considerable risk.

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New Developments: Meeting with the SEC Crypto Task Force

On April 22, 2025, Chiliz met with the SEC Crypto Task Force to discuss the legal classification of fan tokens and its upcoming plans for U.S. expansion. 

The timing is significant: it coincides with a friendlier regulatory tone emerging from the White House, now under a pro-crypto administration.

According to the public meeting request, Chiliz proposed a $50 million to $100 million reinvestment timed to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which will primarily be hosted in the U.S. 

The goal: reestablish a compliant presence and collaborate with NBA and NFL teams interested in launching their own blockchain-based fan tokens—provided regulatory clarity improves.

Notably, the company argued during the meeting that its tokens should not be classified as securities. Instead, they are positioned as utility-based assets designed to enhance fan experiences, not speculative investment vehicles.

Industry Signals and Political Connections

Chiliz CEO Alexandre Dreyfus also posted a photo from the same day alongside Bo Hines, executive director of the Trump administration’s Council of Advisors for Digital Assets. 

This suggests that Chiliz is not only engaging with regulators but also actively building political relationships to facilitate a smoother market reentry.

This multi-pronged approach—regulatory dialogue and political alliance-building—could prove instrumental in shaping a new U.S. launch strategy that complies with evolving digital asset regulations.

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Ecosystem Challenges: Can Chiliz Bounce Back?

Despite strategic intentions, Chiliz faces challenges on the ground. According to DeFiLlama, the protocol’s Total Value Locked (TVL) has declined sharply, from $17.8 million in December 2024 to $6.5 million in April 2025—a drop of 63.5%. This suggests reduced user engagement and capital flows.

Moreover, the native CHZ token has lost 67% of its value over the past 12 months, now trading at just $0.04092, as per CoinMarketCap. 

Fan token utility and adoption remain strong in global soccer, but declining metrics highlight the urgency for revitalization, especially in the expansive U.S. sports market.

Chiliz’s partnerships with major clubs like Barcelona, Paris Saint-Germain, and Manchester City still offer significant branding leverage. But a U.S. return, particularly one backed by the FIFA World Cup spotlight, could revitalize the entire Chiliz ecosystem.

Read also: Meteora is Being Sued after Alleged Pump and Dump Scheme!

Conclusion

Chiliz’s recent SEC meeting and political maneuvering strongly suggest that the company is preparing a calculated return to the U.S. market. 

Backed by a possible $100 million investment and aligned with the high-profile 2026 FIFA World Cup, the relaunch could reposition Chiliz as a dominant player in sports-related blockchain engagement.

The success of this comeback, however, depends largely on regulatory clarity from U.S. authorities. 

If Chiliz secures the green light to offer fan tokens as non-securities, it could reignite adoption not just in soccer, but across the American sports landscape—from basketball to football and beyond.

FAQ

1. Why did Chiliz leave the US market in 2022?
Chiliz exited the U.S. due to growing regulatory uncertainty and the fallout from the FTX collapse, which created a hostile environment for crypto companies offering utility tokens.

2. What was discussed in Chiliz’s meeting with the SEC?
The April 22, 2025 meeting focused on the classification of fan tokens, with Chiliz arguing they should not be treated as securities, and outlined plans for a large investment in the U.S. tied to the 2026 World Cup.

3. Is Chiliz planning to invest in the US again?
Yes, Chiliz is exploring a $50 million to $100 million reinvestment in the U.S. market, aiming to launch partnerships with NBA and NFL teams under a compliant structure.

4. What is the status of the CHZ token in 2025?
As of April 2025, the CHZ token is trading at around $0.04092, down 67% year-over-year. However, renewed market activity and a U.S. relaunch could improve its outlook.