William Nylander traded skates for the sun and sand of the French Riviera this offseason, appearing at SPORT BEACH in Cannes, France, in June to discuss the importance of loyalty in sports.
Since its launch in 2022, SPORT BEACH has become one of the signature destinations of the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity, bringing together the worlds of sport, business and culture on the shores of the French Riviera for engaging interactions and conversations with global brands and industry leaders. SPORT BEACH also convenes throughout the year at pop-ups surrounding major sporting events such as the Super Bowl.
At this year’s event, Nylander joined Marriott International president and CEO Anthony Capuano, New York Times CEO Meredith Kopit Levien and Stagwell founder, chairman and CEO, Mark Penn, for a panel discussion, What the World's Best Brands Can Learn About Loyalty From Sports.
“I went last summer with the NHLPA and this year, they asked if I wanted to go again,” said Nylander. “It’s a very unique and interesting event with a lot going on. This year, I had the chance to speak on the panel with great people. I really enjoyed that opportunity to hear influential people’s thoughts on and participate in conversations about loyalty related to sports.
“I learned a lot about loyalty and how it’s connected to so many things, not only in sports, but how important it is and how it affects so much. To hear the people on the panel share their insights on how loyalty affects big brands was very interesting. I learned a lot from it.”
Star power continues to be synonymous with SPORT BEACH.
Nylander, who will skate in his 12th NHL season in 2026-27, all with the Toronto Maple Leafs, joined other big-name athletes at this year’s event, a list that included NBA Hall of Fame inductee Carmelo Anthony, NBA champion Shaquille O’Neal, Olympic gold medalist, Super Bowl champion Russell Wilson and WNBA star Candace Parker among many others across all sports.
Although his time at this year’s event – Nylander also participated in 2025 – was brief, the veteran of 750 regular-season NHL games gained a lot from the experience.
“There are so many brands and companies that come to this event,” said Nylander. “And then you see all these recognizable athletes, who are there. I think it shows that whatever sport you play, there are important topics to discuss and different ways to look at helping to promote interest in the sport and the athletes.”
The eighth overall 2014 NHL Draft pick hopes to see more NHLPA members attend SPORT BEACH in the future.
“I would recommend it for sure. It’s a great venue and there are so many things that you can take away from the experience. It opens your eyes in a lot of ways.”
Nylander is also building stronger connections with fans off the ice through social media.
His YouTube channel, “Willy Styles,” features videos ranging from behind-the-scenes content to his first Formula 1 race in Montreal and welcoming his family to Toronto over the holiday season.
Nylander also shares content related to the Maple Leafs. In May, he posted a video featuring teammate Matthew Knies as they reacted to the team winning the 2026 NHL Draft Lottery, which gave Toronto the opportunity to select Gavin McKenna with the No. 1 overall pick.
“I wanted to do it [YouTube channel] because I thought it be a fun way to show a different side of my life,” said Nylander. “I enjoy doing it and hopefully, people like it, too. I think it’s good when people can get to see players in a way they don’t usually get to.”
And whether that happens to be on the French Riviera or sharing some wholesome family content, Nylander has definitely got game beyond the arena.
