Business of Sport

Maarten Paes plays for Ajax and the Indonesian national team as a goalkeeper, at least that is what most of the bios will say. What they won’t tell you is that alongside his career as a professional footballer, he is also building a career in business and investment, and the approach he has taken to making himself more than his performance on the pitch is a story we had to cover on the show.There is a shifting attitude in dressing rooms that, in Maarten’s own words, is moving away from the macho discussions on who has the best car or most expensive watch to what they’re up to away from the game. We have discussed it at length on previous shows with the likes of Petr Cech, Pat Cummins, Matt Smith, Bryan Habana, but everyone’s approach is different. Maarten’s football career alongside this ambition is equally interesting; he spent four years in the MLS with Dallas and has qualified to play for the Indonesian National Team through his grandmother. Put it all together and we have another great example of a top sportsperson with a bucket load more to offer. We’re delighted to welcome Maarten to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

We came into this week thinking not a lot had been happening. We got that wrong. LIV finally filed for bankruptcy, Kevin Pietersen made a miracle return to the England set up, the Champions League kicked off with an absolute treasure chest of cash to distribute to the participants, The NFL season begins which includes the first ever game in Australia…oh and Charlie fills us in on developments in the horse racing world. If that isn’t enough for you, we then move to substack to take a look at the sponsorship market in the Premier League as Liverpool announce a £60m a year deal with Turkish Airlines. All of that comes together to create another packed week of Breakdown content!Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: Fanbasehttps://app.fanbaseclub.com/TransferRoomhttps://www.transferroom.com/GIS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us [email protected]

Athlete stories and their journeys beyond sport are a big part of this show. James Haskell is one of the most famous rugby players of the last 20 years, and much of that fame comes from the character he presents and profile he has alongside rugby. As you would expect, there is no filter applied to this chat. This is the real James, who came in ready to talk about rugby and the broader state of the game, alongside his work in the media, music, public eye, and so on. The big question is, and it’s one that James brings up a few times, if you want to punch him in the face at the start of the chat, will you still want to do so at the end of it? I’ve seen a lot of his content and followed his career from the beginning; I think this is a genuine insight into who he is, how he operates, and how he has built a profile coming from a sport than can often discourage them. We’re delighted to welcome James to the Business of SportA huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Charlie and Charlie take a deep dive into the rise and apparent collapse of LIV Golf, tracing the breakaway tour back to its ambitious launch in 2021 and the huge Saudi investment behind its attempt to challenge the PGA Tour. They examine the extraordinary financial packages offered to players, the appeal of guaranteed money and franchise equity, and why stars including Dustin Johnson, Brooks Koepka, Bryson DeChambeau and Jon Rahm made the move while Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy stayed away.From LIV's failure to secure the distribution, audiences and fan loyalty needed to make the model commercially viable to the fundamental problems with team golf and its lack of history and heritage, they ask where the breakaway tour went wrong. With the 2026 season ending early, players and suppliers reportedly owed money and a proposed "LIV 2.0" involving fewer events and lower prize money, they explore whether LIV can actually survive in any meaningful form. Could Saudi Arabia have achieved its ambitions by investing in the existing European Tour instead? What happens to the LIV golfers now? And was the entire project doomed by the strategy from the very beginning?Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

A blockbuster show to bring you this week as we look at the end of the craziest transfer window on record, Messi’s retirement from international football, the US Open tennis, and LIV’s reported preparation for bankruptcy. Add to that the story of how a golf trip to Scotland left Charlie Jr in the back of an ambulance after a run in with a colony of wasps, and we have ourselves a breakdown.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Today we introduce the sport of Rugby 7’s, as a brand new tournament, ‘Ultimate 7’s’ kicks off in Cardiff on 12th September. Managing Director Barney Pascall is backing a sport that speaks to a broad audience with a strong heritage to succeed as a business as well as a sporting product. Centralised team ownership, cost controls, venue selection to bring the best out of the first iteration without placing crazy expectations on it to fill 80,000 seater stadia. But most importantly and what gives this conversation credibility, is his acknowledgement of the challenges to overcome. You don’t create tribal fans overnight, you won’t create 10 Ilona Maher’s straight away, you have to give brands a reason to care, you can’t rely on owner investment forever. New IP is tough; we talk about it a lot. All you can ask is that the people running it have their eyes open to the realities of making it a success and you don’t feel like you’re having the wool pulled over your eyes. You won’t feel that here. A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

It’s been a big week in the world of knockout interviews. UEFA President Aleksander Ceferin sat down with Alastair Campbell from the Rest Is Politics to talk through the crazy few weeks at the top of football governance. What did he reveal and did we learn anything new? We’ll take a look at that alongside the football club market after Charlie suggested over half the football clubs in the EFL are looking for investment, plus the PGA Tour’s end of season FedEX Cup bonanza, and we have ourselves a breakdown.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠TICKET GIVEAWAY: Join us on Substack for a chance to watch Walton and Hersham vs Ebbsfleet with the Charlie's on the 5th September!⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://businessofsport.substack.com/p/ticket-giveaway-waltham-and-hershamIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

This week the time has come to review the latest season of The Hundred, the ECB’s flagship franchise cricket tournament that this year showcased its biggest changes yet: New owners, new kits, new sponsors and much more. But how did it perform? Managing Director of The Hundred Vik Banerjee rejoins me having appeared on the show when the franchises were being sold a couple of years ago to talk us through some of the key points that I think need addressing. As you will hear, I am a fan of it. I’m sure some of you will shake your head at that, while others may agree. I want to test some of the criticisms and see how this edition has been viewed internally, and what we can expect in the future. So let’s get to it. I am delighted to welcome Vik to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Mark Walter and the fire sale of his sporting portfolio has dominated the news this week after he sold the LA Lakers for a record $12.5bn in 48 hours. Now with his stake in Chelsea reportedly up for grabs, what would it mean for the club who has had its fair share of ownership troubles in the last few years? Add to this a look the simmering tensions between the PFA and the EFL as cost controls and player wages face off against each other, and a long awaited review of the booming world of padel, and we have ourselves a breakdown.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.It's that time of year again, join the Business of Sport FPL (code: p0z0sl) for a chance to win football tickets to a team of your choice + your own personalised Business of Sport shirt: https://fantasy.premierleague.com/leagues/auto-join/p0z0slWe're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

It’s padel week. 135 shows in, and the most requested sport gets its day. There couldn’t be a better person to take us through the world of a sport that has exploded in popularity over the last 10 years than Nikhil Mohindra. A Team GB professional who is also building a padel centre, running a foundation to bring padel to those who haven’t or can’t access it, creating content on his YouTube channel, and playing with the world’s top athletes (Cristiano Ronaldo included), this is proper access to a world we haven’t explored. I know we say behind the scenes a lot, but this really is behind the scenes. Question I’m most intrigued by is whether the demand for padel at a participation level can create the same interest at the elite. Let’s find out as we welcome Nikhil to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

In the week where UEFA, CONCACAF & AFC clubbed together to inform FIFA and Infantino of their collective stance post privatisation scandal, we have to keep across what it means for football and its governance structures moving forward. Add to this a look at whether Jeff Bezos type wealth really matters in modern football ownership, how LIV has reportedly managed to convince anyone to invest up to $300m in the crippled tour, and a long overdue deep dive into MotoGP after the British Grand Prix, and we have ourselves a Breakdown. If you want to hear part one of our Premier League season preview, looking at how each club is positioned heading into the new season, from our business angle of course, come and join us on Substack.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Have you ever heard of the owner who’s the manager who’s been the CEO as well as the kitman? Well if you haven’t, you’re about to, and this is a serious conversation despite at times seeming comical when you read that out.Marc White founded Dorking Wanderers in 1999 with a group of friends in the lowest division of English football, 17 tiers below the Premier League. In the last few years, they have got as high as the 5th, just one promotion from the EFL. Marc is still the owner, and the manager. His views on football as a business, how you can prove yourself without a background in the game, and building a club that does not run the risk of going out of business is one that anyone who tunes into this show regularly will love. As you will see, he is also a massive character. Time to meet him. I’m delighted to welcome Marc to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

After one of the most chaotic weeks in football, FIFA’s withdrawal of their privatisation plan would have been welcome news for virtually everyone, but what does that mean moving forward? Can Infantino cling to power? Does it actually matter when the real problem is the voting system? It’s time to look ahead as the dust settles just a little. Add to that a detailed look at West Ham’s ownership struggle as Amanda Staveley eyes an investment, and an update on horse racing after the huge news that the Jockey Club is leaving the Racecourse Association, and we have ourselves a breakdown.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Finally we’ve taken the jump into the world of NFL as we welcome Brett Gosper to the show. The former CEO of World Rugby, Brett now heads the NFL in Europe and Asia Pacific, making this the perfect time to speak with him as there will be a record 9 matches hosted outside the US. It is also the perfect way for two Brits to get our feet under the table and get to grips with the business of the most successful sports league in the world. What can other sports take from the way the NFL has achieved that? What is unique to it? A very fresh conversation to bring you as we welcome Brett Gosper to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

This week we had a really nice show schedule planned out, but after the incredible news of FIFA looking to sell off some of the World Cup ownership, it was inevitable that the main topic of this show would then shift to that.So it has been a last-minute change, but we will be doing our best with the information that we have to get stuck into probably what is the biggest football story since the European Super League from a business perspective, at least.  Add to that a look at the Commonwealth Games, which kicked off last week in Glasgow after Australia pulled out of hosting the event in 2023, and a look at the GAA in Ireland, one of sport's most fascinating stories, and whether the Premier League and the EFL can strike a deal before the football regulator hands in their first report.  Plenty to cover today on The BreakdownDisclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

It’s another returning great this week as we welcome Matchroom Boxing & Talent Agency CEO Frank Smith back to the chair. Frank was show number 8 on Business of Sport, and a lot has happened since. On top of deciding the sweeping curtains should be replaced by a buzz cut, he has been front and centre of a first class Netflix series looking behind the curtain at Matchroom, organised some of the biggest fights in the industry, and has set up Matchroom Talent Agency, signing some of the most notable but undervalued talent in sport, including Tom Aspinall & Henry Pollock.There was an air of confidence, surety, calmness, whatever you want to call it, about Frank this time round. To operate successfully in an industry where I think it is fair to say emotion can drive and get in the way of decision making and clarity of thought, Frank’s approach is pretty unique. Whether it is putting on Anthony Joshua’s mega fights, dealing with the Conor Benn fallout, adapting to the changing face of boxing as the influencer category flexes harder than ever, the approach doesn’t seem to change. I loved doing this again. We’re delighted to welcome Frank to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

The World Cup marathon has finally come to a close with Spain triumphing over Argentina while seeming to do the impossible, uniting the whole non-Argentine world behind one cause for the good of football, and that’s got nothing to do with me being a bitter Englishman. What about what has been happening off the pitch? What are the biggest business takeaways from the tournament. We’re not short of content. Add to that a look at golf after an enticing Open Championship, and how the mysterious R&A oversee the non-US side of the sport, and the incredible record NRL deal as Rugby League once again shows its pulling power in Australia, and we have ourselves a breakdown.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

In the week where Josh Kerr smashed the 27 year old mile record, we welcome into the studio the man who broke it 3 times, won multiple Olympic Gold Medals, brought the Olympics to London in 2012, and for the last decade has been President of World Athletics.Seb Coe is one of the most influential and respected executives in sport. He has certainly had one of the most diverse careers, and that gives him the opportunity to talk through both the biggest challenges that athletics and the Olympics more broadly faces, but also highlight what makes them storied, successful, and desirable for both fans and brands. In Seb’s eyes, there are only two truly global sports. Harry and I have had the privilege of knowing him our whole lives. It was therefore great to finally be able to do this. Let’s hear what it really takes to balance politics, performance, identity, finance, all under that banner of sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

After a stacked weekend of World Cup and Wimbledon, The options this week were endless. But having touched on the misdemeanours of FIFA last week, we were inundated with messages on the role the FA have to play in Infantino’s Presidency, so it is time to take a proper look at the relationship between England & FIFA. Add to that an update on McCullum’s inevitable departure from the England test set up, the incredible rise of Jannik Sinner alongside the Grand Slam nations struggles to produce their own champions, and a venture into the world of showjumping, and we have ourselves a breakdown.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Como have gone from bankruptcy to the Champions League in 9 years. There aren’t many better headlines than that. Of course the next question is how have they done it? From Cesc Fabregas’s managerial excellence to building a club that is about more than football in one of the world’s most sought after locations, President Mirwan Suwarso gives us an insight unlike any we have had from a football executive. There are a few eye opening takes on transfer strategies and UEFA dealings that will keep you guessing. Como is a proper business years ahead of the competition.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

It’s all eyes on Norway ahead of a massive World Cup Quarter final against England, but how has a country of 5.5m people built a team capable of beating football’s biggest nations (look away Scotland). And guess what, it’s not just in football. Add to that a look at what it costs to host the biggest F1 races on the back of Silverstone’s record weekend and a check on the billion dollar franchise bids for NBA Europe, and we have ourselves a breakdown!Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at [email protected] and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

In the summer weeks when tennis is front and centre, USTA CEO Craig Tiley joins us as tennis faces both a bucket load of major opportunities to take advantage of and challenges to overcome. Player pay, demanding audiences, (lack of) centralised governance, some of the biggest stars in global sport - you are balancing multiple plates to try and deliver for the players, the fans, and the businesses.Craig has turned the Australian Open into one of sports great events; a now 3 week festival of entertainment. Those of you that tune in regularly will know how important that is to the modern sporting business model and appeal. He is now about to take over as CEO of the US Tennis Association, a move that will see him responsible for the US’s largest sporting event and a participation base of over 30 million players; a huge job. There is no one better placed to take us through the highs and lows of the tennis world. One of the first names on the list of guests we wanted to join us when we started the show, I am delighted to welcome Craig to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

England are still alive at the World Cup, but only just, and as the tournament properly gets going, Thomas Tuchel’s big selection calls are starting to look a little more uncomfortable. We’ll get into that, before heading to Wimbledon where Serena Williams’ return gave the tournament the talking point it probably needed, and the players’ prize money protest raises the obvious question: if you’re going to strike, are you actually prepared to hurt the event? We dive into one of sport’s great untouched properties in the Tour de France and the strange economics of cycling. Then we finish with AC Milan, RedBird, Ibrahimović, a huge debt refinancing, and whether one of Europe’s great clubs is actually a bigger mess than it looks and we have ourselves a breakdown.And if you’re wondering why we haven’t mentioned the England cricket disaster, don’t worry, that one is getting the full treatment over on Substack.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

County cricket. This is long overdue. If we wanted to do this properly, the was really only one place to start, so I’m delighted to welcome Colin Graves to the show. Colin has held positions at the top of international and domestic cricket as Chair of the ECB and Yorkshire, a role he was re-elected to in 2024 as the club faces some of the biggest decisions in its storied history.The stark reality is that county cricket needs to make more money, attract more fans, produce more content, open itself to new investment. The problem is that there are issues at both a macro and micro level that stop much of that from happening. Private vs member ownership, calendar positioning, fiscal management; how do counties create a business that does more than just survive. This is a compelling take from a man who knows what he’s talking about, and recognises this is highly emotive to many of you who will be listening. I look forward to hearing your thoughts. We’re delighted to welcome Colin to the Business of SportA huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

With two weeks of edge of your seat football, it’s fair to say that the World Cup is delivering on the pitch. But what about all the noise around tickets and pricing and non-football exploits that dominated the news pre-tournament? Time to check in on that, alongside Serena Williams incredible return to Wimbledon in the singles draw at 44, Ben Stokes being back in the fold for the final test with still no apparent accountability or clarity from all sides, and a big old deep dive in the crazy debt laden world of Manchester United as they add another $125m onto an already eye-watering repayment figure. Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

Today we’re delighted to welcome Monty Panesar to the show. A brilliant servant to English cricket, Monty played 50 Test matches for his country, took Sachin Tendulkar as his first Test wicket, became the first Sikh to play Test cricket for England, and of course pulled off The Great Escape with Jimmy Anderson in Cardiff in 2009, one of the great modern Ashes memories.But what made Monty stand out was never just the wickets. It was the relationship with the fans, the joy he brought to the game, and the way he managed to humanise elite sport while playing at the very top. Now, as he puts it, the challenge is building a second innings that can be as successful as the first. That means media, coaching, speaking, business, brand, relevance, and understanding where cricket is heading as the game changes around franchise leagues, private investment, and the future of Test cricket. This is a brilliant look at life after elite sport, through one of cricket’s most recognisable and loved characters. We’re delighted to welcome Monty Panesar to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

What a start to the World Cup. What was all the fuss about? As often happens, football seems to have taken over from the outside which is what everyone wanted to see, but we’ll give it another week before reviewing the ticketing and commercial delivery we couldn’t stop talking about in the run up. It is the turn of Burnley and Everton to take the limelight after the landmark £35m compensation ruling in Burnley’s favour. This is used a lot but it really does look like it has opened Pandora’s Box. Add to that an overdue look at SailGP and the world of sailing and we have ourselves a breakdown!Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport⁠⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠

When we sit down with football club CEO’s, we hear about plans, ambitions, challenges, expectations. These are some of the most scrutinised jobs you could wish for, a privilege but also a huge responsibility. When Lincoln City shocked football this season, in what could only be described as romping to the League One title and therefore promotion to the Championship, getting their excellent CEO Liam Scully back in to talk us through this was an inevitability.We can embarrass Liam briefly, one of the most humble people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting in football. It was obvious from our first interview in October 2024 that this is an exceptional CEO and leader of football. But does that translate to the only success football truly understands: winning? That question has been answered. There’s been an operational discipline that would be the envy of many for a while; now they’ve added the performance to match. So how did Lincoln upset the sporting and business odds to achieve this? Let’s find out as we welcome Liam Scully back to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Huge news this week. It’s Charlie’s birthday, his 50th he’ll be happy for me to tell you, not that that is a surprise for those of you who are watching this; the studio got an impressive one day makeover. As his present, we let him dive back into the world of horse racing and deliver another knockout segment as Epsom and Ascot fill the sporting calendar. Add to this the long awaited start of the World Cup and a check on on what can only be described as the ticketing fiasco, and another fiasco featuring the well behaved, highly disciplined England Cricket Team, and we have ourselves a Breakdown!Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport⁠⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:⁠https://substack.com/@businessofsport⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠

We’re back to four wheels today as we welcome Jean-Éric Vergne to the studio. JEV, as he is known in the world of motorsport, has seen it all in a career that has spanned F1, Formula E and Le Mans to name but a few. He raced in 51 Grand Prix’s as part of the Red Bull Racing family with Toro Rosso and is Formula E’s only double world champion.Now JEV is not known for being reserved with his opinions; his character is built on a refreshing directness you don’t get as much in sport these days. This comes through in a perfect balance of self-belief and honest reflection when assessing his time at Red Bull, coming to terms with decisions made out of your control, and re-building a career and image that got him back to the elite end of motorsport. This is a real look at life as a driver, behind the assumption I, and I’m sure many of you, have on the luxury of elite four wheel performance. We’re delighted to welcome JEV to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

It’s a huge week so let’s go. Athlete pay. We haven’t been able to escape it in recent weeks and with IOC President Kirsty Coventry’s recent comments suggesting there would be no change to her stance on athletes earning money at the Olympics, we go head first into the why and what should happen when an organisation that generation generates €8 billion euros in revenue per cycle and doesn’t pay the key contributors. Add to that a long awaited venture in to the health of women’s football, and a commercial deep dive into the incredible world of F1 sponsorship after Gucci’s announcement as Alpine’s title sponsor, and we have ourselves a breakdown. Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠⁠⁠We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport⁠⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠⁠Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:https://substack.com/@businessofsportIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

An Arsenal icon in the seat this week at the perfect time to reflect on the incredible season The Gunners have had despite their Champions League final loss. Kieran Gibbs played 229 Games for Arsenal, won 3 FA Cups, lived that late Wenger years, Emirates transition, and the balance between opportunity and pressure that comes with playing for one of the top teams in Europe.That’s what we know him for. But as you will have guessed considering he is with us today, there is much more to him. One of the early movers to Beckham’s Inter Miami, opening up the world of business opportunity alongside a hard to say no to football project, Kieran has built a life away from the pitch that includes business ventures, bitcoin wealth, and a curiosity to learn that athletes must embrace if they want to build off the pitch. We recored this just before the Champions League final, but I don’t think that changes his Arsenal reflections. Kick back and enjoy as we welcome Kieran Gibbs to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

With the Premier League coming to a close and with it, the hypotheticals we’ve been talking about for the last few months becoming reality, it’s time to look at the real winners and losers from this season. Who has performed to expectation based on money spent and who is well short of it? You’ll guess a few. Add to that a look at Rugby League ahead of the Challenge Cup Final (this is the most requested topic we get by the way), and a review of the Enhanced Games after it finally kicked off in Las Vegas last week, and we have ourselves a breakdown. Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at [email protected] and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠⁠We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

As the tennis summer gets going, we’re delighted to welcome Kyle Edmund to the show. Former British number one, world number 14, Grand Slam semi finalist, two ATP titles; there are some serious achievements to put to Kyle’s name. That and of course the aura that comes with playing in one of the greatest eras tennis has seen.Having retired last year at the age of 30 after years battling serious injury, we found him at the critical point of reflection; the chance to recognise all he has achieved as an elite athlete and how to put that to use in the future. The world of top tennis players has been a mystery to many. Kyle takes us through what it takes to not just reach the top, but the work that has to go in to stay there. There’s no doubt about it, this is a brutal industry. A real survival of the fittest. Welcome to the world of elite tennis. We’re delighted to welcome Kyle to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses https://www.airwallex.com/uk/GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earthhttps://geminisports.ai/NavanSave BIG with Navan’s Business Travel Management https://navan.com/uk/sign-up/homeIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us [email protected]

What a week. If you’re here for a bit of Spygate, we released a bonus show yesterday just on that topic. When we recorded this, the outcome hadn’t been confirmed. But what we did have is a huge week of topics to catch up on, from Alonso joining Chelsea to Salah throwing Slot under the bus again to Jannik Sinner winning the Masters Golden Slam. Add to this a long awaited look at county cricket in England using the chaos happening at Lancashire to anchor the chat, plus a review of why so many smaller football teams are achieving miles above expectation and putting their big spending rivals in the shade, and we have ourselves a Breakdown. Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠[email protected]⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠⁠⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sporthttps://gis.sport/BoSIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

The Spygate scandal has rocked the Championship playoffs. In a special emergency episode of ‘The Breakdown’, Charlie & Charlie unpack Southampton’s expulsion, the legal drama, the impact on fans and players, and what it means for the integrity of English football.Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at [email protected] and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us [email protected]

Today we’re delighted to welcome Tymal Mills to the show. One of the fastest bowlers to grace cricket, Tymal has had a fascinating career. Forced to specialise as a T20 player because of injury, much of his career has been spent touring the world playing franchise cricket.He is World Cup winner with England, the leading wicket taker in The Hundred, one of the most expensive IPL buys in history, and as indicated through a bold partnership with OnlyFans last year, is pushing the boundaries of how athletes leverage content to build value off the pitch. This is about a lot more than cricket.It’s one of the stories you need to hear, so we are delighted to welcome Tymal to Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠[email protected]

This week, it is two huge topics that dominate the discussion. For those of you with a passion for football, the chaos engulfing Real Madrid at the moment on multiple fronts will no doubt have caught your attention. From the 70m signatures on a petition to remove Mbappe from the club to the Tchouameni/Valverde fight that ended up in hospital, not to mention the return of Jose Mourinho, there is a bucket load to dive into. While that may fall more on the gossip side, it is the product of the club’s management and the culture that exists that clearly runs from the President to the dressing room. Add to this the increasingly heated dispute between tennis players and the Grand Slams over their pay packets, and we have ourselves a breakdown.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at [email protected] and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.⁠We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

Today, we are delighted to welcome one of the very few female CEO’s in the English Football League. Polly Bancroft spearheads the Grimsby Town revolution that has seen the club thrive across the board, currently vying for a place in the League Two play-off final. We recorded this a few days before the disappointing 2-1 first-leg loss of Grimsby’s play-off semi final with Salford, but it’s still all to play for going into Friday’s decider.Whether successful or not in the mission to get promoted, this conversation should leave you in little doubt that this is a football club with plenty to look forward to. It reminded me of two things: first that we have the most incredible footballing system in the world, and secondly that clubs really are the bedrock of communities. The second point may seem obvious, but listen to this. Listen to how influential Grimsby is to the local area and everyone in it. Polly’s job is of course to deliver success on the pitch, but it is also to support over 100,000 people in the local community, and she articulates the balance perfectly.From that incredible night against Manchester United earlier this season to ensuring the club is run as a sustainable business, this is for both Grimsby and sports fans to enjoy. We’re delighted to welcome Polly to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses https://www.airwallex.com/uk/GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/NavanSave BIG with Navan’s Business Travel Management https://navan.com/uk/sign-up/homeIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us [email protected]

After a bucket load of requests, it’s time to talk about West Ham. I’ve been nervous about discussing them because I didn’t want to inflict the Breakdown curse and condemn them to relegation, but their situation on the pitch when reviewed against the wider business needs discussing. I think they’ve been getting off lightly. Add to that a look at what happens when a sports executive dares to suggest a club or team needs to think differently to thrive in this modern sporting environment, and the growth of the WNBA as it kicks off a new season this weekend.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at [email protected] and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.⁠We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠⁠⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠[email protected]

This week we welcome Bristol Bears CEO Tom Tainton to the show. With a new league structure recently announced and some high profile investments across the Prem, this is a great time to talk rugby and look at one of the top clubs pushing for their first title, to take them to the next level.Now since we recorded this show last week, there has been a lot of blowback from some fans and media based on comments made by Tom at a sports industry event, most of which seems to boil down to his suggestion Bristol are a marketing business playing rugby. To those of you that listen regularly, you’ll know a huge part of our conversations with CEO’s running clubs will include our firm belief that teams are content/marketing businesses and have to think like that to continue to develop in the most competitive sports market there has ever been.On the blowback, what I can say is this. Tom is one of the most impressive CEO’s that has sat in this chair with us, across sport. He speaks like an executive that gets it. He understands the demands placed on clubs in this day and age to be more than their performance on the pitch. But, and it’s a big but, not once did I feel like he believed this was at the expense of what happens on the pitch. He clearly says the next big target is to win silverware. Win the Prem. A Bristolian running one of the city’s major sporting assets; this is what you want to see in sport. So for this conversation, think about the future of the club and the sport as a combination of striving to win on and off the pitch. It’s a challenge, but it’s a challenge all teams face to maintain relevance. From what I saw, for what it’s worth, Bristol Bears have someone in charge who is intent on driving both in equal measure. We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠https://geminisports.ai/If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠[email protected]

After a huge week of golf and snooker last time out, we’re breaking more new ground this week. The sub two hour marathon; it’s finally been achieved in an official race when Sebastian Sawe won the London Marathon at the weekend. But do the athletes achieving these feats get the recognition they deserve? As is there a broader problem facing athletics as fights for attention in the most competitive sporting landscape? Add to that a look at F1 as it returns with the Miami Grand Prix after a 5 week break with a few amendments to the regulations, and the craziest final day of league season you’re likely to see, as York score a 103rd minute equaliser against Rochdale to get promoted to the football league, and we have ourselves a breakdown Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at [email protected] and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠[email protected]

Player & Agent; we’ve been targeting a show like this for years, and today we bring it to you. This relationship is one of the most important in sport, but shrouded in mystery and hear say, often not portraying either side in the best light.You can put that all aside today. Crystal Palace centre back and the USA’s Men’s Player of the Year Chris Richards joined us with his agent Alan Redmond to talk through what it is like operating at the highest level in sport…together. Chris’s story is unique, from finding football as a youngster in Dallas to moving to Bayern Munich as a teenager to being a Premier League regular and FA Cup Winner. The role stable representation and Alan in particular has played in that seems integral; that’s what I took from this conversation.This really is one of a kind insight. Sit back and enjoy as we welcome Chris and Alan to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesseshttps://www.airwallex.com/uk/GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/NavanSave BIG with Navan’s Business Travel Management https://navan.com/uk/sign-up/homeIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us [email protected]

Spoiler alert, while I’m recording this after Liam Rosenior got the sack from Chelsea, we recorded the show just before the 3-0 defeat to Brighton. For those of you familiar with the show you’ll not be surprised by my sentiments: what a shambles! I’m not too upset we don’t get to talk about it today because what more is there to be said other than, yes he blew a big chance to succeed, but the decision makers above yet again have it all to answer for, and quite frankly it’s astonishing none of them are out the door with Liam. Anyway, what we are doing today is looking at a mad week for LIV golf and what looks like it could be the final nail in this very expensive sporting disaster, followed by a business assessment of the closing stages of the Premier League; what are the financial implications of title wins, European qualification, relegation. To finish off and after many requests from you, it’s the turn of snooker as we get to enjoy the World Championships. Plenty to get through on this week’s Breakdown!Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at [email protected] and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agencyhttps://obelisksports.com/If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠[email protected]

A huge show for you today with a Premier League club flying high in their first season back at the top. Sunderland have had a difficult and well documented 10 years, but under the ownership of Kyril Louis Dreyfus and the Bia Sports team, the good times are coming back. Tom Burwell has taken over as interim CEO as the club plan the next phase of this growth story. He delivers one of the most impressive and compelling football leadership conversations we’ve had on the show. It’s the case study every potential football investor will point to when asked where value can be found in the game. Most importantly, it’s the case study to show how you can nail your business and performance strategy. We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earthhttps://geminisports.ai/SlateThe complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us [email protected]

What a weekend of sport it was last week. Rory’s Masters triumph, Grand National bashing for the bookies, Premier League blown wide open, and Championship relegation heating up with the Scottish title race. Dialling in, it’s Arsenal who are in the sights this week, and I knew they would be at 2:30pm on Saturday when they were booed off the pitch while 9 points clear in the Prem having lost 2-1 to Bournemouth. Is it a fair reaction to a club threatening to blow the achievement this project has strived for for 6 years or a lack of respect for the job those on the performance and business side have undertaken to put the club here in the first place. Add to that a look at the rapid growth of women’s rugby and how it compares to women’s football and we have ourselves a Breakdown!Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at [email protected] and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.

Dagenham & Redbridge has been all over the footballing news in recent weeks. A takeover fronted by John Grabowski and Happy Fan Group saw KSI come on board as a minority owner while Andy Carroll has been enjoying his time both on the pitch and in the dugout. Therefore this was never going to be your normal football club conversation.Non-League football in the UK is highly competitive. There is also some great business to be had. But of course, there are challenges to overcome. What does it take for Dagenham to put the excitement and media buzz that comes with high profile ownership into results on the pitch that ultimately leads to what really matters: winning. John takes us through the takeover story, football club’s challenges when talking about money, getting KSI on board, and how they plan to take the club back to the football league. We’re delighted to welcome John to the business of sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/SlateThe complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/NavanSave BIG with Navan’s Business Travel Management https://navan.com/uk/sign-up/homeIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us [email protected]

Today it’s the turn of Italian football to take the spotlight. To say it has been a disappointing week for Italy would be an understatement. Missing out on their third World Cup in a row is quite incredible for the four time champions. But why is this happening? What is the root cause? Because this is now more than a blip. Add to this a dive back into horse racing ahead of Grand National weekend and look at whether the race has lost its magic, and yet more record losses for Chelsea, and we have ourselves a breakdown.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only. All financial analysis, commentary, and forecasts are based on publicly available information and/or permitted confidential sources. These represent our personal opinions, not professional financial, legal, or investment advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Nothing said should be taken as a statement of fact about any individual, club, or organisation's financial position or future prospects. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on our commentary.If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us [email protected]

I’m so pleased to have finally got this guest in studio with us. When we first recorded with the PFA CEO Maheta Molango, it as over broken wifi at a conference in South Africa two and half years ago. Despite that, it was one of the best shows we have done. We wanted to bring this to properly though, and therefore we all agreed it was time to get the man that is in charge of the interests of all current and former professional footballers in this country to talk us through the state of play from the players perspective, from unsustainable calendar requirements to adapting to the demands on and off pitch which come with being a footballer in 2026. As you will hear, this ends up being far more of a discussion than an interview, and in my opinion it makes it only more powerful. We’re delighted to welcome Maheta back to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: Gemini SportsWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/SlateThe complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at [email protected]

We come in this week with both some fresh material and some topics, well one in particular, we just can’t stay away from. For the fresh takes, it’s a look at the bubbling story engulfing the boxing world as Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren take on Dana White and his Saudi backed Zuffa boxing. It’s then the turn of the most mental business model in sport and we break down the Masters millions that they both generate and leave on the table. To round it off, it’s of course Spurs, and the sacking of Igor Tudor. However, throwing a spanner into the conversation, the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi happened when we were recording this show, so you get a bit of our prospective musings at the possibility of his appointment followed by some immediate thoughts of what it really means for Spurs. Let’s get stuck into another big week.Disclaimer:The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only. All financial analysis, commentary, and forecasts are based on publicly available information and/or permitted confidential sources. These represent our personal opinions, not professional financial, legal, or investment advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Nothing said should be taken as a statement of fact about any individual, club, or organisation's financial position or future prospects. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on our commentary.