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193 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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ATP Chair on Why Tennis Is Leaving Billions on the Table | Andrea Gaudenzi (Ep144)
3 november 2026 · 1 uur 27 min
There are two main things you need to know about Andrea Gaudenzi. First, he is the Chair of the ATP, the men’s tennis tour. Second, he doesn’t do this type of show. So yes, this is the moment where I go, until now! Tennis is flying high, and has been for decades. It’s a top three global viewership sport, it produces some of the biggest superstar athletes, it generates billions of dollars, but here’s the thing, it could be doing so much more. The complexity of this sport sits behind the court. Seven major stakeholders govern the game, all with their own set of objectives and targets. The players have immense value, and with that, influence. So the big question to answer is this: how do you get everyone working together to recognise the full potential of this incredible sport? We’re delighted to welcome Andrea to the Business of Sport. Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: Man United’s Doom Spiral, Burnley on the Brink, & The WSL’s Reality Check (E43)
30 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 27 min
How can we go into this week without addressing the huge topic that is Manchester United. The BBC described how talking about their cycle of doom has become an industry in itself. I’m delighted that we can contribute to this in our usual style, and to whet the appetite, there will be a proper deep dive coming soon. We save our now weekly LIV Golf conversation for Substack to save those of you not sharing in our passion for the madness, as we ask why on earth the LIV execs thought they deserved a $15m bonus payout while players and vendors have been left high and dry. But we do go into another club weighed down by a leveraged buyout as Burnley’s financial situation gets even more precarious, and the big question on the enduring appetite for the WSL as the league experiences yet more drops in attendances, and we have ourselves a breakdown. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Fanbase
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/
Transferroom
www.transferroom.com/businessofsport
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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Carlos Brathwaite: How do you Save West Indies Cricket (Ep143)
27 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 23 min
Carlos Brathwaite is a West Indies Cricket legend, and I don’t say that lightly. His match winning innings in the 2016 T20 World Cup wrote his name in the record books, at the expense of England and added him to a long list of extraordinary West Indian cricketers doing incredible things on the world stage of cricket. But the team, organisation, it's players are facing an uncertain future. The finances of cricket have been well documented on this show, and seeing West Indies having to take loans from the ICC and an inability to make money from test cricket in particular unless England or India come to town is a sad state of affairs, but also worrying for the viability of long form cricket. You lose teams like the West Indies from the set up and you lose the heart of the sport, and I don’t say that lightly. This is now a very realistic potential outcome. So what needs to happen to protect this heritage brand as Carlos describes it? He was a top performer on the biggest stages and that seems to have transitioned to the next phase of his career based on this chat. And a fan of the show, what more could we ask for. I’m delighted to welcome Carlos to the Business of Sport. Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: The Premier League Is Eating Europe, Rahm Walks Away From $100m, & Infantino Rises Again (E42)
23 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 20 min
In what is virtually a Man City free show this week, we were reminded of how much is still going on in the world of sport. It’s a week where a number of topics we’ve covered over the last few months seem to have had major developments, from the WTA to LIV 2.0’s most recent deadline to what looks like the recovery of Gianni Infantino. Add to this a proper look at what is happening in French football as the business struggles continue to blight the league, and a look at whether trouble could be hitting Italy next, and we have ourselves a breakdown. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Fanbase
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/
Transferroom
www.transferroom.com/businessofsport
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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Stuart Cain: Why Domestic Cricket Critics Are Missing the Bigger Picture (Ep142)
20 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
Stuart Cain is the CEO of Warwickshire, one of England’s most historic sporting institutions and the newly crowned champions of the 4-day game. This is a case for county cricket from Championship winners themselves. It’s a format that comes under a lot of heat: poor attendances and a challenging business model make it an easy target. Stuart puts forward one of the most compelling cases for not just the County Championship, but also the Blast, which has taken a back seat in the shadow of the Hundred. Bringing it all together, the underlying argument is that you can’t look at cricket formats in isolation. County Cricket may not make money, but the England Test team does. Where do those players come from? I won’t give away the whole show. Let’s get to it. I’m delighted to welcome Stuart to the Business of Sport. Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: Football Regulator’s Warning Shot, Pantomime Premier League, Fury vs AJ & F1 Lands in Africa (E41)
16 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 29 min
The Football Regulator has released the first draft of its State of the Game report. Lock in. This is like Christmas for Charlie Snr. After months of talking about what could come from it, Charlie delivers an explanation for the ages, even by his standards. Add to this a look at the damage the City case is doing to the Premier League after a crushing result at Anfield, a check in with F1 which is balancing excellent business reportings with murmurings of discontent, and a long overdue look at the AJ vs Fury fight which for now seems like it’s finally going to happen. A big emphasis on for now. All of that plus a deeper look at Everton’s impending sale on Substack, and we have ourselves a Breakdown. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Fanbase
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/
Transferroom
www.transferroom.com/businessofsport
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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We had 10 Days to Rescue the Football Club | The Torquay United Story with Michael Westcott & Mark Bowes-Cavanagh (Ep141)
13 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 19 min
What happens when a football club goes into administration? It’s a fans worst nightmare. An owner who decides they can no longer fund the club and as a result the community asset that has been the bedrock of many people’s lives for over a century faces closure. That is exactly what happened with Torquay United. 125 years old with a long history of Football League participation could not protect them from financial disaster. Then came Michael Westcott, Mark Bowes-Cavanagh, and their consortium of Torquay fans, all business people who couldn’t let their club disappear. Lees meer
Having two people in the chair opposite was a welcome change, both with different skills and experiences but one ambition: to restore this football club to the EFL and bring the community pride back to the team. The business reality of getting that done is another thing entirely though. I love these stories; proper football conversations from the part of the pyramid that can often be overlooked. I’m delighted to welcome Michael & Mark to the Business of Sport.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: Man City’s Etihad Problem, More Chaos at Celtic, LA Clippers Sanctioned, & LIV 2.0 $100m Franchises (E40)
9 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 16 min
What a week it was last week. Man City’s very well publicised indiscretions will once again be looked at as we question the grounds for appeal and take a look at the role of the Premier League in securing this verdict, while also taking a peak across the pond as the LA Clippers come to terms with a very strong set of sanctions for 113 less guilty charges charges, albeit one serious one. Add to this yet more chaos at Celtic as fans pelt their main shareholder with tennis balls on a golf course, the claims from LIV 2.0 that teams are going to be worth $100m, and the revelation that despite being in serious financial trouble, the WTA are increasing their prize money, and we have ourselves a breakdown. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Fanbase
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/
Transferroom
https://www.transferroom.com/
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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Eddie Pepperell: The Real Finances of a Pro Golfer, LIV Golf & Why He’d Turn Down the PGA Tour (Ep140)
6 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 27 min
If you can believe it, today we welcome our first golfer to the show. A notoriously hard group to get hold of, I have wanted to get stuck into life as a professional for years. Eddie Pepperell is the perfect person to do that with. Fully open with him thoughts, super analytical, a media voice himself as co-host of the hugely popular podcast ‘The Chipping Forecast’, and someone that has experienced both the highs and lows of a sport that tests your mental strength as much as any other. He has been an outspoken voice on LIV Golf, as well as being very open about the need to protect and develop the DP World Tour. I absolutely loved sitting down with him, got the opportunity to nerd out as you will see when talking about the Masters, and developed my understanding of what it’s really like to call the golf course your home. I’m delighted to welcome Eddie to the Business of Sport. Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN | Manchester City: The Verdict (E39)
2 oktober 2026 · 1 uur 22 min
It won’t surprise you to hear that today’s show will be focused completely on the guilty verdict handed down to Manchester City last Friday. Firstly, there have been many of you who have been relentlessly calling for us to do a show on this since it broke. We explain why we didn’t jump straight on at the start of today’s episode, and I am pleased that we did hold off and can come to you with a more complete set of thoughts and information. Secondly, it is the size of this story and the potential ramifications both in football and beyond that make it so important to cover properly. There is a lot of emotion flying around, as there always is in sport, and at the end of all this I think I can speak for many in saying that this is not something to gloat over, to celebrate, to enjoy. This country’s greatest export is Premier League football. What happens in the coming weeks will determine whether the product can both deliver a punishment that befits the crime and acts as deterrent while also protecting the interests of everyone involved in the game who calls it work or gives their everything as fan. So let’s get into it. This is our take on the Manchester City case on The Breakdown. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Fanbase
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/
Transferroom
https://www.transferroom.com/
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If yo…
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Rishabh Pant: From Near Fatal Car Crash to Winning the World Cup (Ep139)
29 september 2026 · 1 uur 23 min
A genuine world class athlete joins us on the show today. There are few sports people with more influence than India’s international cricketers, and Rishabh Pant has been at the top of the cricketing world for a decade. A multi format player who captured people’s attention with his aggressive batting and elite talent, there has always to be a story to tell here that looks beyond the performance, and today we’re delighted to bring it to you. Lees meer
Having survived a near fatal car crash in 2022, the Rishabh that sits with us today is a different one to the man who started a career with complete tunnel vision to reach the top. As he explains, an experience like this has pushed him to look at life more holistically, from time spent with family to building a business and investment strategy that will extend long beyond his playing days. It’s an incredible story, and as we rarely get to see inside the life of an Indian cricketer, a privileged opportunity to grasp what it is like playing for one of the most followed sports teams in the world. We’re delighted to welcome Rishabh to the Business of Sport.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: Man Utd’s Accounts Released, Why are Spurs Still Bad, Hearn’s Rugby Takeover, & WTA in Big Trouble (E38)
25 september 2026 · 1 uur 24 min
With an extra long international break upon us, it is time to take our first proper look at what the early parts of the season have delivered, and to Charlie Snr’s no great surprise, Spurs have continued to heap more pain on their fanbase. But why? This was also the week where Manchester United released their accounts, showing record revenues, but there is much more to the story than that. Clearlake have now really got the keys to Chelsea, albeit at a price which seems hard to justify based on, well, everything that the club has done in the last few years. Add to all this a look at whether Eddie Hearn really could transform rugby into the powerhouse he believes the sport should be, and why the WTA have been allowed to flutter away a major cash injection from CVC, and we have ourselves a breakdown. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
As Charlie mentions in todays show, here is our full breakdown of Manchester United from June:
https://youtu.be/H7VFxzAnzuk?si=oilOwybsLUePMtDu
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Fanbase
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/
GIS
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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Alexis Ohanian: Investing in Chelsea Women, Building Athlos, & The Power of Sport in a Social Era (Ep138)
22 september 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
Alexis Ohanian is back! Having joined us a couple of years ago to talk about Angel City and his broader sporting investment adventures, the time has come to dive back in with one of the most active (and successful) investors in women’s sport. In London for Athlos, the female only athletics competition he set up to both invest more and create ownership opportunities for the talent in the sport, Alexis not only took me through why he believes there is so much untapped opportunity in women’s sport, but how you can unlock it. Lees meer
Founder of Reddit, NWSL owner, IP creator, Chelsea Women co-owner, TGL golf franchise owner, sports tech investor, husband of Serena Williams; if you’re going to sit down and talk this through with someone, there are few better candidates. I’m delighted to welcome Alexis back to the Business of Sport.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: The Fall of Nike, Sydney Sweeney, & Infantino Consolidates his Power (E37)
18 september 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
In a week that has seen a bucket load of big sporting events and an equal amount of controversy, you won't be surprised to find out there is some heat in this show. The Ultimate Athletics Championships and Solheim Cup both delivered some serious entertainment over the weekend, emphasising the strength of women’s golf and proof that existing federations can create new IP and make it work. It’s also about time we check in on regular pod appearance maker Mr Infantino and his quest for survival. There is then of course the Sydney Sweeney drama, but the big one we want to grapple with this week is what on earth has happened to Nike, as they come to terms with dropping out of the S&P100 and a valuation drop of over $200bn in just a few years. All of that and we have ourselves a breakdown. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Fanbase
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/
TransferRoom
https://www.transferroom.com/
GIS
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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Maarten Paes: Ajax Goalkeeper on Investing While You’re Playing & Representing Indonesia (Ep137)
15 september 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
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. Lees meer
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.
Maarten's Favourite Books:
Ryan Holiday - Ego is the Enemy
Ryan Holiday - Obstacle is the Way
Chris Bosh - Letters to a Young Athlete
Robin Sharma - the Wealth Money can't buy
Atomic Habits - James Clear
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: The Champions League Is Back With BIG Money, Pietersen’s Miracle England Job, & The NFL’s Global Tour (E36)
11 september 2026 · 1 uur 25 min
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! Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Fanbase
https://app.fanbaseclub.com/
TransferRoom
https://www.transferroom.com/
GIS
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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James Haskell | “They Build You Up. Then They Crush You”: From Rugby to Reality (Ep136)
8 september 2026 · 1 uur 36 min
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 Sport Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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BONUS EPISODE | The Collapse of LIV Golf: From Golf’s Great Disruptor to Sport’s Biggest Failure
7 september 2026 · 46 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: The Premier League’s Bottomless Transfer Cash Pit, The US Open Returns with BIG Money, & Messi Retires from Argentina (E35)
4 september 2026 · 1 uur 7 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:
bos@20vc.com
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Barney Pascall: Rugby 7’s is Great Product BUT can it be Great Business (Ep135)
1 september 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
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. Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: Celtic Rock Bottom, Football Clubs Have an Investment Problem, FedEX Cup Shows PGA TOUR’s Strength (E34)
28 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 17 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:
https://gis.sport/BoS
TICKET 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-hersham
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:
bos@20vc.com
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Vik Banerjee: The Hundred’s First Season of New Ownership, Big Sponsors, & What Comes Next (Ep134)
25 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
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. Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
THE BREAKDOWN: Walter & Boehly’s Rumoured Chelsea Exit, PFA Takes on the EFL, & The Meteoric Rise of Padel (E33)
21 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com 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/p0z0sl
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:
bos@20vc.com
-
Nikhil Mohindra: The €4bn Industry vs €25k Prize Money: Can Padel Fix it's Pay Problem (Ep133)
18 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 6 min
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. Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
THE BREAKDOWN: Does Bezos’s Money Matter to Liverpool, LIV Golf’s $300m Miracle, & The €4.2bn World of MotoGP (E32)
14 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:
bos@20vc.com
-
Marc White: Meet the Owner who is also Manager | The Dorking Wanderers Story (Ep132)
11 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 4 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
THE BREAKDOWN: Infantino isn’t the REAL Problem at FIFA, Staveley's West Ham Move Unpacked, & The Jockey Club Quit the RCA (E31)
7 augustus 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:
bos@20vc.com
-
Brett Gosper: How the NFL Plans to Conquer the World (Ep131)
4 augustus 2026 · 58 min
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. Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: FIFA Have Gone Too Far This Time, Is the Commonwealth Games Still Relevant, & Gaelic Football Madness (E30)
31 juli 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
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. Lees meer
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 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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:
bos@20vc.com
-
Frank Smith: The Power of Matchroom & The Finances of Boxing (Ep130)
28 juli 2026 · 1 uur 12 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
THE BREAKDOWN: Has Football Finally Cracked America, The Story Behind Golf’s Hidden Superpower, & NRL’s $5.3bn Deal (E29)
24 juli 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:
bos@20vc.com
-
Seb Coe | New Formats, Athlete Pay, & The Post-Bolt Era: Rebuilding the Reputation of Athletics (Ep129)
21 juli 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
THE BREAKDOWN: The FA Need to Stand Up to FIFA, McCullum Gone & The Rise of Jannik Sinner (E28)
17 juli 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:
bos@20vc.com
-
Mirwan Suwarso: From Bankruptcy to Champions League in 9 Years | The Como Story (Ep128)
14 juli 2026 · 1 uur 23 min
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. Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
THE BREAKDOWN: Norway’s Talent Machine Unpacked, Silverstone’s Record Weekend, & NBA Europe’s Billion Dollar Bids (E27)
10 juli 2026 · 1 uur 6 min
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! Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport:
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at:
bos@20vc.com
-
Craig Tiley: Transforming the Australian Open, The Player Pay Debate & How Tennis Can Make More Money (Ep127)
7 juli 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
THE BREAKDOWN: AC Milan’s Multi Billion Gamble, The Power of the Tour de France, & Tennis Player’s Limp ‘Boycott’ (E26)
3 juli 2026 · 1 uur 15 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
Colin Graves: From £25m in Debt to £15m in the Bank: How The Hundred Saved Yorkshire (Ep126)
30 juni 2026 · 1 uur
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. Lees meer
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 Sport
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
THE BREAKDOWN: Man United’s Spiralling Debt, FIFA Claim 99% Attendance Record & Why Has Serena Williams Returned (E25)
26 juni 2026 · 1 uur 18 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
Monty Panesar: From Bowling Tendulkar & Saving Ashes Tests to the Challenge of Life After Cricket (Ep125)
23 juni 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
THE BREAKDOWN: Burnley’s £35m Win Opens the Floodgates, F1 on Water is Making it’s Mark, & The World Cup is Great (E24)
19 juni 2026 · 1 uur 6 min
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! Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency
https://obelisksports.com/
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
Liam Scully: The Story of Lincoln City’s Promotion Miracle (Ep124)
16 juni 2026 · 1 uur 10 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
THE BREAKDOWN: FIFA’s Big World Cup Mistake, Horse Racing’s Civil War & England Cricket at it Again (E23)
12 juni 2026 · 1 uur 20 min
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! Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency
https://obelisksports.com/
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
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Jean-Éric Vergne: How To Recover From Losing Your F1 Seat (Ep123)
9 juni 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: Should the Olympics Pay Athletes, The Problem Facing Women’s Football, & F1 Lands Another Mega Deal (E22)
5 juni 2026 · 1 uur 28 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency
https://obelisksports.com/
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport
https://gis.sport/BoS
Subscribe to our Substack for bonus content:
https://substack.com/@businessofsport
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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Kieran Gibbs: Arsenal’s Title Win, The Bitcoin Salary & Moving to Beckham’s Miami (Ep122)
2 juni 2026 · 1 uur 23 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: Premier League Winners & Losers, Enhanced Games Makes Its Entrance, & The World of Rugby League (E21)
29 mei 2026 · 1 uur 28 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency
https://obelisksports.com/
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport
https://gis.sport/BoS
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
Kyle Edmund: “When you’re 13 you DON’T really understand the call you’re making” (Ep121)
26 mei 2026 · 1 uur 34 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
Navan
Save BIG with Navan’s Business Travel Management https://navan.com/uk/sign-up/home
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: Does County Cricket Have a Future, ‘Small’ Clubs Are Outsmarting The Elite & Chelsea’s Alonso Move (E20)
22 mei 2026 · 1 uur 23 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency
https://obelisksports.com/
We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport
https://gis.sport/BoS
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
-
SPYGATE SPECIAL | The Full Impact of Southampton’s Playoff Disqualification
21 mei 2026 · 31 min
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. Lees meer
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 charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com