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193 afleveringen, van nieuw naar oud
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Tymal Mills: From Nearly Retiring at 22 to a Mega IPL Deal & OnlyFans Partnerships (Ep120)
19 mei 2026 · 1 uur 46 min
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. Lees meer
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:
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: What’s Going on at Real Madrid & Tennis Players Threaten Grand Slam STRIKE (E19)
15 mei 2026 · 1 uur 9 min
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. 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/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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From Running Man United Women to Becoming a CEO in the EFL | Polly Bancroft, Grimsby Town (Ep119)
12 mei 2026 · 1 uur 12 min
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. Lees meer
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:
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: West Ham on the Brink, Are Sports Teams Just Brands & The WNBA’s Big Cash Play (E18)
8 mei 2026 · 1 uur 20 min
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. 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/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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Tom Tainton: The Plan to Win The Prem, The Ilona Maher Effect & Building a Modern Rugby Club: Bristol Bears CEO (Ep118)
5 mei 2026 · 57 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Airwallex
The intelligent financial platform for global businesses
https://www.airwallex.com/uk/
Gemini
We empower the most confid…
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THE BREAKDOWN: F1 is Back, The Craziest Promotion of All Time & How the Sub-2 Marathon Shows Athletics’ Big Problem (E17)
1 mei 2026 · 1 uur 27 min
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 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/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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From Selecting Clubs to Signing Deals: Football’s Hidden Partnership | Chris Richards, Crystal Palace & Alan Redmond, Roc Nation (Ep117)
28 april 2026 · 1 uur 22 min
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. Lees meer
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:
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: LIV on the Brink, The Premier League’s Big End of Season Showdown, & Snooker Back in the Big Time (E16)
24 april 2026 · 1 uur 23 min
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! 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/
If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at
bos@20vc.com
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Tom Burwell: How Sunderland Have Positioned Themselves for Premier League Success (Ep116)
21 april 2026 · 1 uur 21 min
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. Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
Slate
The 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
bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: There’s NO Excuse if Arsenal Collapse & Why Women’s Rugby is Nailing its Development (E15)
17 april 2026 · 1 uur 6 min
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! 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.
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John Grabowski: KSI, Andy Carroll, & The Dagenham & Redbridge Revival (Ep115)
14 april 2026 · 1 uur 15 min
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. Lees meer
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:
Gemini
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/
Slate
The complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/
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: Italian football in Crisis, is the Grand National losing it’s magic, & Chelsea break ANOTHER unwanted record (E14)
10 april 2026 · 1 uur 21 min
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. Lees meer
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 at
bos@20vc.com
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Maheta Molango: Pay, Calendar & Injuries: The Consequences of Football’s Exploitation (Ep114)
7 april 2026 · 1 uur 24 min
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. Lees meer
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Gemini Sports
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
Slate
The 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 bos@20vc.com
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THE BREAKDOWN: Eddie Hearn vs Dana White, The Crazy Business of The Masters & Tottenham Are At It Again (E13)
3 april 2026 · 1 uur 25 min
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. Lees meer
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.
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“We don’t need F1 to Fail for Formula E to be Successful” | Jeff Dodds, Formula E CEO (Ep113)
31 maart 2026 · 1 uur 17 min
Motorsport, you can’t escape it (well it certainly feels like that at the moment). But what about the newest addition to the global calendar. What do you know about Formula E, the fully electric powered racing championship? With F1’s new hybrid regulations coming into play this year, combining the traditional combustion engine with an electric power unit, the talk round electric racing has never been more prominent and of more interest. Lees meer
Jeff Dodds is the CEO of Formula E, and joins us to talk through the unique nature of the Championship, what sets it apart from other forms of racing but also where it can and has taken from established formats to develop the sport. This is a look into a world you may not know about, but holds huge importance to the future of motorsport and the technology that will develop it. I’m delighted to welcome Jeff to the Business of Sport.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Gemini Sports
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
Slate
The complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/
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THE BREAKDOWN: What Salah’s Departure Tells Us About Liverpool, Another Chelsea Scandal & Key and McCullum Survive (E12)
27 maart 2026 · 1 uur 17 min
I feel like we have a month’s worth of news that has happened since we last recorded. Mo Salah’s departure announcement, yet more Chelsea punishment, Brendon McCullum’s continuation as England Head Coach, Spurs going deeper into the relegation pit; where do we even start. Don’t worry, we’ll be taking a look at all of this in some capacity, but the Mo Salah news and what it tells us about Liverpool’s current situation, alongside the ECB’s decision to stick with the leadership that oversaw such a depressing winter for English cricket will lead from the front in this week’s episode of ‘The Breakdown’. Lees meer
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.
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Pat Cummins: Winning the Ashes, Magic of the IPL & The Art of Bowling in a Batters Era (Ep.112)
24 maart 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
One of the Business of Sport greats returns. It was too painful to do this just after the Ashes, but with time the ever effective healer, and with the IPL kicking off this week, what better moment to get Pat Cummins back in the seat. Lees meer
When Pat first came on before the 2023 Ashes, the conversation ranged from how they’d deal with the new style of cricket England were bringing to the test scene, while also looking at the impact of an increasingly packed calendar, and how the players manage their priorities. This time round, the less we talk about England the better, but with the IPL fronting the calendar for the next few weeks, we take a proper look at what that tournament has done for the global game. This is another quality insight into the world of cricket at the highest level from one of the game’s great players. We’re delighted to welcome Pat to the Business of Sport.
The Ashes & Leadership
What it’s really like captaining Australia during an Ashes series
How Australia handled England’s “Bazball” approach
The role of individuality vs system in elite team performance
The IPL & The Business of Cricket
Inside the IPL: pressure, money and global attention
How IPL exposure unlocks sponsorships and business opportunities
Why cricket is facing a growing tension between leagues and international duty
The Evolution of Cricket
Why T20 cricket is becoming more aggressive than ever
The rise of 250+ scores and how teams are built to dominate
How rule changes like the “impact player” are reshaping the game
Life Beyond Cricket
Why Cummins doesn’t define himself purely as a cricketer
His approach to investing, AI and business interests
Balancing elite performance with family, curiosity and long-term thinking
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Gemini Sports
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/
Slate
The complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/
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THE BREAKDOWN: Football’s Leadership Problem, US/Iran War’s Sporting Impact & The $1BN College Sports Tournament (E11)
20 maart 2026 · 1 uur 19 min
After Charlie’s epic run through of the horse racing industry, the pressure is on to deliver this week. With F1 race cancellations and continued speculation on Iran’s World Cup participation, it feels like the right time to look at the impact of the war on the sporting calendar. We’re also at the crazy time of the season where manager hiring and firings dominate the headlines, so a look at the importance of managers on their teams and whether experience is overlooked for ‘fashionable’ alternatives delivers a bit of spice to the show. Add to that a dive into the US college sports competition that makes more money in a month than some football leagues in Europe make in a season, and we have ourselves a breakdown! Lees meer
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.
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Carlos Ezpeleta: The Plan to Grow MotoGP , Marc Marquez's Impossible Championship, & Multimillion Team Sales (Ep.111)
17 maart 2026 · 1 uur 1 min
MotoGP has hundreds of millions of die hard fans, has an excellent commercial model, some of the most talented sportspeople in the business, and now Liberty Media, the owners of F1, have arrived to try and bring a true global business to this already powerful sporting property. This is an awesome conversation looking into one of the great sports that you may not know much about. Lees meer
Carlos Ezpeleta is the man at the helm looking to front this change while ensuring the sport doesn’t lose its identity and the core fans which have driven its growth. In a world of sporting plenty, I think this is one of the most exciting areas in the industry. I’m excited for you to hear it. We’re delighted to welcome Carlos to the Business of Sport.
The Growth of MotoGP
How MotoGP is expanding globally while maintaining its core fanbase
The challenge of competing with F1’s explosion in popularity
Why Liberty Media’s involvement could transform the sport
Media, Content & Audience
The role of Drive to Survive and why MotoGP is approaching content differently
How digital platforms and storytelling can unlock new audiences
Balancing tradition with entertainment in modern sport
The Business of MotoGP
Where the money comes from: broadcasting, sponsorship and race hosting
The importance of manufacturers and why they shape the sport
Cost control, competitiveness and keeping the grid balanced
The Future of Motorsport
Expanding into new markets like the US and Asia
The next generation of fans and how to attract them
Why MotoGP must evolve without losing what makes it unique
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Gemini Sports
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/
Slate
The complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/
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THE BREAKDOWN: Celtic Complacency Exposed, Return of Christian Horner & Is Horseracing Sport’s Biggest Business? (E10)
13 maart 2026 · 1 uur 18 min
This is a big week. Charlie is about to deliver a masterclass. Horse racing; it’s not my expertise, and may not be yours. But stick with us. His evaluation of the UK’s second biggest sport and one that has a huge global footprint is truly fascinating, just in time for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. You won’t be disappointed. Lees meer
It’s the turn for Scottish football to have its moment in the sun, looking at a competitive league including teams outside of Celtic and Rangers for the first time in 40 years. Caveat to say we recorded this very soon after the nasty scenes at the end of the Old Firm derby last weekend, and so that isn’t included.
Add to that a potential return of the Christian Horner and Toto Wolff rivalry 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.
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Julia Chapman: Winning Titles, Controlled Spending & The Henry Pollock Effect | The Northampton Saints Story (Ep110)
10 maart 2026 · 55 min
There couldn’t be a better time to have this chat. After the big news that Prem Rugby is set to embrace a franchise type model, we welcome Northampton Saints CEO Julia Chapman to the show. Lees meer
There is so much to unpick from this: what does it mean for the individual clubs? What opportunities does it offer the players? How will it impact the core business model?
But there is also a huge amount to look at from the local level. One of the Prem’s great clubs, Saints have an amazing history with a dedicated fanbase that demonstrates the appetite and commitment of the audience to club rugby in England.
Time to get stuck into the ins and outs of domestic rugby with a guest who we have had many requests for in the past. We’re delighted to welcome Julia to the Business of Sport.
The Business of Northampton Saints
How winning the Premiership created a sell-out season ticket boom
The financial reality of running a Premiership rugby club
Why owning the stadium is one of the club’s biggest competitive advantages
The Economics of Club Rugby
Why player salary spend directly correlates with league position
How academies allow smaller clubs to compete financially
Why club rugby struggles to convert international fans into paying subscribers
Commercial Growth in Modern Rugby
The power of player personalities and social media in growing audiences
How clubs monetise content, partnerships and hospitality
Why brands increasingly want access to players and behind-the-scenes content
The Future of Rugby Clubs
Why Premiership rugby is moving toward a more aligned league structure
The investment required to modernise stadiums and unlock revenue
Why women’s rugby could become one of the sport’s biggest growth drivers
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Gemini Sports
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/
Slate
The complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/
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THE BREAKDOWN: Chelsea’s Record Financial Loss, Aston Martin In Big Trouble, PREM Rugby’s Franchise Move (E09)
6 maart 2026 · 1 uur 19 min
It’s the turn of Chelsea to take the footballing spotlight today, as we take a deeper look at the implications of UEFA’s report showing a loss of £355m this year. How has this happened and what does it mean for the future? Lees meer
Follow that up with a look at the very exciting Prem Rugby franchising move and the start of the F1 season (with a particular focus on the Aston Martin chaos that seems to be unfolding), 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.
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The Business of International Football: Inside the Welsh Football Revolution | Noel Mooney (Ep.109)
3 maart 2026 · 1 uur 30 min
Noel Mooney is the CEO of the Welsh FA. So, what does it take to run an international football organisation? It’s a question I’ve wanted to ask from day one, and today we get to. It has been a great few years for Welsh football. Multiple tournament appearances including an iconic 2016 Euro semi final, superstar players like Gareth Bale, a team which at the moment looks like one of the most together units in the international game, and now a big World Cup play off coming up at the end of the month. Noel Mooney is the man behind the scenes in charge of leading both the international team and overseeing domestic football in Wales. It’s no small job. How do you get the professional end firing while making sure grassroots and participation is building for future success? A fresh take with a truly fantastic leader. We’re delighted to welcome Noel to the Business of Sport. Lees meer
In Today's Show We Discuss:
Building Modern Welsh Football
How qualifying for Qatar 2022 unlocked £40–50m in grassroots investment
Why the FAW deliberately runs a “non-qualification” budget model
Turning World Cup prize money into long-term infrastructure
Why Wales doesn’t own a national stadium and why that might be an advantage
Centralised TV rights, sponsorship strategy and government funding
Growing the Welsh League & Attracting Investors
Why investing £4m into the domestic league is a calculated risk
The Wrexham effect and why Wales is “ripe for investment”
Whether the league could eventually sit outside the FAW structure
Politics, Performance & Global Tournaments
Managing Qatar 2022 and the One Love armband controversy
Expanding World Cups to 48 teams and what that means for smaller nations
Why Craig Bellamy is “world class” and destined for the very top
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Gemini Sports
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/
Slate
The complete content creation platform for social teams https://slat…
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THE BREAKDOWN: Eileen Gu & The Politics of Sport, Pakistan’s Hundred Challenge & Referees vs VAR (E08)
27 februari 2026 · 1 uur 12 min
Some huge football topics in the last few weeks and an amazing response to both the Spurs and Leicester situations which unfortunately for both do not look like they’re improving. However it’s the turn of Eileen Gu to stand tall this week, and after more gleeful messages than I can relay, an inevitable review of the rumoured boycotting of Pakistan players by Indian owned Hundred franchises. Add to that a look at the impact of referees losing confidence in VAR and we have ourselves a Breakdown. Lees meer
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Matt Richards: The Financial Reality of Becoming Olympic Champion (Ep.108)
24 februari 2026 · 1 uur 16 min
Matt Richards is a double Olympic Champion and silver medallist in the pool, winning a historic back to back relay title and falling agonisingly short of individual gold in the 200m freestyle (2 hundredths of a second to be precise). And that won’t be the end of it; LA28 is firmly in his sights. Lees meer
At the age of 23, he has achieved more than most will in their whole career. You would think as an Olympic gold medallist, the world opens up to, and in some ways it does. But as he describes, these are athletes surviving on tiny salaries, reliant on sponsorship and external funding, all competing for the same dollars. So Matt decided to do something about it. He’s now not only an elite swimmer, but also a business owner looking to empower more athletes with the control over their revenue generating opportunities. I have put a link below to check out the platform. A special guy with a huge amount still to come. We loved this and I hope you do too. We’re delighted to welcome Matt to the Business of Sport.
Olympic Gold & The Reality Behind It:
Winning gold in Tokyo at 18 and why it did not feel how he expected.
The brutal 0.02 second Olympic silver in Paris and how he reset overnight.
What actually changes after you become Olympic champion and how fast the buzz fades.
The Money Behind Olympic Sport:
£28,000 lottery funding and what swimmers really earn.
Why most Team GB athletes make nothing outside sponsorship.
The three month Olympic window to monetize success without harming performance.
Building a Business While Chasing Gold:
Launching Sponsor while competing at the highest level.
Why athletes must see themselves as marketing assets.
Balancing brand building, training, and the risk of distraction.
Pressure, Process & The LA 2028 Target:
Calling himself Olympic champion at eight years old.
The Olympic Village chaos, illness, and racing through adversity.
Turning silver into fuel as he targets individual gold in LA.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners…
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THE BREAKDOWN: The Real Cost if Spurs Get Relegated, The Price of Winter Olympics Gold, Vinicius Jr Racism Storm (E07)
20 februari 2026 · 1 uur 20 min
This week it’s a balance of fact and hypothetical. The deep dive into Leicester’s concerning situation last week received an amazing response, and with it many requests to look at what would happen if the ever shortening odds of Spurs inconceivably going down paid out. So that’s what we’ll do! It was Charlie’s turn to suffer from the sniffles so bare with him; he’s still his usual self don’t worry. Add to this a look at how much money it takes to win an Olympic gold and the concerning events surrounding Vinicius Jr and alleged racist abuse he received during this week’s Champions League tie against Benfica, and we have ourselves a Breakdown. Lees meer
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Anthony Watson on Rugby’s BIG Problem: Player Welfare vs A Global Game (Ep.107)
17 februari 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
After numerous shows with players from Wales, New Zealand, South Africa, France, we have ourselves an England international. And what a way to kick off the red rose association. Lees meer
Anthony Watson is one of the game’s biggest names over the last decade. He broke onto the scene young, played over 50 times for England, a double British & Irish Lion, and retired by 30. Injury prevented him from achieving even more, but as you will hear it also opened up other opportunities for him. From losing his way when first dealing with life in the spotlight, to university and masters degrees with a big future to look forward to, this is an incredible insight into how the world of elite sport can deliver big success both on and off the pitch. We’re delighted to welcome Anthony to Business of Sport.
Retirement, Injury & Identity:
Why long injury spells prepared Anthony for the reality of retirement.
The shock of going from England international to silence overnight.
The unhealthy obsession with recovery and performance that followed.
Building purpose beyond rugby through media, business and new ventures.
Eddie Jones, England & Elite Standards:
Why Eddie Jones was a better man manager than people realise.
The detail and intensity required to succeed in the England environment.
What really went wrong at the 2015 Rugby World Cup.
The Business of Rugby & Innovation:
Why the Premiership needs radical innovation beyond the pitch.
The reality of salary caps, squad depth and financial sustainability.
R360, disruption and why rugby cannot afford to stand still.
Player Welfare, Superstars & Growth:
Why growing the game cannot come at the expense of player health.
The tension between protecting athletes and building global appeal.
Whether rugby relies too heavily on its biggest names.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Gemini Sports
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/
Slate
The complete content creation pl…
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THE BREAKDOWN: Are Leicester in REAL Trouble, The Glazer’s Billion $ IPL Move, & The NBA’s European Dream (E06)
13 februari 2026 · 1 uur 12 min
What a show we have for you this week. Leicester’s points deduction for breaching financial regulations is a big problem, but is there something far worse going on? In short, Charlie expertly takes us through how a football club goes bankrupt. Add to that the Glazer’s IPL ambitions and some excellent conversation on whether NBA Europe will get off the ground (which includes some excellent statements for those of you out there who love a good comms strategy as much as we do) and we have ourselves a Breakdown. Oh, and don’t worry, the most requested topic of the week featuring some questionable antics of male ski jumpers looking to gain more lift to travel further is covered in detail too. If you don’t know what I’m talking about, that will soon change. Lees meer
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Claire Williams: “They’ve Ripped up the Rulebook” | Is F1 About to be Flipped on its Head? (Ep.106)
10 februari 2026 · 1 uur 6 min
It’s a return to the chair for one of our greatest guests, and what a time to do it. When Claire Williams came to see you in 2024 she delivered an account of Williams and the recent sale that few had heard. Today, we look forward. As the new season approaches, teams have had to deal with some of the biggest regulatory changes in the sport’s history. Are we about to see F1 flipped on its head? Lees meer
Without the pressure of having to be across every detail expected when Team Principal, Claire can take a breath and look at the sport from a different lens. Today, we, and hopefully you, are the benefiters of that. From how to prepare a car from scratch to why she thinks George Russell would be great in a McLaren (incredibly juicy we know), the educated eye once again casts a view of what could be the most dramatic F1 season on record. We’re delighted to welcome Claire to the Business of Sport.
On today's show we discuss:
Regulation Changes, Cost Caps and Competitive Balance:
How sweeping technical regulation changes can reset the grid overnight.
Why interpretation of rules and strength of engineering teams matter more than budget alone.
How the cost cap has fundamentally changed the survival prospects of smaller teams.
Drivers, Risk and the Harsh Reality of Performance:
Why being a second driver at certain teams can be the hardest job in the sport.
Making brutal decisions on drivers and why timing matters more than patience.
How pressure, risk and scrutiny have intensified in the modern F1 era.
Growth, New Teams and Protecting the Sport:
Why Formula One is cautious about expansion despite having the money to support more teams.
The balance between growth, dilution and protecting long term value.
What adding new teams really means for competitive integrity.
Stepping Away and Looking Back:
Why leaving Williams was not a choice and how perspective changes with time.
Missing the sport while recognising the toll it takes on life outside racing.
Why Formula One wi…
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THE BREAKDOWN: Super Bowl & The Power of The NFL, Baller League Warning Signs, Winter Olympics Fights for Superstars (E05)
6 februari 2026 · 1 uur 5 min
We break new ground this week. A couple of English guys taking a look at what makes the NFL so powerful on Super Bowl week. Add that to a review of challenger football leagues after Baller League paused their tournament in Germany and a look ahead to the Winter Olympics, and we have ourselves a breakdown! Lees meer
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Inside The Six Nations: How Rugby is Changing…For the Better | Tom Harrison, Six Nations CEO (Ep.105)
3 februari 2026 · 1 uur 13 min
The Six Nations is upon us. With the tournament kicking off this Thursday in Paris, CEO Tom Harrison stopped by to give us a rare insight into how the tournament operates behind the scenes. As the former CEO of the ECB, Tom has a lot of experience when it comes to operating in top sporting organisations. The key focus here was how rugby continues to disrupt, adapt and protect its heritage while existing in the most competitive sports environment there’s been. This was one of the first interviews Tom’s given in the position. It doesn’t disappoint. We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the Business of Sport. Lees meer
On today’s show we discuss:
Running the Six Nations as a Global Business:
Why the Six Nations is a rights and media business, not a governing body.
How the role of CEO has evolved into year-round commercial and content responsibility.
Balancing heritage with the need to modernise one of sport’s most traditional properties.
The Nations Championship and Calendar Reform:
Why a globally aligned calendar is critical for player welfare, fans and broadcasters.
How the Nations Championship brings together North and South without breaking the game.
The political and structural difficulty of getting unions, clubs and players aligned.
Broadcast, Private Equity and Commercial Strategy:
The real impact of CVC investment and why COVID accelerated outside capital.
Why free to air reach still matters more than short-term rights fees.
How partnerships like Guinness are built on authenticity and long-term value.
Innovation, Fans and the Future of Rugby:
Using data and storytelling to make rugby easier to understand and more engaging.
Why rugby must embrace players, personality and always-on content.
The challenge of evolving without losing what makes the Six Nations special.
A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show:
Gemini Sports
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/
Slate
The complete content creation pl…
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THE BREAKDOWN: Indian Cricket Oversteps Again, English Football's Big Money Problem & Rugby's TikTok Dreams (E04)
30 januari 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
There are some big stories to look at this week: politically, commercially and socially charged. Coming up? The uncompromising behavior of Indian cricket and the chaos that has surrounded Bangladesh’s removal from the T20 World Cup asks some serious questions of the other major cricketing nations. Are English football clubs falling behind their biggest European rivals off the pitch? What does a head coach endorsing the use of TikTok amongst his players tell us about the shifting approach to how athletes as brands can still work for the performance of a team? We really got stuck into this, not much fence sitting as always. So let’s get to it. Welcome to the Breakdown. Lees meer
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Rob Smethurst: The Resurrection of Macclesfield; From Bankruptcy to the FA Cup’s Greatest Upset (Ep.104)
27 januari 2026 · 1 uur 2 min
It had to be done. It was the greatest upset in FA Cup history when Macclesfield beat holders Crystal Palace a couple of weeks ago. 117 places between the two teams in the football pyramid. But there is much more to the story than that result. A club that went out of business six years ago. An owner who was in the depths of addiction when he bought the club, now delivering one of the great football stories. Lees meer
Can they do it again against Brentford in a couple of weeks? You wouldn’t bet against them. But in the meantime let’s take a look at how this magic has been made possible. We’re delighted to welcome Rob Smethurst to the Business of Sport.
On today’s show we discuss:
The FA Cup Run That’s Changed Everything:
What it meant for a sixth-tier club to beat Crystal Palace, the FA Cup holders.
The financial impact of a single cup run, from gate receipts to TV money and global attention.
Why moments like this can fund an entire season and transform a club’s trajectory overnight.
Running a Sustainable Non-League Football Club:
How you build a squad from scratch with part-time players earning a few hundred pounds a week.
Why promotion often makes clubs poorer, not richer, at non-league level.
How Macclesfield built a seven-day-a-week business around the club through gyms, bars, pitches and education.
Turning football into part of the business, not the whole business, to survive and grow.
Buying a Football Club on Rightmove:
The unbelievable story of buying Macclesfield FC while in the depths of addiction and not remembering the purchase.
Taking control of a club that had been stripped bare by receivers and rebuilding it from nothing.
Why owning the club gave Rob purpose at the lowest point of his life and ultimately helped save it.
Investment, Ambition & the Road Ahead:
What it really costs to climb the football pyramid and why outside investment is unavoidable.
How infrastructure underwrites club value as you move up the leagues.
Why Macclesfield now ha…
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THE BREAKDOWN: Glasner’s Moment of Madness, Manager vs Medical Staff, Tennis’s Pay Problem, & The F1 Livery Goldmine (E03)
23 januari 2026 · 1 uur 8 min
It’s a big show this week. So much to cover, a fight as always to keep it to the point. Managers are back on the menu as we take a look at the ongoing discussion on whether power of selection should like with the head coach or the medical department. That inevitably feeds into a quick look at the chaos unleashed by Oliver Glasner in the media last weekend. It’s then the turn of tennis to celebrate the start of the Australian Open and a look at whether the Grand Slams should give a higher percentage of revenue to the players, before wrapping up with a look at F1 on the week the liveries for the 2026 season are revealed; how important is how the car looks to the brands spending tens of millions to sponsor them? Let’s get straight to it. Welcome to The Breakdown! Lees meer
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Petr Cech: “Not One Manager Was Fired Because They Weren’t Good Enough”; Chelsea’s Win At All Costs Mentality (Ep103)
20 januari 2026 · 1 uur 50 min
Elite athletes who have achieved everything in their sport while building a career alongside; it’s the ambition many sports stars have today. But how do you do it effectively? Petr Cech is a footballing legend, and I don’t use that term lightly. Four Premier League titles, a Champions League, record for the most Premier League clean sheets, and hugely respected as one of the most dedicated and attentive professionals the game has seen. He also has an MBA, is studying for a PhD, runs multiple businesses, and I need two hands to count the number of languages he speaks. Lees meer
The philosophy that has driven this? Win, that’s what it’s all about. If not then what’s the point. As you’ve just heard this is a theme that runs throughout. It also poses the question we wrestle most with on the show which is how to do that consistently and run a great business. I’ll get the apology in early, yes this was very exciting for me (and Harry too). Sitting across the table from someone who has given you some of your greatest memories as a fan is pretty cool, not many other ways I can say it. Just breeze through it.
But what I can say is we’ve met few people are impressive or generous with their time who leave you genuinely in awe of but their successes and the processes they’ve adopted to achieve it. I promise you don’t just need to be a Chelsea fan to enjoy this. We’re delighted to welcome Petr to the Business of Sport.
On today’s show we discuss:
Elite Mentality, Preparation & Winning:
Why preparation beats talent under pressure and how Petr approached the biggest moments of his career.
What truly separates elite performers when everything is on the line.
Why winning is a mindset before it’s a tactic.
Leadership, Standards & Team Culture:
How winning environments are built and sustained over time.
The role of managers, players and dressing-room standards in elite teams.
Why culture collapses when accountability disappears.
Setbacks, Injury & Perspective:
How a life-th…
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THE BREAKDOWN: Football’s Media Rights Reckoning, Darts Goes Mainstream & Rugby’s Identity Crisis (E02)
16 januari 2026 · 1 uur 11 min
Another huge week to dissect today with a quick look back at how one of the stories in particular has developed from last week. Today it’s the turn of the chaotic world of media rights after DAZN pulled out of another league deal in Belgium, the rise of darts (at your request) and how the sport has transformed to get to where it is today, and rugby; in the wake of the challenger league R360 delaying its launch, is there even demand for a non-international rugby competition? It’s been amazing seeing the response to the show last week so a huge thank you to that. Keep commenting, keep suggesting topics, and we’ll keep tailoring it to match what you want to hear. Let’s get on with the show. Lees meer
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The Real Finances of a Footballer: What Goes on Behind the Headlines | Matt Smith (Ep.102)
13 januari 2026 · 1 uur 26 min
We think we know what the financial world of a footballer looks like. But the reality is very different. There is much more to understand than the salaries that media outlets publish like football scores. And if we’re honest, it’s never done to encourage a positive response. So what is the financial reality that faces some of sports most influential stars? Lees meer
Matt Smith played over 500 games in the Football League, for some big clubs: Leeds, Fulham, QPR, Millwall. But Matt had always had a different path to many players. He went to university, he’s done an MBA, and now has co-founded a venture capital business specifically geared towards opening up investment opportunities to athletes, but most importantly, with their best interests at heart. The fact I even need to say that is an indicator of where some of the big problems lie.
This conversation was special for a number of reasons. Firstly and personally, because a conversation we had with Matt years ago was one of the first moments that triggered this show becoming a thing. Secondly, because this is a space that us, the fan and casual commentator, need to know more about. Not to mention the value this brings to any of you who are athletes facing these same situations. It’s financial reality with some quite extraordinary club stories to enjoy.
On today’s show we discuss:
Footballers, Money & Responsibility:
Why modern players outsource too much decision-making and how that leaves them financially exposed.
The illusion of wealth in football, short careers, and the pressure of lifestyle inflation.
Why earning more money actually increases the need for better judgment.
Agents, Advice & a Broken System:
How misaligned incentives in representation quietly cost players millions.
Why removing regulation turned football advice into a “wild west.”
What players should demand from agents, advisors, and intermediaries.
Business, Investing & Thinking Long-Term:
When it makes sense for athletes to invest and when it r…
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THE BREAKDOWN: Amorim & Maresca Escape The Chaos, Is LIV On The Verge of Collapse & The Real Reason England Lost The Ashes (E01)
9 januari 2026 · 1 uur 18 min
Hello and welcome to our brand new show, The Breakdown. I’m Charlie Stebbings, and joining me on this ride is legendary sports executive Charlie Methven. With his boundless energy and unfiltered opinions, and my carefully constructed guiding influence, we’ll bring you the rundown on the week’s biggest sporting business stories. Lees meer
For the first show, we’re extending the timeframe slightly to cover what has happened over the holiday period, including the departures of Amorim and Maresca, Brooks Koepka’s abandonment of the once promising LIV Golf project, and of course, the conclusion of the most disappointing Ashes Tour in memory… well for me at least.
This is Business of Sport: The Breakdown
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
02:45 The Managerial Merry-Go-Round
30:26 Saudi Investment In Elite Sport
43:37 Saudi’s Attention On Golf
44:44 The European Tour
01:03:09 Predictions On Test Match Cricket
01:05:27 Harry Brooks
01:09:09 The Physical Responsibility In Cricket
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Why Revolut Are Investing In F1: Antoine Le Nel (Ep.101)
6 januari 2026 · 1 uur 3 min
What does it cost for the biggest brands to sponsor the biggest sports? Why do they do it? How do they choose what to put their name to? Lees meer
The money behind sport is a primary feature of the show, but it’s normally from the perspective of the sports property. How big a sponsorship can Liverpool attract and what does it do to the bottom line. So to kick off the new year, we thought we’d change that. Antoine Le Nel is the Chief Marketing Officer of Revolut, the global challenger bank now investing millions into multiple sports properties, most notably as Audi’s new title sponsor for their debut F1 season.
The reasoning behind this move, a look at how brands recognise value, how they justify spend; this was all part of a fascinating insight into the inflows of sport business. And it’s not just F1: women’s football, rugby, NFL, they’re all part of the growing portfolio Revolut are leveraging to develop the business in multiple markets. Antoine’s key explanation here is telling us why sport is such a powerful way for them and other top brands to do this.
On today’s show we discuss:
Why Revolut Went Big in Sport:
How the Audi Revolut F1 partnership came together and why F1 is a “go big or go home” sponsorship environment.
How Revolut’s growth strategy shifted five years ago from pure performance marketing to building a global brand.
Why sport became a critical upper-funnel lever to build credibility, open new segments, and compete with traditional banks.
The NBA partnership as the proof point that sport could deliver real ROI, not just awareness.
Global vs Local Sponsorship Strategy:
Why Revolut splits its sports portfolio into two layers: global IPs to differentiate at scale, and local teams to drive cultural relevance.
How operating in 39 markets gives Revolut a structural advantage when sponsoring truly global sports like Formula One.
Why most competitors simply cannot afford global sponsorships and how Revolut “divides the cost by 20” internally.
The Future…
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How Money Shapes Football: Transfers, Contracts and Power Dynamics | The Review
30 december 2025 · 44 min
Over the past year, we’ve gone inside football’s boardrooms, dressing rooms and balance sheets. This episode brings the most revealing moments together in one place.Welcome to The Business of Sport: Football Review. Lees meer
Across this compilation, we bring together the best moments from our recent football conversations to explore how money really shapes the game. From transfer fees and player contracts to ownership structures and decision-making power, this episode looks at the forces operating behind the pitch.Featuring club executives and leaders from across the football pyramid, we dig into why wages inflate faster than revenues, how promotion and relegation transform balance sheets overnight, and why running a football club is as much about survival as success.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:34 Peter Kenyon - Fmr CEO of Man Utd & Chelsea
08:09 Liam Dooley - Shrewsbury Town CEO
14:22 Rick Parry - EFL Chair
24:25 Pablo Longoria - Marseille President
30:09 Ryan Sparks - Bradford City CEO
35:18 Ryan Bertrand - Fmr Premier League Player
39:30 Spencer Owen - Hashtag Utd Owner
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Inside F1: Winning Championships, Rebuilding Williams, & The World of Guenther Steiner | The Review
23 december 2025 · 41 min
Today, we’re doing something a little different. Welcome to the Business of Sport: F1 Review. Lees meer
Over the past year, we’ve sat down with some of the most influential figures in Formula One. Team principals, world champions, and senior leaders shaping the sport behind the scenes. For this episode, we’ve handpicked the best moments from those conversations and brought them together into one definitive F1 compilation to enjoy over the festive period.
Across the episode, we dive into what actually separates winning teams from the rest of the grid. From culture and leadership, to marginal gains, long-term strategy, and the human pressures that define life at the very top of motorsport.
You’ll hear from voices including Nico Rosberg, Guenther Steiner, Claire Williams, James Vowles, and Zak Brown.
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Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
00:42 James Vowles
15:07 Guenther Steiner
23:08 Zak Brown
27:03 Claire Williams
34:27 Nico Rosberg
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Peter Moore: Becoming Liverpool CEO, The Mo Salah Situation, & Why Klopp’s The Modern Day Shankly (Ep.100)
16 december 2025 · 1 uur 8 min
Today, we’re going headfirst back into the world of the tier one football executive. Peter Moore is the former CEO of Liverpool, the man who oversaw the clubs return to the top of English and European football. Working alongside Jurgen Klopp from 2017-2020, this was one of the most effective ‘performance x business’ relationships in modern football. How do you win on the pitch and build value off it? Lees meer
Peter does not wrap his achievements in the on-field success experienced during his tenure; as you’ve just heard, it is the rediscovered affection and identity that fans found with the club that demonstrates a job well done. That’s quite an extraordinary stance for a CEO to have. Commercial maximisation and fan sentiment are hard to balance, and while there is always conflict over ticket prices or pre-season tours, we get something here which seems to recognise the importance of the club/fan relationship and asset value maximisation.
An interesting time to be having this chat considering Liverpool’s recent struggles on the pitch and the Mo Salah situation, there is also plenty to go into around his role with Wrexham and the rise to prominence of football in the US. We’re delighted to welcome Peter to the Business of Sport.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
06:10 Getting the Call to be Liverpool CEO
09:15 "I Probably Wasn't A Good Fit For The Role"
11:47 Not Involved in Football Transfers
18:17 Google x Liverpool
20:04 Liverpool is Immune to Winning & Losing
22:23 Magic of Jurgen Klopp
34:19 Funny Story: Did Liverpool Tap Up VVD?
37:19 The Power of Star Players
39:45 Mo Should’nt Have Said That
46:53 Socialist Roots in a Capitalist Football Club
52:44 Did Peter Get On With The Owners?
54:13 Wrexham: Peter's Involvement
On today’s show we discuss:
How a Modern Football Club Really Works:
How a Scouse kid who grew up in a pub ended up running a $7B gaming company and then Liverpool FC.
Breaking down the structure: Jurgen Klopp in football, Michael Edwards on the…
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Bryan Habana: From World Cup Win to Family Betrayal, The Rebirth Of The Springboks, Why Rugby HAS To Change (Ep.99)
9 december 2025 · 2 uur
Today we welcome a true sporting legend. Bryan Habana is a 100+ cap Springbok, a World Champion and joint highest tryscorer in Rugby World Cup history, a man who races cheetahs. As I’m sure you’ve noted this is our longest show yet. That is because it’s also one of the best. Rugby sits at the heart of it, but the personal stories bring a side to an elite athlete we rarely see. There are moments in this where we were shocked at what happened to Bryan and inspired by how he navigated the demands of his performance while experiencing immense personal turmoil. We sat down and kept the cameras rolling. Lees meer
Please excuse Harry’s dishevelled look if you’re watching; he just about made it in time out of the pouring rain, having not originally been able to make it, so we give him a pass this time. And for a bit of fun, we have a discussion debating how many global sports icons rugby has had; people that could do what Bryan did and stand alongside Thierry Henry, Roger Federer and Tiger Woods in a Gillette advert. We’re not talking legendary rugby players, we’re talking global superstars. Comment who you think sits in that category below and we can move the debate of the best answers to our socials.
On today’s show we discuss:
The Making of a World Champion:
The discipline and sacrifice required to compete at the top for 15 years.
Why Bryan believes greatness is built, not born, and the mindset that allowed him to sustain elite standards.
His philosophy on resilience, humility and redefining success beyond tries, trophies and fame.
Money, Trust & the Hidden Vulnerability of Athletes:
The psychological crash that hits athletes after retirement and why so many feel lost without structure, identity or purpose.
The shocking story of how Bryan’s trusted advisor mismanaged and spent years of his commercial earnings.
The lessons he believes every young professional must learn about protecting their finances and their future.
The Springboks Blueprint for Success:
Why South Af…
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PILOT: Ronaldo’s WC Controversy, Toto’s Mercedes F1 Sale & the Cost of England's Ashes Collapse?
5 december 2025 · 54 min
Hello and welcome to Business of Sport: The Breakdown, a brand new show where we will be reviewing the week’s biggest stories from sport business. Hosted by Charlie Stebbings & Charlie Methven, the former CEO of Sunderland and Charlton among multiple other roles in sport with organisations such as McLaren and The Jockey Club,The Breakdown will analyse the biggest commercial, financial, and strategic stories shaping global sports. Lees meer
To prepare for the full launch in January, this week we are releasing the pilot, aimed at getting this show ready to deliver for you! We want your feedback, comments, suggestions and ideas to make this the place you can get your weekly fill of the business of sport.
So why are we doing this? Well as we continue to rattle on about on the interview show, the business of sport has never been of more importance or more relevance to fans, to executives, to investors, to athletes. And the current news needs a bit of digesting. We will be talking through various stories from the week, looking at takeovers, investments, governance decisions, athlete deals…you name it, we’ll talk about it.
First up:
- Does England’s collapse in Perth create a financial problem for cricket?
- Should Ronaldo be banned for the World Cup?
- Is Toto Wolff’s part sale of Mercedes a worry for F1?
- What are the ramifications of Anthony Joshua’s fight with Jake Paul?
This is Business of Sport: The Breakdown
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In Today's Show We Discuss:
00:00 Intro
04:05 The Cost Of England’s Ashes Collapse
17:04 AJ + Jake Paul: Business Before Belts
29:27 When Ronaldo’s Marketing Beats The Rulebook / The Ronaldo Effect
35:02 Wolff’s 15% Shake-Up: Win Or Warning
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Sir Andrew Strauss: How to Win the Ashes in Australia (Ep.98)
2 december 2025 · 1 uur 20 min
Sir Andrew Strauss is the last England Captain to win the Ashes in Australia. So what better time to get him in the hotseat. Aside from the timing being perfect, this is a show I have wanted to do from day one. That is not just because he is one of England’s greatest captains and batsmen, but he has also played an integral role in shaping the success of English cricket across formats in recent years. He transformed white ball cricket as Director of Professional Cricket at the ECB, culminating in that most incredible World Cup win in 2019. In doing so, you could say he laid the foundations for the style of test cricket the team is now playing today. Lees meer
We recorded this before the disaster (if you’re an England fan) that occurred in Perth, but that makes some of the frighteningly accurate observations made in this conversation more impressive. It is of course a reveal of how to win in Australia, but it is much more than that. From dealing with maverick talent to how to sort out domestic cricket, we’re delighted to welcome Andrew Strauss to the Business of Sport.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:40 Ashes Predictions
07:29 Parallels Between the 2010/11 Win and Today’s Team
14:46 The Most Nervous Game
17:29 Is Modern Sports Stardom Any Different Today?
24:13 Breaking Down Central Contracts & Player Income
27:08 Players Get More Exposure Than Ever
31:12 Balancing Individual Brilliance with Team Structure
34:18 How Bat Sponsorship Deals Actually Work
41:33 Resetting English Cricket
45:56 How Franchise Cricket Is Reshaping Test Player Pathways
49:32 Is County Cricket Financially Sustainable?
53:18 Why Distribution Isn’t Enough
58:20 If You Had to Choose One Sports Asset to Buy
01:00:41 How Athletes Transition Into Business Roles
01:03:28 How Captains Balance Leadership and Individual Output
01:08:00 The Ruth Strauss Foundation
01:10:16 Quick-Fire Round
On today’s show we discuss:
Ashes Predictions and How To Win Down Under:
The brutal realities of touring Aus…
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Emily Frazer: From The Joke of Matchroom To The Next Big Thing; The Rise of Multi-Sport (Ep.97)
25 november 2025 · 1 uur 16 min
Emily Frazer is the CEO of Matchroom Multi Sport. She's led the charge in transforming sports like 9-ball pool into fast-growing, commercially compelling global properties, building new formats, elevating athlete storytelling, and bringing fresh audiences into what we could call a challenger landscape. Lees meer
The Multi-Sport story was told to perfection in the recent Matchroom Netflix series, shining a light on the lesser known side of the organisation at the centre of the boxing world and driving the boom we’ve seen in the darts. The question for Emily is simple: can the success in these other sports be replicated in the multi-sport model?
Ahead of the Mosconi Cup next week at Ally Pally (pool’s answer to the Ryder Cup), Emily delivers a compelling reveal on life behind the Matchroom curtain and what it’s going to take to deliver an emerging sport on a global stage.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
05:01 What is Multi Sport?
16:31 How Early Opportunities Accelerate Learning
20:53 How Did Matchroom Become the “Owner” of the Sport?
26:35 What’s the Master Plan to Make Nine-Ball a Global Sport?
31:46 Is Narrative More Important Than Quality Now?
34:14 The Upcoming Mosconi Cup
36:33 Do Athlete Brands Matter More Than Teams Now?
40:47 Is It Truly a Viable Job for Players?
44:11 Where Matchroom’s Core Revenue in Pool Comes From
49:42 Should Matchroom Create a Unified Fan Loyalty Program?
54:41 Pressure to Match Darts’ Success
59:59 Why Pool Is More Accessible Than Snooker
01:03:09 Quick-Fire Round
On today’s show we discuss:
From ‘Special Events’ to a Global Multisport Division:
How a once-overlooked corner of Matchroom evolved from “the joke department” into one of the company’s fastest-growing verticals.
The commercial blueprint Matchroom is applying, from multi-table events to digital-first broadcasting, social virality and new formats.
The weight of carrying a whole sport on your shoulders, and why Emily believes that “80% crazy” is an essential part of the jo…
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ASHES SPECIAL | Barmy Army Head Down Under: Behind the Scenes with Sport’s Greatest Community | Chris Millard (Ep96)
19 november 2025 · 56 min
IT’S ASHES WEEK. One of the biggest occasions of the sporting year is here, and with it we have a special show unlike any other we’ve done before. The Barmy Army is so influential it has made it into the Oxford Dictionary: to quote…it is a term for a group of passionate, noisy, and dedicated fans who support the English national cricket team, especially during overseas tours. For over 30 years, they’ve built incredible atmospheres by leveraging trumpets, original songs and bucket hats so fashionable they’re found all over Glastonbury. Lees meer
But did you know behind this infamous group sits a hugely successful business, with a responsibility to bring the best experiences to the thousands of touring fans under their banner. Chris Millard is the man in charge of the Barmy Army, and in a 6 week period that will no doubt have them front and centre of sports news as 40,000 England fans descend on Australia, we thought it was the perfect time to take a look at the organisation that defines fandom and community. This is a side of the Barmy Army you will not have seen before.
It’s time to build the hype for as we enter the ultimate cricketing Christmas. We’re delighted to welcome Chris to the Business of Sport
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:22 What the Barmy Army Has Planned for the Ashes
09:20 What the Barmy Army Is Today
12:15 The Revenue Streams
14:41 How Bazball Has Boosted Test Cricket Demand
16:39 How Touring Groups Collaborate in Cricket
23:39 Did Commercial Growth Threaten the Barmy Army’s Values?
27:07 How Barmy Army Merch & Licensing Works
31:14 How Fan Culture Can Help Strengthen County Cricket
34:20 Why Test Cricket Survives Only in a Few Nations
37:52 How Packed Calendars Impact Player Welfare
43:08 How Iconic Grounds Were Left Off the Ashes List
46:03 Predicting the Ashes Outcome
51:43 The Long-Term Vision for the Barmy Army Business
On today’s show we discuss:
The Business Behind the Barmy Army:
How a grassroots fan group founded in 1994 has grown in…
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Dan Biggar: The Fight For the Future of Rugby, Wales’s Golden Generation, & The Power of Henry Pollock (Ep.95)
18 november 2025 · 1 uur 14 min
Rugby is facing a massive few years. A battle to demonstrate financial sustainability, the need for players to build brands that can compete with sport’s biggest stars, a threat to established systems from challenger leagues; it’s sink or swim time, if that’s not being too dramatic. Lees meer
Dan Biggar is one of the game’s great fly-halves (though he’d never admit it himself): over 100 caps for Wales including 3 World Cups and a 6 Nations Grand Slam, and a 2-time British & Irish Lion. While it pains me to recognise much of this success with any genuine words of congratulations, what we are seeing from him now in his work behind the scenes in the media and wider business world is much easier to support. It’s a great example of the real value an athlete can bring beyond the field. As you’ve just heard, a quite brilliant segment of this chat is Dan opening up on life after retirement and how to adjust as an athlete to a new reality.
Yes this is about the state of Welsh rugby, but it’s also a look at the broader game and what needs to happen to ensure rugby can compete for the attention of fans increasingly being pulled in different directions by new and shiny entertainment offerings.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
05:49 The Current State of Welsh Rugby
10:13 Why Wales’ Rugby Results Have Declined
12:17 Inside the WRU’s Unique Funding Model
17:26 What Steve Tandy Brings to Wales
20:14 Why Gatland Worked Then
30:26 Inside the 2015 Rugby World Cup ‘Group of Death’
34:31 Life After a Defining World Cup Moment
46:37How Dan Biggar Views the PREM Rugby Today
50:53 How Competitive Are Welsh Teams Right Now?
54:54 Moving Into a New Environment After Rugby
01:00:52 How Personal Brands Shape Today’s Athletes
01:03:37 The Scheduling Problem Facing Club & Country
01:07:37 After Rugby & Media: What Comes Next?
On today’s show we discuss:
The State of Welsh Rugby:
Why Welsh rugby finds itself at a crossroads. From funding issues to failed reform and player development.
The cont…
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Tim Bezbatchenko: How Bournemouth Became A Destination For The Best Young Talent (Ep94)
11 november 2025 · 1 uur 30 min
Multi-club ownership groups have had a tough year in the eyes of many, with high profile cases around Crystal Palace & Lyon as well as Forest & Olympiacos showing the competitive risk of one owner or group having too much control over multiple entities. But, and it is a big but, this model can be a hugely valuable business and performance structure to apply to football. Lees meer
Tim Bezbatchenko is the President of Black Knight Football, the group who owns or has minority ownership in multiple clubs including Bournemouth, Hibernian, and Lorient in France to name a few. It’s an amazing time to be having this chat with Tim due the success Bournemouth are achieving this season, miraculously after another summer of selling some of their best players. This is an insight into how they have built a player trading model to offset the financial challenges of having an 11,000 seater stadium, the plans to develop infrastructure, the value of shared intelligence and analytics across multiple clubs, and most importantly how you protect the badge of each team so they do not just become feeders to the premium asset in the group.
This is a proper look at the MCO model from someone who firmly believes that collective value can breed the best business in football. We’re delighted to welcome Tim to the Business of Sport.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
04:26 What Black Knight is really about
12:07 The business edge of owning multiple clubs
17:02 Inside Bournemouth's rise under Andoni Iraola
25:45 Bill Foley's mantra: "Always Advance, Never Retreat"
31:24 How Bournemouth sells stars yet keeps getting better
44:52 Building a sustainable club: revenue, academy & player trading
01:01:14 Why Bill Foley chose Bournemouth over an MLS team
On today’s show we discuss:
The Rise of Black Knight Football Group:
What it takes to build a multi-club ownership group across five countries and why Bill Foley’s “Always Advance, Never Retreat” mantra is shaping everything from the Premier League to Portuga…
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Tom Gorringe, Swansea City CEO: ‘Why Did Snoop Dogg & Luka Modric Invest in Swansea?’ (Ep93)
4 november 2025 · 1 uur
The celebrity investor coming into football as part of an ownership group is nothing new these days, but there were more than a few eyebrows raised when it was announced that Snoop Dogg, alongside footballing legend Luka Modric, had become a minority investor in Swansea. There must be something in the Welsh water. Swansea is storied club with a hugely passionate fanbase and a recent history of Premier League football and both elite player and manager development. Lees meer
Getting to the bottom of what facilitated this high profile involvement is one thing, but CEO Tom Gorringe is facing all the usual challenges of creating an elite playing environment delivering results on the pitch while trying to ensure the business is exceeding expectations to allow the club to spend money and challenge for promotion.
There are some statistics in here that shocked us, some conditions that have to be taken into account that are unique to this club, but when reflecting on this conversation, this is a team absolutely moving in the right direction. It’s maximisation of financial opportunity without losing your values alongside how we’re still gunning for a Snoop Dogg, Just Eat, Rossi’s collaboration to take place pre game (one for Swansea fans/if you’re not go and google the iconic fish and chip establishment). Let’s get on with it. We’re delighted to welcome Tom to Business of Sport.
Timestamps:
00:00 Intro
03:24 On Staying Open and Connected with Fans
06:53 What Tom’s Job Actually Involves
09:14 How Modric and Snoop Joined the Club
14:54 Death Row Records Deal
18:11 The Power of Celebrity in Football
20:38 The Revenue Drivers
23:01 Content Strategy
25:13 How Communication Works with Multiple Owners
29:56 Lessons from Bristol to Swansea
31:05 Budgeting
35:07 How Loan Deals Are Structured
37:17 How Swansea Supports Players Beyond the Pitch
38:22 Inside the Decision to Appoint Manager
42:09 Ranking Why People Join Swansea
44:41 The Role of Football Regulation Today
47:10 T…