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731 LAB
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A daily podcast covering the latest trends in sports marketing, sponsorships, media deals, and brand strategies shaping the industry. From the impact of celebrity endorsements to major financial moves in the sports business, this podcast keeps professionals and enthusiasts informed.

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Behind Milan–Cortina 2026: Money, Cyberwars and the Business of Mega-Events - 5.2.2026

    On this date, Live Nation’s strategic acquisition of ForumNet and ongoing preparations for the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics dominate headlines, reflecting key themes in the evolving landscape of sports business and security. Some highlights from the news include Live Nation Entertainment's move to purchase ForumNet for approximately 90 million euros, which significantly enhances the company’s footprint in Italy’s live sports and entertainment sector as the 2026 events approach. Italian authorities have also been proactive in cybersecurity; they reported neutralizing Russian cyberattacks directed at Winter Olympics facilities, a reminder of the escalating need for security investments associated with major European sporting events. Turning to market updates, petitions such as "Ski Fossil Free" pressing the International Olympic Committee (IOC) to disavow fossil fuel sponsorships indicate growing pressure for sustainability among winter sports stakeholders. This comes as the IOC admitted facing logistical hurdles in preparing for the Milan-Cortina Games but remains optimistic about the event’s potential as a commercial platform. Salomon’s premium partnership with the Olympics exemplifies efforts to leverage this event for enhanced brand visibility and market engagement. In global scenarios, monitoring and governance frameworks around events like the Olympics are gaining weight. The European Olympic Committees appointed Swiss-based PACE as their exclusive marketing partner, aiming to maximize commercial opportunities for the European Games while navigating the complexities of rights and revenue in the evolving sports landscape. Additionally, a court ruling has placed constraints on Giro’s marketing claims in Italy, reflecting stringent compliance standards within the European sports market. From the international front, the European football scene remains robust, as evidenced by Deloitte’s findings of record revenue growth among top clubs, underscoring a continued upward trend across matchday, broadcast, and sponsorship streams. As security measures are enhanced with the establishment of a 24/7 central command hub for the Winter Olympics, the financial implications of such operations are noteworthy, showcasing the intricate balance between public and private investments in large-scale sports events. In summary, the commercialization of mega-events, alongside heightened security, governance, and sustainability considerations, marks a pivotal period for global sports, as stakeholders adapt to emerging trends and challenges on the horizon. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min

  2. 31 JAN

    Gold, Glam & Games: The Business Battle Behind Milano-Cortina 2026 - 31.1.2026

    On this day, commercial narratives surrounding the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics take center stage, highlighting luxury brand activations and significant investments amidst governance scrutiny. Some highlights from the news reveal that luxury fashion brands are intensifying their engagement with Milano-Cortina 2026, using the Olympics as a prime platform to attract affluent consumers. They are opening boutiques and planning special product launches at Olympic venues to capitalize on the global audience. This strategic move underscores the intersection of sport and high-end retail, showcasing how luxury labels strive to enhance their visibility. Turning to infrastructure, the completion of the new sliding center in Cortina has been validated by the Games' CEO, despite initial resistance from the International Olympic Committee (IOC). This facility represents a vital investment in Italy’s long-term positioning within winter sports and reflects the country's commitment to building sustainable infrastructure, emphasizing the legacy of the Olympics. In light of the Games, a recent investigation by The Guardian has raised alarms over potential organized crime activities impacting Olympic-related construction projects. Alleged mafia connections and corruption risks could pose reputational challenges for stakeholders involved in the preparations for the Winter Olympics, casting a shadow on the excitement surrounding the events. From the international front, the appointment of Chus Bueno as the new CEO of the Euroliga basketball competition marks a significant leadership shift. Bueno aims to reignite economic revitalization and reopen commercial dialogues with the NBA and FIBA, navigating expansion opportunities within Europe’s basketball landscape. In global scenarios, the ski industry is increasingly uniting around climate action, as demonstrated by a recent summit in Bolzano, Italy. Major winter sports brands and federations engaged in discussions to promote sustainability, reflecting an evolving commercial emphasis on environmental strategies within snow sports markets. As football transfer dynamics heat up across Europe, clubs are actively negotiating crucial deals during the January transfer window. These negotiations significantly influence squad values and the corresponding commercial narratives surrounding European football leagues. Additionally, the Futsal Euro Championship is underway, featuring 16 nations competing across Europe. This event is enhancing visibility for futsal, encouraging commercial outreach in the Baltic host markets. Meanwhile, planning for the Winter Paralympics in Italy is gaining momentum, with event schedules and venue utilization strategies fostering commercial sport tourism prospects in Lombardy. This development showcases the broader evolution of the sports business ecosystem in Europe as it adapts to diverse sporting events and market demands. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min

  3. 26 JAN

    Serie A Shockwaves & Olympic Money: Who Wins Off the Pitch? - 26.01.2026

    Some highlights from the news reveal Juventus' impressive 3-0 victory over Napoli, which intensifies the battle for Champions League spots in Serie A. This win is crucial not only for the club but also enhances the commercial prospects for the league, especially in terms of broadcast and sponsorship value. Meanwhile, in a twist of fate for the title race, AC Milan's 1-1 draw with Roma benefits Inter Milan, granting them a comfortable lead at the top, which could further shift the competitive dynamics of Serie A. Turning to market updates, the ongoing Olympic torch relay for the Milano Cortina 2026 Games provides substantial brand visibility across various Italian cities as anticipation builds for the opening on February 6. However, challenges loom over Olympic media coverage, with reports from the Washington Post indicating a cancellation of on-site reporting, highlighting broader cost pressures in the sports media landscape. In global scenarios, Italian institutions are keen to position the infrastructure investments linked to the Olympics as vital for economic growth, framing these projects as necessary catalysts for much-needed development. As the Games approach, the sponsorship landscape continues to expand, showcasing a robust array of partnerships both domestically and internationally, which fuels the event’s commercial success. From the international front, European regulations regarding sponsorship, particularly concerning gambling, are tightening, posing risks to football revenues as clubs evaluate their dependency on betting brands amid rising legal pressures. As the sports industry navigates this evolving landscape, discussions about the attention economy are becoming increasingly pertinent, with experts noting that sports must now compete for consumer attention in addition to viewership, further complicated by the influence of streaming platforms on media rights economics. These interconnected themes highlight not only the excitement surrounding Italian sports but also the broader economic implications and regulatory challenges shaping the landscape as major events draw near. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    3 min

  4. 31/12/2025

    Paramount, LVMH, DAZN: How Media Giants and Luxury Brands Are Rewriting Sports Business - 31.12.2025

    On this day, Paramount's acquisition of expanded UEFA Champions League rights captures significant attention alongside a notable increase in luxury brand investments in mainstream sports sponsorships. Some highlights from the news stress Paramount's latest move to secure UEFA Champions League broadcast rights for the 2027–28 cycle in the UK and Germany, marking a substantial enhancement of its presence in European football media rights. Meanwhile, luxury brands like LVMH and Dior are transitioning from exclusive luxury markets to actively engage in sports sponsorships across various domains, including football and basketball, reflecting a strategic shift in their marketing approaches. Turning to market updates, there are major developments in the commercial landscape of Italian football. AC Milan and Inter Milan are set to undergo a transformative change with plans to demolish their historic San Siro stadium and construct a modern shared venue. This project is anticipated to result in additional annual revenues of approximately 180 million euros for each club. Additionally, AS Roma is pushing forward with its ambitious stadium project in Rome's Pietralata district, which is estimated to cost around 1 billion euros and aims to modernize the club's infrastructure and create new commercial opportunities year-round. In global scenarios, the media rights landscape continues to evolve, particularly with involvement from DAZN and ESPN, which are significantly affecting how sports content is delivered in Europe. This shift is accompanied by ongoing negotiations and partnerships that reflect a broader transformation in streaming and direct-to-consumer strategies. From the international front, a partnership extension by the Catalan automotive brand Ebro with the Spanish Football Federation introduces additional sponsorship rights for the Spanish Super Cup, demonstrating a trend towards increased investment in European football. Meanwhile, the EuroLeague Basketball is adapting its commercial strategy and expanding its sponsorship portfolio in preparation for a new season structure that will feature 20 teams. The strength of Serie A clubs is highlighted by robust valuations in shirt sponsorship and a diverse commercial inventory that bolster their financial pathways and international visibility. Lastly, a pan-European summit held in Dubai emphasized emerging priorities in sports, such as advances in artificial intelligence, enhanced fan engagement, and the growth of women’s sports, indicating the focus areas that will shape business strategies in the upcoming years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min

  5. 29/12/2025

    From San Siro to the NBA: AC Milan, Inter and FIBA Redraw Sports Economics - 29.12.2025

    Some highlights from the news reveal that AC Milan and Inter Milan are poised to boost their annual stadium revenues substantially, with each club projected to gain an additional 180 million euros following the completion of the San Siro replacement. This advancement is expected to redefine the commercial strategies of these prominent Italian football teams, marking a critical juncture in their financial growth, as reported by TalkSport. Turning to market updates, the NBA, in partnership with FIBA, unveiled plans to establish a new European men's professional basketball league. This initiative is anticipated to feature franchise valuations potentially surpassing 1 billion dollars, suggesting a significant alteration in the European basketball market, according to Reuters. However, the Serie A experienced challenges when a high-profile match scheduled for Perth, Australia, was cancelled due to stringent requirements from the Asian Football Confederation, illustrating the regulatory hurdles Italian clubs face in expanding their global presence, as noted by Reuters. In club-specific developments, Atalanta BC has secured a prominent front-of-shirt sponsorship deal with Snaifun, becoming the fifth Serie A team to have two main front sponsors. This shift reflects the evolving revenue strategies among Italian clubs as they pursue new commercial avenues, according to SportBusiness. As the year approaches its end, Serie A teams are recalibrating their asset strategies amid significant player valuations and upcoming transfer activities. This adaptation highlights the league's increasing commercial significance as it prepares for the January transfer window, according to Westbrook Village Golf Club. In broadcasting, Sky Italia is enhancing its NBA coverage by acquiring more rights, aiming to engage a growing audience in Italy. This move aligns with the rising interest in basketball, as reported by SportBusiness. From the international front, UEFA is currently revamping its media rights and sponsorship strategies to better align with emerging digital platforms, seeking new revenue opportunities for the 2027-31 cycle, according to Reuters. Conclusively, broader investments in stadium infrastructure, such as the San Siro redevelopment, highlight a significant trend among clubs towards modern venues aimed at boosting matchday revenue and improving commercial outcomes, as documented by various sources. Overall, the developments in stadium revenue, league expansions, and evolving media strategies reflect a dynamic transformation in sports economics, centering on international growth and commercial viability. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min

  6. 27/12/2025

    Serie A Stalls Abroad, While Basketball and Stadiums Bet Big on Europe - 27.12.2025

    On this day, Serie A faces setbacks in international expansion while new ventures in European basketball and infrastructure highlight the evolving sports landscape in Italy and beyond. Some highlights from the news include the cancellation of a planned Serie A matchup between AC Milan and Como in Perth, Australia, due to conditions set by the Asian Football Confederation (AFC) that Serie A found unacceptable. This development underscores the ongoing regulatory and logistical challenges faced by European leagues in efforts to expand their reach internationally. Turning to market updates, the NBA, in partnership with the International Basketball Federation (FIBA), has announced plans for a new European professional men’s basketball league. This initiative aims to establish permanent franchises supported by a qualification system linked to existing domestic competitions like the Basketball Champions League. With initial franchise valuations already exceeding one billion euros, the venture is attracting considerable investment interest from major financial entities, signaling a significant potential for monetization in European basketball. In infrastructure news, AS Roma has unveiled an ambitious proposal for a new stadium in Rome's Pietralata district. Estimated at one billion euros and designed to seat 62,000 fans, this state-of-the-art facility is expected to be among Europe's most modern and sustainable venues. Developed by the Friedkin Group with the backing of local authorities, the stadium aims for completion by 2028 and hopes to serve as a host venue for Euro 2032. From the international front, ongoing business developments remain relevant to the broader Italian sports context. Recent partnerships between clubs like AC Milan and Napoli with Google AI & Pixel reflect the dynamic nature of sports rights and sponsorships in Italy. Additionally, strong private capital interest in Italy’s sports infrastructure is noted, although barriers remain concerning funding and expertise. Meanwhile, the updated listed events law by UEFA continues to influence the classification and monetization of sports broadcasting rights within the country. As a testament to Italy's sporting potential, the torch relay for the Milano-Cortina 2026 Olympic Games is currently underway, emphasizing the importance of major upcoming events. Overall, the interplay between regulatory challenges, investment opportunities, and infrastructural advancements indicates a transformative period for Italian sports, shaping its future landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min

  7. 25/12/2025

    PepsiCo, UEFA, Sky & CVC: The New Deals Shaping European Sport - 25.12.2025

    On this day, the sports and media landscape reflects significant developments with key partnerships, regulatory changes, and evolving investment dynamics across various leagues and competitions. Some highlights from the news include PepsiCo's successful bid as the preferred sponsor for the UEFA men's club competitions, which encompasses the prestigious Champions League. This marks a pivotal moment in the commercialization of elite European football and is expected to reshape marketing strategies within the sport. Turning to market updates, Sky Sports has extended and expanded its rights for the Masters Tournament, promising nearly 20% more live coverage, further cementing its status as a top-tier sports broadcaster in the UK and Ireland. Meanwhile, BeIN Sports has renewed its agreement for broadcasting French handball, ensuring that this popular sport remains accessible within a crucial European market. In other notable developments, UEFA has imposed significant fines and partial stadium closures on Bayern Munich due to crowd and safety violations during Champions League matches, underscoring the importance of governance and compliance in sports. Simultaneously, industry reports highlight UEFA's ongoing efforts to secure digital and global media partnerships for the 2027–31 club competition rights, indicating a shift in commercial strategies in European football. On the international front, discussions are ongoing in Italy regarding Serie A's negotiations with private equity firms like CVC Capital and Blackstone, as they explore investment opportunities within international media rights. This aligns with a broader evolution of league commercialization, while also raising the profile of Italy’s sports infrastructure among investors. In a related legal context, an EU court has opined that sports executives in Italy should have the right to appeal disciplinary bans in national courts, with potential ramifications for governance structures within Italian sports organizations. Finally, the dynamics of women's football are evolving as the multi-club ownership model gains traction, driven by investors looking to capitalize on growth and synergies across markets. This shift highlights the increasing sophistication and commercialization of women's sports in Europe. Overall, the landscape is one of transformation, driven by new sponsorships, extended broadcasting rights, evolving regulatory frameworks, and increasing investment interest in both men's and women's leagues. We wish you all Merry Christmas! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min

  8. 14/12/2025

    €1.1 Billion Rejected: Juventus, Media Rights and the Power Struggle in Sport - 14.12.2025

    Tether's attempt to acquire a majority stake in Juventus FC with a €1.1 billion offer highlights the growing interest in sports acquisitions in a changing market landscape. Some highlights from the news include Tether's announcement quickly met with a rejection from controlling shareholder Exor, underscoring Juventus's firm governance under the Agnelli family. CEO John Elkann's declaration that the club is "not for sale" illustrates the deep-rooted strategic culture within this iconic Italian sports brand, presenting challenges for potential investors navigating the European football scene. Turning to market updates, regulatory hurdles have led to the likely cancellation of an upcoming Serie A match scheduled for Australia, originally set to utilize the San Siro during the 2026 Winter Olympics. This dilemma underscores the delicate equilibrium between seizing commercial opportunities and adhering to regulatory frameworks as European football seeks international expansion. In a broader context, an investigative report focusing on the NBA's partnerships in the UAE raises ethical questions about commercial expansions in Europe, shedding light on the political and reputational dynamics that global sports leagues must navigate. Furthermore, the re-election of FIA President Mohammed Ben Sulayem signals continuity in leadership, essential for sustaining stability within sponsorships as Formula 1 approaches pivotal contract negotiations. From the international front, Italy's attractive sports infrastructure continues to draw investors, despite existing challenges related to funding and implementation. This trend coincides with Serie A's move to partner with JP Morgan for consultancy on international media rights, aimed at boosting overseas revenue potential through stake sales and partnerships. Additionally, the European broadcasting landscape remains vibrant, with media companies actively refining their content portfolios centered around football and other major sports, indicative of a competitive revenue landscape. Events like the Social Football Summit currently taking place in Italy promote digital innovation and provide networking opportunities that benefit sponsors and content creators alike. Finally, the increased interest in mid-tier competitions such as the Copa del Rey reflects a broader shift in rights monetization strategies, signifying an evolution in the integration of these events into global distribution frameworks alongside premier leagues. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    4 min
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About

A daily podcast covering the latest trends in sports marketing, sponsorships, media deals, and brand strategies shaping the industry. From the impact of celebrity endorsements to major financial moves in the sports business, this podcast keeps professionals and enthusiasts informed.

Information

  • Creator
    731 LAB
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 731 LAB 2025