The Business of Football

David Chimbaza
  • 0.0 (0)
  • SOCCER
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The Business of Football is your gateway to the dynamic world of football business. Hosted by David Chimbaza, Founder & CEO, this podcast provides in-depth insights into creating, monetizing, and scaling ventures within the football industry. Join David as he engages with top industry leaders, CEOs, and directors, sharing their experiences, strategies, and expert advice on navigating the unique challenges and opportunities in football business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this podcast offers valuable guidance on building success in the football industry.

  1. Kicking Off 2026: A Fresh Start for the Business of Football Podcast

    FEB 4

    Kicking Off 2026: A Fresh Start for the Business of Football Podcast

    In this episode of the Business of Football podcast, David returns to share exciting updates and fresh perspectives for the new year. Reflecting on the podcast's journey, David discusses the relaunch of their social media platforms and the ambitious goal of uploading every podcast episode to YouTube, including previously unrecorded ones. KEY TAKEAWAYS Content Expansion: The podcast is relaunching its social media platforms and YouTube channel, aiming to provide more insightful content, including behind-the-scenes footage and matchday experiences. Consistency and Growth: The importance of releasing podcast episodes consistently has been highlighted as a key factor in building a loyal audience and establishing credibility within the football industry. Evolving in the Industry: There is a strong emphasis on personal and professional development in the football industry, encouraging individuals to adapt and develop specific skills to remain relevant and competitive. Community Engagement: The podcast aims to foster greater interaction with its audience, inviting suggestions for guests and topics, and emphasizing the value of helping even a single person through shared knowledge and experiences. New Opportunities: The speaker expresses excitement about the potential for new opportunities in 2026, particularly with the upcoming World Cup, and encourages listeners to actively seek ways to contribute and make a difference in the football community. BEST MOMENTS "We want to bring and deliver a lot more content around, not just myself, not just the podcast, but also around-the-clock content when it comes to football." "This industry is so stubborn. It's so difficult that being stubborn, even more stubborn, to not stop and to just keep going is a key lesson." "What evolutionary process are you going to have to go through to make yourself the person, the candidate, the leader, the inspiration that is going to make a change?" "If you can help one person and change one person's trajectory, then that's a big win. That's a massive win." "We plan to go on a fantastic journey. The podcast is back. We're going to have more podcast episodes, more guests coming on." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    18 min
  2. Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Growth and Opportunity in the Football Industry

    12/10/2025

    Reflecting on 2025: A Year of Growth and Opportunity in the Football Industry

    In the final episode of the Business Football Podcast for 2025, David reflects on a transformative year filled with ups and downs, personal growth, and meaningful connections within the football industry. Despite battling illness, the host shares heartfelt insights about the podcast's journey, including the incredible opportunity to provide real-life experiences for young people aspiring to work in football. Join us for this introspective and motivational wrap-up of the year! KEY TAKEAWAYS Community Impact: The podcast has successfully provided insider access and real-life career opportunities for young people interested in the football industry. Value of Conversations: Engaging in deep conversations with guests has been a core focus, allowing for meaningful exchanges that not only educate listeners but also enrich the host's understanding of the industry. Resilience in Adversity: The journey has included setbacks and numerous rejections, but the importance of perseverance and continuing to pursue opportunities is emphasized as a crucial lesson learned throughout the year. Appreciation of Small Wins: Recognizing and celebrating small achievements has been vital for maintaining motivation and progress, as significant victories are often rare in the early stages of a career. Future Aspirations: There is a strong commitment to continue evolving the podcast and the associated network in 2026, with a focus on showcasing new talent and sharing more stories from the football industry. BEST MOMENTS "If you had told me 12 months ago, that's what we'd have been able to do, I wouldn't have thought it would have been possible." "Every single guest that's come on has been amazing... they came on because they wanted to help. And for that, I have so much respect." "If I'd stopped at that moment, I would regret it so much. I'm so glad... we still get to talk. I still get to do what I love." "The speed at which things happen for you varies... it takes one job to turn around. And honestly, that's so encouraging." "I've had so many rejection letters... if it doesn't work out the first time or the 50th time, just keep doing what you need to do.” OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    24 min
  3. Exploring the Growth of Women's Football: Opportunities and Challenges in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

    12/03/2025

    Exploring the Growth of Women's Football: Opportunities and Challenges in a Rapidly Evolving Landscape

    In this episode, David delves into the growth and evolution of women's football, sharing personal experiences from volunteering at the 2022 Women's Euros and discussing the current landscape of the women's game. David highlights the increasing investment, commercial growth, and emerging career opportunities within the sector, emphasising the importance of player protection and professional support as the game transitions from semi-professional to fully professional.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Growth of Women's Football: Women's football is experiencing significant growth, with increasing investment and commercial opportunities. Career Opportunities: As the women's game expands, new job roles are emerging in areas such as marketing, partnerships, fan engagement, and sports science. Player Protection and Rights: Recent regulations, including FIFA's maternity leave policies and the NWSL's new collective bargaining agreement, are enhancing player protections. Innovative Approaches: The women's game allows for creativity and innovation in marketing and fan engagement strategies, as it is still in a relatively nascent stage compared to men's football. Importance of Professionalism: As women's teams transition from semi-professional to fully professional, there is a need for improved infrastructure, including HR and medical support.  BEST MOMENTS “I still believe it is in an infancy stage, but it was super raw. We hadn't won the Euros yet, so there wasn't the same level of buzz that was created after it." "Women's football is fighting for credibility, it's fighting for legitimacy, right? And the business for it to survive... the women's game is always going to be fighting for legitimacy." "If you want a game to be respected... how do you deal with that balance? Are you dealing with it from the perspective of we're going to try and be jokey, funny?" "Match day revenue is becoming a massive, massive part of the overall growth of the game. We're seeing more games in main stadiums." "The reason why this game will grow... is starting by protecting the players, starting by protecting these freelancers, because that's what athletes are, right?" OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    19 min
  4. Marketing in Elite Level Football: Elite Marketing at Southampton Football Club

    11/30/2025

    Marketing in Elite Level Football: Elite Marketing at Southampton Football Club

    In this episode, David invites Chris Samson for an insightful conversation about who has successfully navigated the challenging journey from university straight into the Premier League, with a focus on analysis and scouting. Chris shares their experience of leveraging every opportunity, from academic coursework and volunteering to securing a full-time role. KEY TAKEAWAYS Adaptability is crucial: Having a skillset to adapt during the change and evolution of technology plays a key role in handling changes at big organisations Proactive Networking is Essential: The guest demonstrated the power of proactive networking, using university projectss, his own blog & work within Scotland as platforms to meet and impress key decision-makers within clubs. The Non-Negotiable of a Personal Brand: Building a consistent and professional personal brand (online and offline) is necessary to stand out in a saturated market and clearly communicate one's unique value proposition. Value Consistency Over Perfection: Consistently demonstrating reliability, a strong work ethic, and a thirst for learning is more valuable in the early stages than waiting for a project to be "perfect" before sharing it. TO CONNECT WITH CHRIS https://www.linkedin.com/in/chris-samson/  OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    57 min
  5. The Impostor Syndrome Battle: Finding Your Identity in the Football Industry

    11/19/2025

    The Impostor Syndrome Battle: Finding Your Identity in the Football Industry

    In this deeply honest episode, David checks in to share his personal journey and the often-unseen struggles of building a career in the football industry. David speaks openly about battling the impostor, the feeling of being an "outsider" despite his passion and hard work. David addresses the reality of constant rejection from job applications and opportunities, sharing his frustration with the industry's slow pace and his own internal struggle with impatience.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Impostor Syndrome is Real: Despite having built a recognized podcast and network, David still struggles with feeling like an outsider or not fully belonging in the football industry, especially after starting the business entirely on his own. Rejection is a Constant Battle: David shares the difficult truth that he has faced and still faces rejection from job applications and opportunities within football, making it hard to find his place and identity within the industry. Balance Resilience with Impatience: A major personal challenge is balancing the need for patience and consistent effort against the internal frustration and desire for things to happen right now, a common struggle for young professionals. Don't Give Up When Told "No": The underlying message is that repeated "no's' and stagnation should not be interpreted as a reflection of personal worth or capability. The correct response is to re-evaluate, pivot, and remain persistent, trusting that the right opportunity will eventually arise. Everyone has a Story and Value: The podcast network was started to showcase the untold stories of people who are making a difference in football and sport. The belief is that every person, even those struggling or starting, has a unique skill set that will be valuable to the industry.  BEST MOMENTS "It's always, I think, valuable to showcase when that necessarily isn't the way that things are going." "I still definitely feel like an outsider." "I think because I started it myself... I think maybe sometimes I have that level of impostor syndrome." "How on earth, why would I continue when it's just going the other way?" "The only thing that stops us from experiencing these versions of ourselves is often not the external world, but our internal programming." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    25 min
  6. Unlocking Opportunities: Education and Unconventional Routes in the Modern Football Industry

    11/12/2025

    Unlocking Opportunities: Education and Unconventional Routes in the Modern Football Industry

    In this episode, David delves into various career pathways and strategies for success within the modern football industry. By looking at the most searched questions on the internet. David first tackles the role of specialist degrees, accreditations, and ongoing professional development in unlocking opportunities, noting that a degree provides a strong foundational knowledge, especially in operational and management roles.  KEY TAKEAWAYS Specialist Degrees Provide a Foundational Edge: Degrees like Football Business Management offer a strong baseline for learning operational and management skills, making graduates attractive to lower-level clubs seeking specific sports management interests and foundational knowledge. Unconventional Backgrounds are valued for Transferable Skills: experience from other industries (like finance or tech) or from roles, such as former athletes transitioning into business/executive positions, are increasingly accepted. "Underrated" Roles are a Vital Entry Point: Non-glamour roles, such as stewarding, coaching in the community, or internships in different departments (even if not your ultimate goal), are invaluable for getting a foot in the door. Personal Branding is Crucial for Career Longevity and Opportunities: Building a strong personal brand, especially on platforms like LinkedIn, ensures you stay relevant, connected, and highly referable, making it easier to find new opportunities even when you leave a role. Consistency is the Core Lesson for Football Entrepreneurs: Aspiring entrepreneurs in the football and sports-tech space must prioritise consistency and grit to succeed and stand out in a tough market. BEST MOMENTS "I think when it comes to specialist degrees, it gives you a baseline foundation to learn and act upon what you have learned in your degree to then go into a role." "I think what's interesting is obviously football players now have switched on that business side of the mindset of: okay, football doesn't last forever." "The first job doesn't necessarily even have to be towards what you want to do, but it can just be the way to get through the door." "Some people will never stay out of work because even though they might leave one role, because they're so established, because their experience, because people know who they are, [they'll] just get referrals like crazy." "Everyone would love to start a football business, which I think obviously is really attractive, but how can you stay there all the time?" OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    15 min
  7. Reflections on a Year of Growth: Highlights from the Business of Football Podcast

    11/05/2025

    Reflections on a Year of Growth: Highlights from the Business of Football Podcast

    In this episode, David reflects on some of the most impactful conversations from the year, highlighting the journey of football enthusiasts turned entrepreneurs. The discussion delves into the personal experiences of guests who share their passion for football. From the importance of grassroots support to the evolution of media in football, the episode captures the essence of dedication and creativity in the business side of the sport. KEY TAKEAWAYS Passion for Football: The host has a deep-rooted passion for football, stemming from a childhood spent in a football-mad household. This passion not only influenced personal experiences but also shaped entrepreneurial ventures in the football industry. Entrepreneurial Spirit: From a young age, there was a strong inclination towards entrepreneurship, demonstrated through various ventures like flipping phones and exploring domain URLs. Creating a Voice for Young Players: The establishment of Rising Borders aimed to provide a platform for young footballers who often go unnoticed by mainstream media. Challenges of Running a Small Team: Operating with a small team requires prioritization and discipline. The focus is on what will drive the business forward, balancing the desire to innovate with the need to manage resources effectively. Navigating the Sports Industry: Transitioning from a corporate role to consulting in the sports industry presents challenges, particularly in convincing clients to adopt new strategies.  BEST MOMENTS “I always loved football my whole life. Just as a fan, but then obviously the impact that it has on people." "We didn't really think anyone was really talking to a young football fan in a way that they actually engage with whatsoever." "We felt like it was a really tough environment for young players to grow up in and succeed and make it." "The more content you create, the more you can monetize it, the more you can then invest that in a new resource." "I can make you more money out of the stuff you already do, let alone having to bring in new products and services." OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    21 min
  8. The Rise of a Digital Dynasty: How Rising Ballers Champions the Young Footballer

    10/29/2025

    The Rise of a Digital Dynasty: How Rising Ballers Champions the Young Footballer

    In this very special guest episode, David travels to London to sit down with Eni Shabani, Co-Founder of Rising Ballers. Eni takes us behind the scenes of one of the biggest media platforms in football, sharing the deeply personal story of how a passion project, inspired by his younger brother's own difficult journey in the academy system, turned into a full-time, profitable business.  KEY TAKEAWAYS  Rising Ballers was born out of a personal problem: The platform was created as a passion project to give a voice to young, talented players who face an "unforgiving path" in the football industry, inspired directly by the co-founder's younger brother's experience. Authenticity was the key to their early growth. The co-founders leaned into a "raw" style. They worked directly with players who had smaller social media followings, allowing them to authenticate the channel from the start and gain immediate traction. The value of "making bets" on new initiatives: Ani credits their creative success to constantly making bets, such as launching She's A Baller in 2019 to give a platform to young female footballers before the major wave of investment in women's sports. Avoiding the "corporate machine" is crucial: The platform has intentionally avoided raising money to stay independent and maintain its authentic, non-corporate voice, which is highly valued by its young audience. Impact over money is the core value: Initiatives like The Chance, which connects 32 top young players with multiple scouts from clubs like Arsenal and Fulham, illustrate their primary goal of making a tangible impact on the players' careers. BEST MOMENTS "The industry itself has its challenges... so why not create a voice for these players where platform them, hero them, providing the opportunity for them to make it in the first team." "What [SBTV founder Jamal Edwards] did for music culture... was inspirational. We saw what he did in music, and we saw that actually within football, there wasn't really a voice for these communities." "I always tell this story... Brendan would be showing up in Leyton Orient kit... I'd be showing up in a full suit, coming from work. It's like, what the hell is going on here?" "If we can tell Arsenal fans that they've got a gem like Saka or someone else coming up, then of course that will put pressure on the manager to start him." "I've worked... really long weeks... but honestly, because it's something that I've been deeply passionate about, it's never felt like work." TO CONNECT WITH ENI https://www.linkedin.com/in/enishabani/  https://www.linkedin.com/company/risingballers/ https://risingballers.co/  OUR SOCIAL MEDIA LINKS: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-chimbaza-/  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebusinessoffootballpodcast/ Tik Tok : https://www.tiktok.com/@businessoffootball HOST BIO Right out of the block, David Chimbaza took his International Football Business degree to do exactly what it says on the tin: Launch his own International Football Business, DTCMEDIAUK. His company works with professional leaders & business owners in the football industry to create, monetise & scale their brands for their business & professional gains. Having created and managed multiple of his own sports social media accounts from the age of 15, many of which have scaled thousands of pounds & millions of views across 3 different platforms, David has constantly found ways to bring new and engaging entertainment to his audience.  Now documenting his story of managing his Global business, his experiences in Stewarding, digital management & many more, David will bring you a fresh insight into how anyone can conquer the industry.  This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/

    44 min
See All (72)

About

The Business of Football is your gateway to the dynamic world of football business. Hosted by David Chimbaza, Founder & CEO, this podcast provides in-depth insights into creating, monetizing, and scaling ventures within the football industry. Join David as he engages with top industry leaders, CEOs, and directors, sharing their experiences, strategies, and expert advice on navigating the unique challenges and opportunities in football business. Whether you're an aspiring entrepreneur or a seasoned professional, this podcast offers valuable guidance on building success in the football industry.

Information

  • Creator
    David Chimbaza
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    72
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 dchimbaza
  • Show Website
    The Business of Football