The Long Play

Jordan Macauley

I break down the business behind sport

  1. Sep 26

    How Robbie Lyle Changed Football Media Forever | Off The Pitch Ep. 2

    Robbie Lyle has changed how we watch and interact with football in this country.Fourteen years ago, he stood outside the Emirates Stadium with a microphone and started asking Arsenal fans what they thought about their football club. Today, AFTV has almost 1.8 million YouTube subscribers, his wider media business reaches millions of football fans around the world, and the company generates millions in revenue.In Episode 2 of Off The Pitch, I sit down with Robbie Lyle to understand the business behind AFTV and DR Sports.We discuss how Robbie built the company from scratch while working full-time as a building surveyor, how AFTV actually makes money, why around 70% of its revenue comes from sponsorships, and the real costs of running a modern media company.Robbie also tells me about the deal that changed the business, the £1 million opportunity that slipped away, the challenges of balancing authenticity with major sponsors, and his ambition to turn DR Sports into a global broadcaster.We also talk about the impact AFTV has had on football media, the creators Robbie has helped develop, and what he wants his legacy to be.This is Off The Pitch with Robbie Lyle.Subscribe to The Long Play for more conversations about the business of sport.Chapters00:00 - How Robbie Lyle built an empire02:09 - Robbie Lyle joins Off The Pitch12:02 - How AFTV actually makes money19:52 - Has AFTV's authenticity cost Robbie money?21:11 - How much money does AFTV make?26:28 The huge opportunity for football in Africa32:10 - The deal that changed AFTV47:15 -The real cost of running a media company54.24 - The £1 million deal that got away58:51 - Robbie's plan for the next 10 years1:08:00 - The biggest challenge facing the business1:09:31 - How Robbie finds the next generation of creators1:11:27 - The Long Play members question Robbie1:22:13 How Robbie wants to be remembered

  2. Jun 12

    How Rio Ferdinand Built A Multi-Million Pound Empire After Football | Off The Pitch Ep. 1

    Rio Ferdinand opens up like never before.In the very first episode of Off The Pitch, I sit down with Rio Ferdinand to break down the business empire he’s built after football.From Manchester United and England to building a media empire, startup investing, football agencies and more, this is a deep dive into how elite athletes think about money, ownership, leverage and life after sport.Rio discusses:- Why he moved his family to Dubai- Building Rio Ferdinand Presents into a media business- The economics of sports podcasts and YouTube- How football agencies really work behind the scenes- The four young UK footballers he believes are future stars- His investment philosophy and the startups he’s backing- Losing money in property deals- Why athletes go broke- Mistakes agents and advisors make with players- Whether he regrets staying at Manchester United for so long- The future of athlete media and creator-led sport coverageIf you enjoy conversations about the business of sport, subscribe to The Long Play for more episodes.Chapters00:00 - Welcome to Off the Pitch02:41 - Chapter 1 - Rio's Current Empire (Media, Football Player Agency, Startup Investing, Foundation)51:08 - Chapter 2 - A Key Moment in Rio's Journey56:21 - Chapter 3 - The First Pound01:04:43 - Chapter 4 - FC Barcelona, a Key Deal that Got Away01:10:06 - 5 Great Questions from the TLP Community01:19:01 - Chapter 5 - The Next 10 Years for Rio's Business Ambitions

  3. 11/01/2025

    Africa Produces the Talent. Europe Collects the Profits.

    This is a video I've wanted to explore for ages. Why are there so many incredible African players in the top 5 leagues in Europe but African football itself feels so far behind? Today we unpack It feels good to attract a sponsor for a product I use regularly. My discount Code THELONGPLAY will give anyone in the UK £10 off when you spend £60 at Huel. It will give anyone in the US 15% off when $75 is spent.Use the Link here to claim: https://my.huel.com/TheLongPlayUK2025For more, please subscribe to the newsletter: http://thelongplay.co.uk

  4. 10/15/2025

    Nike is Losing Ground. Here's Who's Catching Up.

    Use code THELONGPLAY or go to lightyear.com/thelongplay to get up to £100 of a US fractional stock in your GIA. Capital at risk. Terms apply: lightyear.com/signup-promotion-terms. Valid for new users who complete onboarding and deposit at least £100. The reward can be withdrawn 6 months after it’s credited.I love Nike so much. They are the best storytellers in sport. Lately though, they've been faltering, so today we break down the entire story. For more, be sure to visit http://www.thelongplay.co.uk. Also, you can get more on:- Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thelongplayuk - Twitter: http://www.x.com/jordan_tlp

  5. 10/01/2025

    Are Football Academies Worth the Investment?

    Introducing @TransferRoom, football's marketplace, where clubs and agents across the world take their transfer business to the next level. Book a demo now: https://hubs.ly/Q03Lt3Nl0. Fascinating topic this one. Academies are a key part of many footballing institutions. There are such different perspectives for the different types of football club. Today we try to unpack them all, who benefits and who doesn't. For more, be sure to visit http://www.thelongplay.co.uk. Also, you can get more on: - Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/thelongplayuk - Twitter: http://www.x.com/jordan_tlp

  6. 09/15/2025

    The Pitfalls of Multi-Club Ownership

    The Saudi Series is coming. Get early access here: https://thelongplay.carrd.coI found it fascinating when Crystal Palace were demoted to the Conference League. I also find it fascinating that Abu Dhabi have such a deep-rooted presence across global football. Today, I explore how this affects the wider game and the pitfalls that come with being able to own multiple clubs at once.

  7. 09/15/2025

    Who Makes Money from the Ryder Cup? Spoiler: Not the Players

    The Ryder Cup is magical but for many years now there has been a debate about athlete pay at the tournament. It's a fascinating debate so as usual, I had to bring it to you.For more, please subscribe to the newsletter: http://thelongplay.co.uk

  8. 08/15/2025

    Is it Time for the Premier League to Innovate?

    Today, we break down the most rumoured move for the Premier League in years. As digital media continues to shift, is it time for the Premier League to innovate and take the lead with its own streaming service? If so, what is the potential upside and what are the potential pitfalls of doing so.

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About

I break down the business behind sport

Information

  • Creator
    Jordan Macauley
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    38
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Jordan Macauley
  • Show Website
    The Long Play