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Welcome to The Athletic's home of audio documentaries and special series Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. JAN 21

    Can sport make huge profits sustainably?

    The global sports industry is booming — already worth an estimated $2.3 trillion a year, with projections suggesting it could almost triple by 2050. But according to a new report from the World Economic Forum, that growth is far from guaranteed. In this episode of The Athletic FC, Matt Slater digs into the findings of Sports for People and Planet, a report that warns climate change and rising physical inactivity could threaten sport’s long-term business model. So how can sport — and football in particular — continue to grow without undermining its own future? First, Matt speaks to Tony Simpson, one of the report’s authors from consultancy firm Oliver Wyman, to unpack the numbers and the risks facing the industry. Then, attention turns to the club level, with insights from Rishi Jain of Liverpool FC on how one of football’s biggest institutions is thinking about sustainability, responsibility and profit in the years ahead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    33 min
  2. The Underground World of Illegal Streaming

    11/09/2025

    The Underground World of Illegal Streaming

    Does the rise of illegal streaming pose an existential threat to football? To answer that question, Adam Leventhal has spent the last six months looking into the culture, crime and crisis associated with pirating live football matches. In this special episode of The Athletic FC Podcast you'll hear undercover reporting and behind the scenes access to police investigations, including how the world's largest illegal sports streaming platform was taken down. We get the takes of match-going fans, and ask if 'Premflix' is the future of Premier League broadcasting? If you're an Athletic subscriber you can have your say here. And if you're not yet a subscriber, join here and have your say. Please note that the documentary has content some listeners may find upsetting. Host: Adam Leventhal Mixing: Jay Beale Producer: Abi Paterson Featuring footage from Amazon, Sky Sports, tallkSPORT, Leaders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1h 1m
  3. Inside the world of Premier League referees

    08/10/2025

    Inside the world of Premier League referees

    Referees are integral to football. But with every decision scrutinised, why would anyone want to be a referee? The Athletic has been given insider access to the life of Premier League referees. From a gruelling pre-season training camp to matchday, join Adam Leventhal as he finds out what it takes to take command of the football pitch. We'll explain the new laws you'll see this season and the refs will explain why they should benefit the game. You'll hear from PGMO chief, Howard Webb, current Premier League refs Andy Madeley and Peter Bankes, the latest VAR recruits, and many more. Join us as we take you inside the world of referees. Host: Adam Leventhal Exec Prod: Abi Paterson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    54 min
  4. Transfers that shook the world: Sol Campbell to Arsenal

    08/03/2025

    Transfers that shook the world: Sol Campbell to Arsenal

    Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains. Today we’re heading back to July 2001, when Sol Campbell completed perhaps the most controversial move in Premier League history. More than 20 years on, why are feelings still so strong? And was Campbell vindicated in swapping Spurs for their bitter rivals Arsenal? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Amy Lawrence & Danny Kelly Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke & Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  5. Transfers that shook the world: Ashley Cole to Chelsea

    08/03/2025

    Transfers that shook the world: Ashley Cole to Chelsea

    Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains. Today we’re heading back to the summer of 2006, and a saga that saw rival lines crossed from the North to West of London as Ashley Cole traded boyhood club Arsenal for rising force Chelsea. So why was the acrimonious move considered such a betrayal? And how did the deal signify a power shift in capital as the blue side of London rose to prominence? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Johnson & James McNicholas Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    41 min
  6. Transfers that shook the world: Carlos Tevez to Manchester City

    08/03/2025

    Transfers that shook the world: Carlos Tevez to Manchester City

    Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains. Today we’re heading back to July 2009 when Carlos Tevez swapped the red half of Manchester for blue. So why was the move quite so controversial - and how symbolic was it in shifting the balance of power in the hunt for Premier League dominance? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Andy Mitten & Oli Kay Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    44 min
  7. Transfers that shook the world: Robin Van Persie to Man United

    08/03/2025

    Transfers that shook the world: Robin Van Persie to Man United

    Welcome to Transfers that shook the world, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains. Today we’re heading back to August 2012, when Arsenal captain Robin van Persie crossed a divide that had defined a Premier League era… So why was van Persie determined to swap the Emirates for Old Trafford - and did the move ultimately prove to be Sir Alex Ferguson’s final masterstroke at Manchester United? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: David Ornstein, Amy Lawrence, Oli Kay & Andy Mitten Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  8. Transfers that shook the world: Fernando Torres to Chelsea

    08/03/2025

    Transfers that shook the world: Fernando Torres to Chelsea

    Welcome to Transfers that Shook the World, a summer series for The Athletic FC looking back on the moves that sparked fury and saw heroes become villains. Today we’re heading back to January 2011 when Chelsea broke the British transfer record to sign Liverpool’s No.9, Fernando Torres. So why was Torres’ move from Liverpool to Chelsea so controversial and was he a success at Stamford Bridge? Host: Ayo Akinwolere With: Simon Hughes and Dom Fifield Executive Producer: Adey Moorhead Producers: Guy Clarke and Lucy Oliva Sound Design: Jay Beale Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
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Welcome to The Athletic's home of audio documentaries and special series Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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