The SportBusiness Podcast

SportBusiness

The SportBusiness Podcast gets you up to speed with the stories powering the global sports industry. Our sector-leading newsroom brings you exclusive news, detailed analysis and intelligent opinions that help you and your business grow. Expert reporters cover the industry’s burning topics across media rights, sponsorship, event hosting, sports tech and more, cutting through the noise of LinkedIn commentators and getting you informed, fast. SportBusiness is the global sports industry’s leading provider of news, data and analysis. Our work helps the world’s biggest sports organisations make better decisions every day.   Want to join them? Visit SportBusiness.com or email info@sportbusiness.com to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Grand Budapest Intel

    3d ago

    Grand Budapest Intel

    This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, Jonathan Rest and Joseph Perry return from the Champions League final to pore over big European football topics with Martin Ross. THE NEWSROOM: High stakes for latest Uefa club comps sponsor secured by RFP/UC3, UCL piracy numbers, why now for Uefa’s national teams tender and who’s winning AFC’s agency tender? INSIDE THE DEAL: The ECB’s sponsorship strategy overhaul, aided by Two Circles, and driven by fresh thinking and new inventory opportunities. Matthew Williams has all the details. AOB: Absent World Cup kits, F1 back on German FTA TV and a pawsome return for the Stanley Pup   You can subscribe to The SportBusiness Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube. Enter SBPODCAST30 at checkout for monthly and annual SportBusiness.com subscriptions for a 30-per-cent discount here.   Co-hosts: Jonathan Rest, Martin Ross Contributors: Joseph Perry, Matthew Williams Editor: Lumi Lehmuskallio Sources: EXCLUSIVE: Bet365 close, Alibaba signs as Uefa eyes €1bn windfallEpstein: AB InBev and PepsiCo UC3 deals send ‘strong message’EXCLUSIVE: Uefa invites national team rights bidsEXCLUSIVE: AFG-Sela preferred AFC bidderCentralisation backed despite Benfica resistanceEXCLUSIVE: Sky retains exclusive ATP Tour rightsNew assets, new approach: inside the ECB’s sponsorship resetLive F1 returns to RTL following Sky takeover Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  2. On the Seine at SportGen Summit in Paris

    May 29

    On the Seine at SportGen Summit in Paris

    This week, Martin Ross, Maria Kholodova and Matthew Glendinning are in Paris to bring you the lowdown from the inaugural SportGen Summit, plus the usual look at major industry stories. We explore PSG’s brand building targets internationally and commercial approach, and Gucci’s landmark Alpine F1 title deal. Why Roland Garros host broadcaster Whisper rejected a sale to private equity to retain its independence and how co-founder David Coulthard views its approach to live sports production. A snap tender for Uefa club Spanish-language rights in the US also comes under the microscope, along with Fifa’s long-awaited TV deal in India. Plus, a EuroLeague Final Four dispatch from Athens, an Enhanced Games watch-along and tennis headwear tips. You can subscribe to The SportBusiness Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube. Enter SBPODCAST30 at checkout for monthly and annual SportBusiness.com subscriptions for a 30-per-cent discount here.   Co-hosts: Martin Ross, Maria Kholodova Contributor: Matthew Glendinning Editor: Lumi Lehmuskallio Sources: Gucci makes grid history with Alpine title dealTight Uefa club deadline for Spanish TV rights in USFifa close to Zee deal for World Cup rights in IndiaPrivate ownership for Whisper as Sony divestsPSG eyes commercial income hike from sale of major assetsEnhanced Games devoid of sponsors, broadcastersEuroLeague to roll out new distribution model Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    42 min
  3. High hoops: Netball bids for reach, revenue and relevance

    May 21

    High hoops: Netball bids for reach, revenue and relevance

    This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, co-hosts Jonathan Rest and Martin Ross discuss some major developments in European football, a crucial media rights deal for a challenger sport and the week’s industry snippets. THE NEWSROOM: As Uefa issues a snap tender for men’s national team commercial rights, what does it mean for incumbent CAA Eleven and the 2028-36 cycle? Plus, Uefa club competitions finals paywalled by TNT Sports. INSIDE THE DEAL: Netball Australia courts reach and revenue from Nine Entertainment. Joseph Perry joins as we break down the deal and World Netball’s battle for rights fees ahead of its Commonwealth Games exposure window. AOB: The Enhanced Games debut, Sønderjyske’s MoM motors along and who wants to broadcast robot fighting? You can subscribe to The SportBusiness Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube. Enter SBPODCAST30 at checkout for monthly and annual SportBusiness.com subscriptions for a 30-per-cent discount here.   Co-hosts: Jonathan Rest, Martin Ross Contributor: Joseph Perry Editor: Lumi Lehmuskallio Sources: EXCLUSIVE: Uefa invites national team rights bidsChinese brands double down on family-friendly Uefa national team eventsPodcast – Team Talk: Champions League rights sales – then and nowPodcast – Making it Relevent: New Uefa agency team assembledTNT eyes Max audience with Uefa finals paywallsNetball Australia finds reach, revenue with NineEnhanced Games devoid of sponsors, broadcastersPodcast - Enhanced Games: Where’s the commercial injection? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    45 min
  4. Can the ITTF bounce back from big losses?

    May 7

    Can the ITTF bounce back from big losses?

    This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, co-hosts Jonathan Rest and Martin Ross bring you analysis of this week’s industry developments, big numbers and the context behind the headlines. THE NEWSROOM: We look at the reasons behind the International Table Tennis Federation’s $14.4m loss, its sale of more WTT equity and what the future holds. Plus, DAZN’s $100m ViewLift swoop driven by a rights opportunities and US ambitions. INSIDE THE DEAL: Ben Cronin on why Uefa’s first-ever corporate strategic sponsorship with Schwarz Group represents one of the confederation’s most significant commercial innovations in a shift beyond its traditional competition-based sponsorship model. AOB: Guardians League launch – a life-saving addition to the sports landscape? And Fox Sports is offering you $50K to watch DR Congo v Uzbekistan. You can subscribe to The SportBusiness Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube.  You can subscribe to The SportBusiness Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube. Enter SBPODCAST30 at checkout for monthly and annual SportBusiness.com subscriptions for a 30-per-cent discount here. Co-hosts: Jonathan Rest, Martin Ross Contributor: Ben Cronin Editor: Lumi Lehmuskallio Sources: ITTF sells 10% WTT stake after loss-making 2025Long-serving ITTF, WTT CEO Dainton exitsDAZN swoops for ViewLift to bolster US prospectsSchwarz Group corporate deal marks commercial first for UefaLidl shops for more Uefa sponsorship rights  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    43 min
  5. Bundesliga's investment strategy: Three stripes and you're in

    Apr 30

    Bundesliga's investment strategy: Three stripes and you're in

    This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, co-hosts Jonathan Rest and Martin Ross analyse the industry’s heavy-hitting stories, go deep on a football media rights deal with lessons for the wider market and, as always, review the trends shaping the industry. THE NEWSROOM: The Bundesliga’s lengthy – and often controversial – search for external funding leads to Adidas providing a €100m facility loan and extending its ball supply deal. Where’s the money going and where does the German league body look next? Plus, IMG fully back in media rights business with World Rugby. INSIDE THE DEAL: Maria Kholodova joins us to look at Norwegian football’s 10% uplift in its domestic broadcast deals in a bear market. We break down the what, but more importantly, the why. AOB: A Miami GP look ahead, a man called Fifa and does LaLiga’s rights inventory pack a punch? You can subscribe to The SportBusiness Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube. Enter SBPODCAST30 at checkout for monthly and annual SportBusiness.com subscriptions for a 30-per-cent discount here. Co-hosts: Jonathan Rest, Martin Ross Contributor: Maria Kholodova Editor: Lumi Lehmuskallio Sources: Bundesliga scores €100m Adidas loan facilityON THE MONEY: A German solution to a German problemSerie A returns to CCTV in China for season finaleIMG reprises World Rugby rights role with gaze on USSportBusiness Media: Rugby World Cup In FocusNorwegian football’s early gamble pays offEliteserien pulls OTT service over VPN concernsLaLiga rights on market in seven European countries  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  6. The Padel paradox: Packed courts, low returns

    Apr 23

    The Padel paradox: Packed courts, low returns

    This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, co-hosts Jonathan Rest and Martin Ross pick apart the week’s headlines and address some big-ticket issues affecting the sports industry: THE NEWSROOM: An in-depth look at the imbalance between padel’s surging participation and commercial performance. Which revenue-generating sectors are serving up growth and why some baseline figures haven’t improved? Plus, key media rights developments for three European football leagues. INSIDE THE DEAL: As the debate around LIV Golf and PIF rages on, we look at that investment but broaden the discussion out to the wider Saudi sports ecosystem, from the Saudi Pro League to SURJ. Matthew Glendinning joins to offer on-the-ground reflections after his trip to Riyadh. AOB: A London Marathon participant to hog the limelight and a Killer setlist at the Enhanced Games.   You can subscribe to The SportBusiness Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube. Enter SBPODCAST30 at checkout for monthly and annual SportBusiness.com subscriptions for a 30-per-cent discount here. Co-hosts: Jonathan Rest, Martin Ross Contributors: Matthew Glendinning Editor: Lumi Lehmuskallio Sources: Full Swing on Netflix suffers audience dropSaudi enters padel as 54 gets new Hexagon event remitWill PIF let LIV die?PODCAST: Unpacking losses at LIV, European Tour and DAZNSURJ INTERVIEW: DAZN to grow in Saudi, Mena ‘in measured way’Saudi Prince’s KHC takes majority stake in Al-HilalSponsorships make case for PIF as ‘impactful investor’Record rights fees in new Norwegian domestic cycleDAZN to honour Pro League deal next seasonCentralisation backed despite Benfica resistance Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    46 min
  7. Gold rush? Latest Netflix move ignites FTA debate

    Apr 16

    Gold rush? Latest Netflix move ignites FTA debate

    This week on The SportBusiness Podcast, co-hosts Martin Ross and Jonathan Rest delve into the topics and trends shaping an eventful week for the sports industry: THE NEWSROOM: Maria Kholodova joins as we discuss Netflix’s surprise and controversial Concacaf Gold Cup move in Mexico amid political calls for the government to defend free access to major sports events. Plus, Alibaba’s impending Uefa sponsorship, IMG leadership changes and more profits for Matchroom Sport. INSIDE THE DEAL: Matthew Williams gets under the bonnet of Ford’s new MLB sponsorship and its Independence Day activation, but also the league’s sponsorship appeal further afield. AOB: A challenge to the Belgian Pro League’s planned format and some bog-standard suggestions for additions to the new Matchroom Talent Agency. You can subscribe to The SportBusiness Podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and YouTube. Enter SBPODCAST30 at checkout for monthly and annual SportBusiness.com subscriptions for a 30-per-cent discount here. Co-hosts: Martin Ross, Jonathan Rest Contributors: Maria Kholodova, Matthew Williams Editor: Lumi Lehmuskallio Sources: Netflix nets exclusive Gold Cup rights in MexicoListed events call made to Mexican governmentNetflix outmuscles rivals for Women’s World CupEXCLUSIVE: Alibaba nears expansive Uefa dealCBO role for Francis in IMG leadership changesMatchroom profits uptick spurred by darts, boxingZDF ends Tour de France exile in new rights dealFord backs MLB’s Fourth of July pushPODCAST - Netflix blows rivals out of the water to land Women’s World Cup in US Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min

About

The SportBusiness Podcast gets you up to speed with the stories powering the global sports industry. Our sector-leading newsroom brings you exclusive news, detailed analysis and intelligent opinions that help you and your business grow. Expert reporters cover the industry’s burning topics across media rights, sponsorship, event hosting, sports tech and more, cutting through the noise of LinkedIn commentators and getting you informed, fast. SportBusiness is the global sports industry’s leading provider of news, data and analysis. Our work helps the world’s biggest sports organisations make better decisions every day.   Want to join them? Visit SportBusiness.com or email info@sportbusiness.com to find out more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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