Business of Sport

After Charlie’s epic run through of the horse racing industry, the pressure is on to deliver this week. With F1 race cancellations and continued speculation on Iran’s World Cup participation, it feels like the right time to look at the impact of the war on the sporting calendar. We’re also at the crazy time of the season where manager hiring and firings dominate the headlines, so a look at the importance of managers on their teams and whether experience is overlooked for ‘fashionable’ alternatives delivers a bit of spice to the show. Add to that a dive into the US college sports competition that makes more money in a month than some football leagues in Europe make in a season, and we have ourselves a breakdown!

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only. All financial analysis, commentary, and forecasts are based on publicly available information and/or permitted confidential sources. These represent our personal opinions, not professional financial, legal, or investment advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Nothing said should be taken as a statement of fact about any individual, club, or organisation's financial position or future prospects. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on our commentary.

MotoGP has hundreds of millions of die hard fans, has an excellent commercial model, some of the most talented sportspeople in the business, and now Liberty Media, the owners of F1, have arrived to try and bring a true global business to this already powerful sporting property. This is an awesome conversation looking into one of the great sports that you may not know much about.
Carlos Ezpeleta is the man at the helm looking to front this change while ensuring the sport doesn’t lose its identity and the core fans which have driven its growth. In a world of sporting plenty, I think this is one of the most exciting areas in the industry. I’m excited for you to hear it. We’re delighted to welcome Carlos to the Business of Sport. 

The Growth of MotoGP
How MotoGP is expanding globally while maintaining its core fanbase

The challenge of competing with F1’s explosion in popularity

Why Liberty Media’s involvement could transform the sport

Media, Content & Audience
The role of Drive to Survive and why MotoGP is approaching content differently

How digital platforms and storytelling can unlock new audiences

Balancing tradition with entertainment in modern sport

The Business of MotoGP
Where the money comes from: broadcasting, sponsorship and race hosting

The importance of manufacturers and why they shape the sport

Cost control, competitiveness and keeping the grid balanced

The Future of Motorsport
Expanding into new markets like the US and Asia

The next generation of fans and how to attract them

Why MotoGP must evolve without losing what makes it unique

A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: 

Gemini Sports
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth
https://geminisports.ai/

Slate
The complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/

This is a big week. Charlie is about to deliver a masterclass. Horse racing; it’s not my expertise, and may not be yours. But stick with us. His evaluation of the UK’s second biggest sport and one that has a huge global footprint is truly fascinating, just in time for the Cheltenham Gold Cup. You won’t be disappointed.

It’s the turn for Scottish football to have its moment in the sun, looking at a competitive league including teams outside of Celtic and Rangers for the first time in 40 years. Caveat to say we recorded this very soon after the nasty scenes at the end of the Old Firm derby last weekend, and so that isn’t included.

Add to that a potential return of the Christian Horner and Toto Wolff rivalry and we have ourselves a breakdown! 

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only. All financial analysis, commentary, and forecasts are based on publicly available information and/or permitted confidential sources. These represent our personal opinions, not professional financial, legal, or investment advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Nothing said should be taken as a statement of fact about any individual, club, or organisation's financial position or future prospects. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on our commentary.

There couldn’t be a better time to have this chat. After the big news that Prem Rugby is set to embrace a franchise type model, we welcome Northampton Saints CEO Julia Chapman to the show.

There is so much to unpick from this: what does it mean for the individual clubs? What opportunities does it offer the players? How will it impact the core business model? 

But there is also a huge amount to look at from the local level. One of the Prem’s great clubs, Saints have an amazing history with a dedicated fanbase that demonstrates the appetite and commitment of the audience to club rugby in England.

Time to get stuck into the ins and outs of domestic rugby with a guest who we have had many requests for in the past. We’re delighted to welcome Julia to the Business of Sport.

The Business of Northampton Saints
How winning the Premiership created a sell-out season ticket boom

The financial reality of running a Premiership rugby club

Why owning the stadium is one of the club’s biggest competitive advantages

The Economics of Club Rugby
Why player salary spend directly correlates with league position

How academies allow smaller clubs to compete financially

Why club rugby struggles to convert international fans into paying subscribers

Commercial Growth in Modern Rugby
The power of player personalities and social media in growing audiences

How clubs monetise content, partnerships and hospitality

Why brands increasingly want access to players and behind-the-scenes content

The Future of Rugby Clubs
Why Premiership rugby is moving toward a more aligned league structure

The investment required to modernise stadiums and unlock revenue

Why women’s rugby could become one of the sport’s biggest growth drivers

A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: 
Gemini Sports
We empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/

Slate
The complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/

It’s the turn of Chelsea to take the footballing spotlight today, as we take a deeper look at the implications of UEFA’s report showing a loss of £355m this year. How has this happened and what does it mean for the future?

Follow that up with a look at the very exciting Prem Rugby franchising move and the start of the F1 season (with a particular focus on the Aston Martin chaos that seems to be unfolding), and we have ourselves a Breakdown.

Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed on this podcast are for informational and entertainment purposes only. All financial analysis, commentary, and forecasts are based on publicly available information and/or permitted confidential sources. These represent our personal opinions, not professional financial, legal, or investment advice. We make no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information discussed. Nothing said should be taken as a statement of fact about any individual, club, or organisation's financial position or future prospects. We are not responsible for any actions taken based on our commentary.