Business of Sport

Епизоди

• Kieran Gibbs: Arsenal’s Title Win, The Bitcoin Salary & Moving to Beckham’s Miami (Ep122) 02.06.2026 1ч 23мин

  An Arsenal icon in the seat this week at the perfect time to reflect on the incredible season The Gunners have had despite their Champions League final loss. Kieran Gibbs played 229 Games for Arsenal, won 3 FA Cups, lived that late Wenger years, Emirates transition, and the balance between opportunity and pressure that comes with playing for one of the top teams in Europe.That’s what we know him for. But as you will have guessed considering he is with us today, there is much more to him. One of the early movers to Beckham’s Inter Miami, opening up the world of business opportunity alongside a hard to say no to football project, Kieran has built a life away from the pitch that includes business ventures, bitcoin wealth, and a curiosity to learn that athletes must embrace if they want to build off the pitch. We recored this just before the Champions League final, but I don’t think that changes his Arsenal reflections. Kick back and enjoy as we welcome Kieran Gibbs to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠bos@20vc.com
• THE BREAKDOWN: Premier League Winners & Losers, Enhanced Games Makes Its Entrance, & The World of Rugby League (E21) 29.05.2026 1ч 27мин

  With the Premier League coming to a close and with it, the hypotheticals we’ve been talking about for the last few months becoming reality, it’s time to look at the real winners and losers from this season. Who has performed to expectation based on money spent and who is well short of it? You’ll guess a few. Add to that a look at Rugby League ahead of the Challenge Cup Final (this is the most requested topic we get by the way), and a review of the Enhanced Games after it finally kicked off in Las Vegas last week, and we have ourselves a breakdown. Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠⁠We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sport⁠https://gis.sport/BoS⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bos@20vc.com
• Kyle Edmund: “When you’re 13 you DON’T really understand the call you’re making” (Ep121) 26.05.2026 1ч 33мин

  As the tennis summer gets going, we’re delighted to welcome Kyle Edmund to the show. Former British number one, world number 14, Grand Slam semi finalist, two ATP titles; there are some serious achievements to put to Kyle’s name. That and of course the aura that comes with playing in one of the greatest eras tennis has seen.Having retired last year at the age of 30 after years battling serious injury, we found him at the critical point of reflection; the chance to recognise all he has achieved as an elite athlete and how to put that to use in the future. The world of top tennis players has been a mystery to many. Kyle takes us through what it takes to not just reach the top, but the work that has to go in to stay there. There’s no doubt about it, this is a brutal industry. A real survival of the fittest. Welcome to the world of elite tennis. We’re delighted to welcome Kyle to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses https://www.airwallex.com/uk/GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earthhttps://geminisports.ai/NavanSave BIG with Navan’s Business Travel Management https://navan.com/uk/sign-up/homeIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us atbos@20vc.com
• THE BREAKDOWN: Does County Cricket Have a Future, ‘Small’ Clubs Are Outsmarting The Elite & Chelsea’s Alonso Move (E20) 22.05.2026 1ч 23мин

  What a week. If you’re here for a bit of Spygate, we released a bonus show yesterday just on that topic. When we recorded this, the outcome hadn’t been confirmed. But what we did have is a huge week of topics to catch up on, from Alonso joining Chelsea to Salah throwing Slot under the bus again to Jannik Sinner winning the Masters Golden Slam. Add to this a long awaited look at county cricket in England using the chaos happening at Lancashire to anchor the chat, plus a review of why so many smaller football teams are achieving miles above expectation and putting their big spending rivals in the shade, and we have ourselves a Breakdown. Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at ⁠charlie@20vc.com⁠ and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠⁠⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠We're delighted to also partner with the Global Institute Of Sporthttps://gis.sport/BoSIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠bos@20vc.com
• SPYGATE SPECIAL | The Full Impact of Southampton’s Playoff Disqualification 21.05.2026 30мин

  The Spygate scandal has rocked the Championship playoffs. In a special emergency episode of ‘The Breakdown’, Charlie & Charlie unpack Southampton’s expulsion, the legal drama, the impact on fans and players, and what it means for the integrity of English football.Disclaimer: The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us atbos@20vc.com
• Tymal Mills: From Nearly Retiring at 22 to a Mega IPL Deal & OnlyFans Partnerships (Ep120) 19.05.2026 1ч 45мин

  Today we’re delighted to welcome Tymal Mills to the show. One of the fastest bowlers to grace cricket, Tymal has had a fascinating career. Forced to specialise as a T20 player because of injury, much of his career has been spent touring the world playing franchise cricket.He is World Cup winner with England, the leading wicket taker in The Hundred, one of the most expensive IPL buys in history, and as indicated through a bold partnership with OnlyFans last year, is pushing the boundaries of how athletes leverage content to build value off the pitch. This is about a lot more than cricket.It’s one of the stories you need to hear, so we are delighted to welcome Tymal to Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/⁠GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠⁠https://geminisports.ai/⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠bos@20vc.com
• THE BREAKDOWN: What’s Going on at Real Madrid & Tennis Players Threaten Grand Slam STRIKE (E19) 15.05.2026 1ч 9мин

  This week, it is two huge topics that dominate the discussion. For those of you with a passion for football, the chaos engulfing Real Madrid at the moment on multiple fronts will no doubt have caught your attention. From the 70m signatures on a petition to remove Mbappe from the club to the Tchouameni/Valverde fight that ended up in hospital, not to mention the return of Jose Mourinho, there is a bucket load to dive into. While that may fall more on the gossip side, it is the product of the club’s management and the culture that exists that clearly runs from the President to the dressing room. Add to this the increasingly heated dispute between tennis players and the Grand Slams over their pay packets, and we have ourselves a breakdown.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.⁠We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠⁠bos@20vc.com
• From Running Man United Women to Becoming a CEO in the EFL | Polly Bancroft, Grimsby Town (Ep119) 12.05.2026 1ч 12мин

  Today, we are delighted to welcome one of the very few female CEO’s in the English Football League. Polly Bancroft spearheads the Grimsby Town revolution that has seen the club thrive across the board, currently vying for a place in the League Two play-off final. We recorded this a few days before the disappointing 2-1 first-leg loss of Grimsby’s play-off semi final with Salford, but it’s still all to play for going into Friday’s decider.Whether successful or not in the mission to get promoted, this conversation should leave you in little doubt that this is a football club with plenty to look forward to. It reminded me of two things: first that we have the most incredible footballing system in the world, and secondly that clubs really are the bedrock of communities. The second point may seem obvious, but listen to this. Listen to how influential Grimsby is to the local area and everyone in it. Polly’s job is of course to deliver success on the pitch, but it is also to support over 100,000 people in the local community, and she articulates the balance perfectly.From that incredible night against Manchester United earlier this season to ensuring the club is run as a sustainable business, this is for both Grimsby and sports fans to enjoy. We’re delighted to welcome Polly to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses https://www.airwallex.com/uk/GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/NavanSave BIG with Navan’s Business Travel Management https://navan.com/uk/sign-up/homeIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us atbos@20vc.com
• THE BREAKDOWN: West Ham on the Brink, Are Sports Teams Just Brands & The WNBA’s Big Cash Play (E18) 08.05.2026 1ч 19мин

  After a bucket load of requests, it’s time to talk about West Ham. I’ve been nervous about discussing them because I didn’t want to inflict the Breakdown curse and condemn them to relegation, but their situation on the pitch when reviewed against the wider business needs discussing. I think they’ve been getting off lightly. Add to that a look at what happens when a sports executive dares to suggest a club or team needs to think differently to thrive in this modern sporting environment, and the growth of the WNBA as it kicks off a new season this weekend.Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.⁠We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠⁠⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠⁠bos@20vc.com
• Tom Tainton: The Plan to Win The Prem, The Ilona Maher Effect & Building a Modern Rugby Club: Bristol Bears CEO (Ep118) 05.05.2026 57мин

  This week we welcome Bristol Bears CEO Tom Tainton to the show. With a new league structure recently announced and some high profile investments across the Prem, this is a great time to talk rugby and look at one of the top clubs pushing for their first title, to take them to the next level.Now since we recorded this show last week, there has been a lot of blowback from some fans and media based on comments made by Tom at a sports industry event, most of which seems to boil down to his suggestion Bristol are a marketing business playing rugby. To those of you that listen regularly, you’ll know a huge part of our conversations with CEO’s running clubs will include our firm belief that teams are content/marketing businesses and have to think like that to continue to develop in the most competitive sports market there has ever been.On the blowback, what I can say is this. Tom is one of the most impressive CEO’s that has sat in this chair with us, across sport. He speaks like an executive that gets it. He understands the demands placed on clubs in this day and age to be more than their performance on the pitch. But, and it’s a big but, not once did I feel like he believed this was at the expense of what happens on the pitch. He clearly says the next big target is to win silverware. Win the Prem. A Bristolian running one of the city’s major sporting assets; this is what you want to see in sport. So for this conversation, think about the future of the club and the sport as a combination of striving to win on and off the pitch. It’s a challenge, but it’s a challenge all teams face to maintain relevance. From what I saw, for what it’s worth, Bristol Bears have someone in charge who is intent on driving both in equal measure. We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesses⁠https://www.airwallex.com/uk/GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth⁠https://geminisports.ai/If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠bos@20vc.com
• THE BREAKDOWN: F1 is Back, The Craziest Promotion of All Time & How the Sub-2 Marathon Shows Athletics’ Big Problem (E17) 01.05.2026 1ч 26мин

  After a huge week of golf and snooker last time out, we’re breaking more new ground this week. The sub two hour marathon; it’s finally been achieved in an official race when Sebastian Sawe won the London Marathon at the weekend. But do the athletes achieving these feats get the recognition they deserve? As is there a broader problem facing athletics as fights for attention in the most competitive sporting landscape? Add to that a look at F1 as it returns with the Miami Grand Prix after a 5 week break with a few amendments to the regulations, and the craziest final day of league season you’re likely to see, as York score a 103rd minute equaliser against Rochdale to get promoted to the football league, and we have ourselves a breakdown Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agency⁠https://obelisksports.com/⁠If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠⁠bos@20vc.com
• From Selecting Clubs to Signing Deals: Football’s Hidden Partnership | Chris Richards, Crystal Palace & Alan Redmond, Roc Nation (Ep117) 28.04.2026 1ч 22мин

  Player & Agent; we’ve been targeting a show like this for years, and today we bring it to you. This relationship is one of the most important in sport, but shrouded in mystery and hear say, often not portraying either side in the best light.You can put that all aside today. Crystal Palace centre back and the USA’s Men’s Player of the Year Chris Richards joined us with his agent Alan Redmond to talk through what it is like operating at the highest level in sport…together. Chris’s story is unique, from finding football as a youngster in Dallas to moving to Bayern Munich as a teenager to being a Premier League regular and FA Cup Winner. The role stable representation and Alan in particular has played in that seems integral; that’s what I took from this conversation.This really is one of a kind insight. Sit back and enjoy as we welcome Chris and Alan to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: AirwallexThe intelligent financial platform for global businesseshttps://www.airwallex.com/uk/GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/NavanSave BIG with Navan’s Business Travel Management https://navan.com/uk/sign-up/homeIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us atbos@20vc.com
• THE BREAKDOWN: LIV on the Brink, The Premier League’s Big End of Season Showdown, & Snooker Back in the Big Time (E16) 24.04.2026 1ч 23мин

  Spoiler alert, while I’m recording this after Liam Rosenior got the sack from Chelsea, we recorded the show just before the 3-0 defeat to Brighton. For those of you familiar with the show you’ll not be surprised by my sentiments: what a shambles! I’m not too upset we don’t get to talk about it today because what more is there to be said other than, yes he blew a big chance to succeed, but the decision makers above yet again have it all to answer for, and quite frankly it’s astonishing none of them are out the door with Liam. Anyway, what we are doing today is looking at a mad week for LIV golf and what looks like it could be the final nail in this very expensive sporting disaster, followed by a business assessment of the closing stages of the Premier League; what are the financial implications of title wins, European qualification, relegation. To finish off and after many requests from you, it’s the turn of snooker as we get to enjoy the World Championships. Plenty to get through on this week’s Breakdown!Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.We’re delighted to partner with Obelisk Sports Agencyhttps://obelisksports.com/If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at⁠bos@20vc.com
• Tom Burwell: How Sunderland Have Positioned Themselves for Premier League Success (Ep116) 21.04.2026 1ч 20мин

  A huge show for you today with a Premier League club flying high in their first season back at the top. Sunderland have had a difficult and well documented 10 years, but under the ownership of Kyril Louis Dreyfus and the Bia Sports team, the good times are coming back. Tom Burwell has taken over as interim CEO as the club plan the next phase of this growth story. He delivers one of the most impressive and compelling football leadership conversations we’ve had on the show. It’s the case study every potential football investor will point to when asked where value can be found in the game. Most importantly, it’s the case study to show how you can nail your business and performance strategy. We’re delighted to welcome Tom to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earthhttps://geminisports.ai/SlateThe complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us atbos@20vc.com
• THE BREAKDOWN: There’s NO Excuse if Arsenal Collapse & Why Women’s Rugby is Nailing its Development (E15) 17.04.2026 1ч 5мин

  What a weekend of sport it was last week. Rory’s Masters triumph, Grand National bashing for the bookies, Premier League blown wide open, and Championship relegation heating up with the Scottish title race. Dialling in, it’s Arsenal who are in the sights this week, and I knew they would be at 2:30pm on Saturday when they were booed off the pitch while 9 points clear in the Prem having lost 2-1 to Bournemouth. Is it a fair reaction to a club threatening to blow the achievement this project has strived for for 6 years or a lack of respect for the job those on the performance and business side have undertaken to put the club here in the first place. Add to that a look at the rapid growth of women’s rugby and how it compares to women’s football and we have ourselves a Breakdown!Disclaimer:The content of this podcast is intended as commentary and opinion on matters of public interest in the sports industry. While we make every effort to ensure accuracy, figures, statistics, and financial data referenced may be based on publicly available estimates and could be subject to error or change. Nothing in this podcast should be taken as a statement of fact. If you believe any information is inaccurate, please contact us at charlie@20vc.com and we will endeavour to correct the record promptly.
• John Grabowski: KSI, Andy Carroll, & The Dagenham & Redbridge Revival (Ep115) 14.04.2026 1ч 15мин

  Dagenham & Redbridge has been all over the footballing news in recent weeks. A takeover fronted by John Grabowski and Happy Fan Group saw KSI come on board as a minority owner while Andy Carroll has been enjoying his time both on the pitch and in the dugout. Therefore this was never going to be your normal football club conversation.Non-League football in the UK is highly competitive. There is also some great business to be had. But of course, there are challenges to overcome. What does it take for Dagenham to put the excitement and media buzz that comes with high profile ownership into results on the pitch that ultimately leads to what really matters: winning. John takes us through the takeover story, football club’s challenges when talking about money, getting KSI on board, and how they plan to take the club back to the football league. We’re delighted to welcome John to the business of sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: GeminiWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/SlateThe complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/NavanSave BIG with Navan’s Business Travel Management https://navan.com/uk/sign-up/homeIf you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us atbos@20vc.com
• THE BREAKDOWN: Italian football in Crisis, is the Grand National losing it’s magic, & Chelsea break ANOTHER unwanted record (E14) 10.04.2026 1ч 21мин

  Today it’s the turn of Italian football to take the spotlight. To say it has been a disappointing week for Italy would be an understatement. Missing out on their third World Cup in a row is quite incredible for the four time champions. But why is this happening? What is the root cause? Because this is now more than a blip. Add to this a dive back into horse racing ahead of Grand National weekend and look at whether the race has lost its magic, and yet more record losses for Chelsea, 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.If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us atbos@20vc.com
• Maheta Molango: Pay, Calendar & Injuries: The Consequences of Football’s Exploitation (Ep114) 07.04.2026 1ч 23мин

  I’m so pleased to have finally got this guest in studio with us. When we first recorded with the PFA CEO Maheta Molango, it as over broken wifi at a conference in South Africa two and half years ago. Despite that, it was one of the best shows we have done. We wanted to bring this to properly though, and therefore we all agreed it was time to get the man that is in charge of the interests of all current and former professional footballers in this country to talk us through the state of play from the players perspective, from unsustainable calendar requirements to adapting to the demands on and off pitch which come with being a footballer in 2026. As you will hear, this ends up being far more of a discussion than an interview, and in my opinion it makes it only more powerful. We’re delighted to welcome Maheta back to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: Gemini SportsWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/SlateThe complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/If you’re interested in partnering with the show, please reach out to us at bos@20vc.com
• THE BREAKDOWN: Eddie Hearn vs Dana White, The Crazy Business of The Masters & Tottenham Are At It Again (E13) 03.04.2026 1ч 25мин

  We come in this week with both some fresh material and some topics, well one in particular, we just can’t stay away from. For the fresh takes, it’s a look at the bubbling story engulfing the boxing world as Eddie Hearn and Frank Warren take on Dana White and his Saudi backed Zuffa boxing. It’s then the turn of the most mental business model in sport and we break down the Masters millions that they both generate and leave on the table. To round it off, it’s of course Spurs, and the sacking of Igor Tudor. However, throwing a spanner into the conversation, the appointment of Roberto De Zerbi happened when we were recording this show, so you get a bit of our prospective musings at the possibility of his appointment followed by some immediate thoughts of what it really means for Spurs. Let’s get stuck into another big week.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.
• “We don’t need F1 to Fail for Formula E to be Successful” | Jeff Dodds, Formula E CEO (Ep113) 31.03.2026 1ч 17мин

  Motorsport, you can’t escape it (well it certainly feels like that at the moment). But what about the newest addition to the global calendar. What do you know about Formula E, the fully electric powered racing championship? With F1’s new hybrid regulations coming into play this year, combining the traditional combustion engine with an electric power unit, the talk round electric racing has never been more prominent and of more interest. Jeff Dodds is the CEO of Formula E, and joins us to talk through the unique nature of the Championship, what sets it apart from other forms of racing but also where it can and has taken from established formats to develop the sport. This is a look into a world you may not know about, but holds huge importance to the future of motorsport and the technology that will develop it. I’m delighted to welcome Jeff to the Business of Sport.A huge thank you to our amazing partners on the show: Gemini SportsWe empower the most confident sports organisations on Earth https://geminisports.ai/SlateThe complete content creation platform for social teams https://slateteams.com/