Wake Up to Money Business of Sport with Sean Farrington
Sep 17, 2025
James Flood, Head of Business Development at MatchWornShirt, and Tim Murphy, Chief Executive at Graham Budd Auctions, explore the booming world of sports memorabilia. They discuss the deep emotional ties collectors have with items like match-worn shirts and the complexities of authenticity in a market rife with forgeries. Listeners learn how auction houses impact value and the significance of player history in transactions. Insights into the growing popularity of sports auctions and trends in women's sports add to the conversation, highlighting a blend of nostalgia and investment.
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Collecting Sparked By A Matchday Gift
- James Flood received a Chelsea shirt from Solomon Kalou at age 14 which sparked his collecting journey.
- That emotional moment led him from pin badges to founding a career in match-worn memorabilia.
Buying Pelé's Medal Changed Career Path
- Tim Murphy bought Pelé's 1958 World Cup medal after selling Pele's collection and that deepened his interest in iconic memorabilia.
- That purchase led him to buy and later run Graham Budd Auctions, focusing on historic sporting items.
Provenance Drives Market Growth
- Match-worn memorabilia demand has surged alongside platforms that guarantee provenance and authenticity.
- James Flood credits MatchWornShirt's role in converting sceptical collectors into nearly half a million customers.