Are You Not Entertained?

The groundsmen was one down this week, losing Giles to Ascot so Roger and Grant invited financier and geopolitical expert Brent Johnson to discuss Sports fourth turning (with some Goal/Own Goal thrown in for good measure).

On 6th June 2023 the PGAT announced a merger with the Saudi Arabia PIF - arguably the biggest U Turn ever witnessed in sport. On a Goal Own-Goal special, Roger and Grant asked the Captain to join them to share their reactions to this momentous news that will reshape the golf world forever.

We are joined this week by one the most influential investors in the global Sports Industry - George Pyne - Founder of Bruin Capital. With the global economy and the geo-political landscape in a state of flux, we asked George to return as our special guest to give his perspective on where he things the sports industry is headed.

GOG is back with it's very personalised look at the power of football, and the perils of sporting hubris. No offence meant.

We are joined this week by Mark Watts - founder of Whaivu Holdings. In a career that has spanned 3 decades, Mark has been one of the most successful investors and advisors of his generation - particularly in media and tech. He is now bringing that expertise and experience to focus on the global sports industry. What follows is a fascinating insight into the opportunities and calamities that face sports around the world. Another must-listen show.

Goal/Own Goal returns with its usual petty and ill-informed ranting. Those taking a kicking this week include the PFA, CVC, ultra fans, and most sports governing bodies. Because...why not?

The Captain makes his long awaited return to the table - welcoming on board the Executive Director of the NFL Players Association, DeMaurice Smith - voted in the top 10 most powerful executives in sport. De reflects on his 15 years at leading the NFLPA - managing, protecting and advancing the rights and welfare of the NFL players. A monumental career that has changed the shape of how athletes in sport can be  protected. Brought to you in association with Howden Insurance Brokers.

The Groundsmen are joined this week by Eddie Pepperell - one of our most popular repeat guests and a vocal and well liked golfer on the European Tour. The battle for men’s golf continues to rage and we ask Eddie where the game is now and should the powers that be consider coming together to discuss a peace settlement?

On the Groundsmen Conversations we are joined by Michael Spirito - Founding Partner of Sapphire Sports - one of the leading Venture Capital investors in the sports industry globally. What follows is a candid and honest conversation about the challenges and opportunities facing founders in the sports, media and tech space and the reality check around valuation, profitability and a remainder that sports is a long term asset class.

GOG is back to hopefully lighten the mood in these crazy and tragic times. Listen to the lads' petty and ill informed nonsense about Trump, Berrettini's sex toy, F1 chaos, laughing at Chelsea, Warren Buffett, football closed periods, March Madness, and Masters golf full of LIV tension.