SportsPro Podcast

In the latest cut from the SportsPro Insider Series, WWE executive vice president and global head of sales and partnerships John Brody tells SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly about how the leading force in sports entertainment works with its sponsors. They discuss the adaptations made for closed door events, including WrestleMania, how WWE superstars play their part, and how the organisation's unique audience and approach to storytelling creates distinctive opportunities.

SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly and editorial director Michael Long welcome Matt Rogan, SportsPro’s senior contributor and co-founder of the data agency Two Circles, for the latest podcast. In this episode, the three look at what industry organisations can do to run better businesses during the coronavirus crisis and what action should be taken to best prepare for an uncertain future.   Music: Surf Inspector by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4447-surf-inspector License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In another podcast showcasing the best of the SportsPro Insider Series, Dustin Godsey, chief marketing officer at the NBA's Milwaukee Bucks, talks about the team's digital content strategy and how technology has shaped the fan experience at the Fiserv Forum. He also lays out plans for the BucksPlay content hub, explains the strategic shift that followed the Covid-19 shutdown, and shares his thoughts on what an NBA game might look like with no fans in the arena.

The police killing of George Floyd has sparked passionate protests and debate over race, but also an appetite to ask some difficult questions regarding racism and inequality.  This week, Leon Mann, the founder of the Black Collective of Media in Sport (BCOMS), joins SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly on the latest podcast. Mann, who set up BCOMS to address the under-representation of black people in the industry, discusses what can be done within the sports sector to change its approach to diversity in order to ensure greater representation, as well as translating messages of support into tangible progress.  Music: Surf Inspector by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4447-surf-inspector License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

In the first of a collection of podcasts highlighting the best of the SportsPro Insider Series of virtual events, SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly talks to Real Madrid chief transformation officer Michael Sutherland and director of digital strategy Israel Garcia. They discuss how the Spanish soccer giants switched up their activities during La Liga's Covid-19 shutdown, explore Real's first forays into esports, and outline the best approaches to digital transformation for any sports organisation.

SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly and deputy editor Sam Carp return this week with Simon Chadwick, professor of Eurasian Sport at Emlyon Business School, to talk through the key financial questions sport is facing from the Covid-19 fallout. (02:11)  Plus, senior reporter Steven Impey interviews Michael Yormark, president of Roc Nation’s international sports division, who reveals the agency’s plans for Siya Kolisi, South Africa’s World Cup-winning rugby union captain. (42:10) Music: Surf Inspector by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4447-surf-inspector License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

As The Sports Consultancy launches SEER, its new research and intelligence unit, its co-founder and managing director Angus Buchanan, associate director Sian Jenkins and director Matt Wilson join SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly to talk about the future relationship between host cities and event organisers. They discuss the impact of Covid-19 on the events sector, the value of bringing event delivery in line with public health and social priorities, the role of women's sport, esports and cultural events in future hosting strategies, and the outlook for mega-events. Music: Surf Inspector by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4447-surf-inspector License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

With more sports properties pencilling in return dates, SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly, digital editor Tom Bassam and deputy editor Sam Carp discuss who they believe are coming out the best - and worst - from the sports hiatus. (02:18)  Then, Eoin chats to Scott Tilton, chief executive and co-founder of sponsorship technology company Hookit, to hear his thoughts on the most notable uses of digital channels by brands and rights holders during the coronavirus lockdown, as well as future trends on social platforms. (32:24) Music: Surf Inspector by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4447-surf-inspector License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly talks to Thimon de Jong – founder of Whetston Strategic Foresight, keynote speaker, university lecturer and specialist in future human behaviour, societal change and business strategy – about 'the temporary abnormal' and how much will really change as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic.   They also consider some of the other things promising to profoundly affect the future of the sports industry, from the balance of digital consumption to the rising influence of Generation Z. Music: Surf Inspector by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4447-surf-inspector License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

SportsPro shifts its focus to sport’s tentative return to action, as editor at large Eoin Connolly and deputy editor Sam Carp are joined by the Athletic’s Matt Slater to talk about the steps the Premier League, and soccer as a whole, is taking to get back on the pitch. (02:09)    Sam also provides an update on the US major leagues planning to resume play, including the latest from the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL). (21:01)   Then, digital editor Tom Bassam talks with Jamie Hindhaugh, chief operating officer at UK pay-TV’s BT Sport, who lifts the lid on the network’s Bundesliga coverage, as well as the broadcaster’s wider live sports strategy. (28:37) Music: Surf Inspector by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4447-surf-inspector License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/