SportsPro Podcast

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/  

SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly and editorial director Michael Long talk to Joe Favorito, the hugely experienced sports marketing and communications consultant and Columbia University professor. They discuss how the Covid-19 crisis has underlined the need for more coordinated leadership in US sport, efforts to restart sport and the long-term impact of the shutdown. Favorito, who has considerable experience advising the creators of sports-based film and entertainment, also gives his thoughts on the success and potential influence of The Last Dance, the ESPN and Netflix documentary on Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls.

SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly and editorial director Michael Long are joined on this week’s podcast by Charlie Greenwood, founder of sports tech hub Sports Loft, to talk through the current state of play for startups and what fledgling businesses need to do to survive and thrive during the Covid-19 health crisis and post-pandemic. (01:55) Then (35:52), Michael is on the line with Tal Brown, chief executive and founder of Zone7, a data-driven artificial intelligence (AI) startup that supports athlete performance, to learn about his experiences over the last few months and hear about the future for sport tech startups.  Music: Surf Inspector by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4447-surf-inspector License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

SportsPro deputy editor Sam Carp talks to Rachel Jacobson, the new president of the Drone Racing League.  They discuss the challenges of starting a job in the middle of a global pandemic, the future prospects for the league, female representation in leadership roles in sport, and the lessons of a long spell at the NBA, including as SVP of global partnerships, at a time when the league closed US$1 billion in sponsorship deals. Music: Surf Inspector by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4447-surf-inspector License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/

This week, SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly welcomes Alban Dechelotte, head of partnerships and business development EMEA at Riot Games, and Julian Tan, Formula One’s head of digital business initiatives and esports, to the podcast. (00:30) The pair air their thoughts on how coronavirus has reshaped the competitive gaming industry, how their organisations have reacted to the health crisis, and what long-term change can be excepted. Plus (31:14), SportsPro journalist Ed Dixon speaks with John Clarke, chief executive of gaming operator Gfinity, who discusses the wider implications facing the industry due to Coivd-19, with the ePremier League, Virtual Grands Prix, the role of broadcasters, and athlete involvement all covered.  Music: Surf Inspector by Kevin MacLeod Link: https://incompetech.filmmusic.io/song/4447-surf-inspector License: http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/