SportsPro Podcast

After the Easter break, SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly returns this week to speak with Kindred Group’s UK general manager Neil Banbury on how the gambling sector is adapting during the ongoing pandemic in order to keep offering new markets despite the decimated sporting calendar. (04:21)   Neil, who oversees Kindred brands such as 32Red and Unibet, also discusses the renewed importance of esports and virtual sports for betting firms, the importance of responsible gambling in the current climate, and factoring in the return of live sport to the industry's future business modeling. 

SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly and digital editor Tom Bassam talk to OneFootball head of OTT and sports business blogger Yannick Ramcke about the impact of the live events shutdown on the broadcast sector, asking how rights relationships and value can be protected and how effective filler efforts like esports and archive or original content will be. (01:41) Then SportsPro senior writer Steven Impey speaks with Yiannis Exarchos, chief executive of Olympic Broadcasting Services, about the implications of the Tokyo 2020 delay, the Olympic Channel's revised plans for the months ahead, and the accelerated adoption of remote production and collaboration. (38:08)

This week, editor at large Eoin Connolly and digital editor Tom Bassam welcome Lisa Parfitt, managing director of Engine Sport, back to the pod to get her insight on the impact the coronavirus pandemic is having on commercial conversations in sports marketing (02:11). Next, Joel Seymour-Hyde, managing director of Octagon UK, gives his thoughts on how sponsorship has been affected and can adapt in the wake of the global health crisis (27:33). In the final part, Lisa discusses the potential risks facing women’s sport as rights holders and brands cut back on their investments as Covid-19 takes hold (55:51).

Recorded before the postponement of Tokyo 2020 was confirmed, the New York Times’ sports news correspondent Tariq Panja joins editor at large Eoin Connolly and editorial director Michael Long to discuss the latest impact of the coronavirus pandemic (02:44). Then, James Earl, partner at Fladgate LLP, is on to give a legal perspective regarding the challenges being faced by the mass cancellations across sports (27:21). In part three, (48:12) Eoin, Mike and Tariq look at the bigger picture within the sports industry as the Covid-19 outbreak evolves.

After an alarming, unprecedented week for sport and society, SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly is joined by editorial director Michael Long and deputy editor Sam Carp to reflect on a spate of cancellations and postponements, including a shift for the Uefa European Championship from 2020 to 2021. (01.25) Then, JTA founder Jon Tibbs, who has provided communications consultancy to major sports organisations around the world, breaks down the challenge of providing clear, practical and appropriate messages in a fast-moving crisis. (23.41) And as preparations continue amid all this for the Olympic Games, AP correspondent and sports writer Stephen Wade is on the line from Tokyo to discuss the situation on the ground there. (43.05)

With Formula One returning this weekend, SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly and editorial director Michael Long discuss what the new season has in store ahead of the opening race in Melbourne (1:39). Nielsen Sports' senior vice president of global motorsport, Nigel Geach, then discusses how Formula One is shaping up off the track as Liberty Media enters its fourth year at the helm (17:53).  Plus, deputy editor Sam Carp catches up with W Series founder and chief executive Catherine Bond Muir to ask what the future holds for the all-female single seater motor racing championship (46:32).

As the coronavirus continues to dominate the headlines, SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly, digital editor Tom Bassam and editorial director Michael Long discuss the extent of the impact the outbreak is having on the sports calendar so far (1:22). Conversation then moves to DAZN's plans to expand to more than 200 territories later this year, while using its global boxing rights content to build out its offering (14:10). Monumental Sports & Entertainment's SVP of strategic initiatives, Zach Leonsis, is on for an in-depth discussion about its plans ahead (20:33).  Plus, WSC Sports' Aviv Arnon offers insight into why Israel is enjoying a sports tech boom (52:02).

SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly and digital editor Tom Bassam return from OTT Summit USA and discuss the key takeaways from Atlanta (0:43).  The conversation then turns to Turner Sports' place in the changing US media landscape in an interview with the broadcaster's president Lenny Daniels (21:51).  Plus, deputy editor Sam Carp talks to Nashville SC boss Ian Ayre ahead of the club's MLS debut (33:47). 

SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly meets in Paris with Brett Gosper, the long-serving chief executive of World Rugby.  There is plenty to discuss, from the lessons of the Japan 2019 Rugby World Cup and the shift in mindset to France, to the spectre of venture capital, the power of the Olympics, addressing neglect in the women's game, and the formats of the future.

As the Premier League's Richard Masters confirms an interest in exploring an OTT service, SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly talks to The Athletic's Matt Slater about how and when that digital transition might begin. With the league's lucrative rights sales process already bearing fruit for the next cycle, clubs will want to be sure any direct-to-consumer offering can pay off.  Then, speaking at Global Sports Week in Paris, Dow's Nicoletta Piccolrovazzi outlines the chemical giant's plans to help Olympic organisers and international federations improve their sustainability practices so they can do their environmental duty and retain the support of younger groups.