Sports Pundit Podcast Network

On today’s episode of The Pitch, Andy and Drew trade bold fan engagement ideas, spanning physical experiences, creator-led storytelling, and new ways to reward participation beyond the professional game.Andy opens with a pitch for a Premier League Museum and Hall of Fame, exploring how a permanent or touring flagship experience could monetise global fandom, capture tourist demand in London, and turn the league’s history, players, and sponsors into a physical, social-first destination. From photo-ready moments to sponsor activations and legends events, the conversation examines why the Premier League’s Hall of Fame feels under-leveraged compared to US sports and global brands like Formula 1 and Guinness.Drew then flips the lens to participation, proposing a creator-driven model that connects grassroots and intramural sport to professional leagues. They explore how documenting amateur leagues, rewarding cultural impact over scale, and spotlighting everyday players could deepen fandom, unlock new creator pipelines, and give casual participants a meaningful stake in the ecosystem, without distorting competition.Timestamps02:00 - Why a Premier League Museum could unlock a new tourist revenue stream05:00 - Learning from the Guinness Storehouse9:00 - The Opportunity for Expanding the Premier League’s “Hall of Fame”15:00 - Connecting youth and intramural participation with Pro Sports Fandom22:30 - A Grassroots Content Creator Competition Series 31:00 - Blending Technology with Physical Participation About The HostsThe Pitch is the conversational show from the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, hosted by Andy Marston and Drew Rauso.It’s a play on words, with each host bringing an idea, theme, or provocation that they pitch to the other. Together they react, debate, and explore what’s really happening across the sports industry, from shifting media models to the next wave of innovation.Each episode mixes perspective with practicality, with occasional appearances from other Sports Pundit hosts from across the Network.Drew Rauso is a versatile media operator with a proven track record of building and scaling sports media ventures at the intersection of content, commerce, and creator strategy. He currently leads Brand, Strategy, and Operations at Playmaker HQ, a leading sports podcast network owned by Better Collective, home to shows featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Angel Reese, and Marshawn Lynch. Previously at The Players’ Tribune, Drew has been instrumental in shaping athlete-driven media, overseeing partnerships, production, and growth initiatives that connect fans and talent in meaningful ways. Connect on LinkedInAndy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives. Connect on LinkedInAbout Sports PunditSports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”

On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Podcast, Andy is joined by James Bower, Commercial Director at Atlassian Williams Racing, one of the most iconic teams in Formula 1, now in the midst of a bold commercial resurgence. James began his career at HP during its title partnership with Williams, before joining McLaren in 2007, where he worked on the Vodafone partnership and rose through senior roles in partner management, business development, and commercial strategy. Now at Williams, James leads a 35-person team across London, Grove, and New York, responsible for the acquisition and management of brand partnerships, a team that now generates more than 50% of the company’s total revenue. Since joining in 2021, James has helped secure a wave of high-profile deals with brands like Atlassian, Komatsu, Duracell, Gulf, Kraken, and Myprotein, as part of a deliberate shift toward quality over clutter. In this conversation, we explore the thinking behind Atlassian’s record-breaking title partnership, how Williams is differentiating itself commercially in an increasingly crowded space, and the success of their Fan Zones - a growing series of immersive, city-centre activations that are bringing the sport to fans in new and inclusive ways.Timestamps02:00 - James’ journey into Formula 1: early career at HP and McLaren05:00 - Joining Williams and navigating F1’s commercial transformation09:00 - The strategy behind Atlassian’s title partnership14:00 - Quality over clutter: rethinking partnership models in F118:30 - Fan Zones and creating physical touchpoints beyond the circuit24:00 - Expanding in the US and managing a global commercial team29:00 - Technology, innovation, and the future of Williams’ brand33:00 - What’s next for Atlassian Williams Racing? About The HostAndy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives. Connect on LinkedInAbout Sports PunditSports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”Produced by OH SIXThe Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.

Join Rosie Spaulding, President of League One Volleyball, as she discusses her groundbreaking work in establishing a youth-to-pro volleyball ecosystem in the U.S. With a rich background in sports events, Rosie reflects on the importance of community engagement and athlete development. She reveals how LOVB nurtures young talent, enhances welfare standards, and fosters a sustainable model for professional volleyball. Learn about her ambitious goal of making volleyball as prominent as the NBA, while prioritizing athletes' holistic growth and retention.

On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Podcast, we’re joined by Beth Barrett-Wild, Tournament Director ICC Women’s T20 World Cup 2026 & Director of Women’s Professional Game at the England Cricket (ECB).Beth has spent her career at the forefront of cricket’s evolution, from her early years at MCC and the ECB, to now helping shape one of the most significant upcoming global moments in women’s sport. Her work spans governance, competition management, and commercial growth, giving her a unique perspective on how to build both a world-class tournament and a sustainable future for the game.In this conversation, Beth reflects on her leadership journey, the structural changes underway in women’s cricket, and how England can evolve its domestic pathways through initiatives like Project Darwin. She talks about Australia’s decade-long dominance and what it means for competitive balance, the importance of storytelling, and cultural positioning in growing fandom, as well as how the World Cup can drive lasting impact for players, fans, and the sport itself.Timestamps02:30 - Beth’s Cricket Journey: From MCC to ECB and the ICC10:00 - Talent Pathways and Project Darwin17:00 - Rethinking England’s Domestic Structure22:00 - Australia’s Dominance and the Challenge of Competitive Balance28:00 - Building a Compelling Global Product33:00 – Together or Separate: Positioning Women’s Cricket38:00 - The Power of Storytelling and Player Narratives49:00 - Moving from Social Justice to Performance and Entertainment54:00 - Vision for the 2026 ICC Women’s T20 World CupAbout The HostAndy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives. Connect on LinkedInAbout Sports PunditSports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”Produced by OH SIXThe Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.

On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Finance Podcast, Vansa is joined by Tim Katt, National Director and Managing Partner of the Sports and Entertainment Practice at Transwestern.Tim brings a sharp perspective on how sports, real estate, and investment intersect, from structuring deals for high-net-worth individuals and institutional investors to developing large-scale, mixed-use districts anchored around sports facilities.He shares insights from his work with Overtime Elite and the creation of Overtime Arena, as well as his role in launching the Global Sports Venture Studio with the LA Dodgers.The conversation also outlines why real estate is becoming a strategic growth engine for sports organisations, touching on mixed-use development models, financing structures, and the next wave of innovative sports venues.Timestamps02:00 - Tim’s Journey from Overtime Elite to Transwestern05:00 - Lessons from Building Overtime Arena07:00 - The Future of Sports Facility Development13:00 - Funding and Financing Sports Projects28:00 - The Growth of New Sports Venues36:00 - Innovations in Stadiums and Arenas40:00 - Balancing Public and Private Investment43:00 -Misconceptions and Final ThoughtsAdditional LinksWNBA’s Sparks planning to build $150M practice facility - ESPNAbout The HostsVansa Chatikavanij is Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Present Ventures, an investment firm focused on emerging sports, media, and technology. She previously led strategy at Omise (“Stripe of Asia”) and co-founded OmiseGO Network, reaching a $1B+ market cap. Earlier in her career, she worked at the World Bank across 13 markets and has advised organisations including the World Economic Forum, GSIC powered by Microsoft, and Real Madrid NEXT Asia.Connect on LinkedInAbout Sports PunditSports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”Produced by OH SIXThe Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.

On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Innovation Podcast, Leanne is joined by Omer Atesmen, CEO of The Snow League, an emerging global sports property reimagining the future of snow sports.Omer shares his fascinating journey from Istanbul to California, spanning careers in engineering, business, and ad tech before turning his focus to building one of the most ambitious ventures in winter sport. In this conversation, Leanne and Omer explore the origins and vision behind The Snow League, which aims to unify snow sports through an entertainment-driven, globally connected league model. They discuss the operational challenges of launching a new sports property, the role of innovative partnerships, and Omer’s long-term goals around sustainability, athlete development, and global expansion (including the League’s upcoming event in China happening from the 4-6th December). Timestamps02:00 - Omer’s Background and Journey05:00 - Founding The Snow League22:00 - Building a Sustainable Business Model26:00 - Media Rights and Distribution Strategy34:00 - Challenges and Opportunities in China42:00 - Future Vision for The Snow LeagueAdditional LinksThe Snow League Raises $15 Million to Accelerate Global ExpansionAbout The HostsLeanne Bats is a future of sports architect, blending creativity, technology, fandom, and purpose to shape the industry’s evolution. Having led Innovation at New Zealand Rugby, pioneering emerging technologies to deepen connections with the iconic teams in black and she is now drives transformative initiatives as Head of Digital & Innovation at Sport Waikato. She also authors the newsletter OuterSport, a commentary on the future of sport. Connect on LinkedInAndy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives. Connect on LinkedInAbout Sports PunditSports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”Produced by OH SIXThe Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.

On today’s episode of The Pitch, Andy and Drew unpack the rise of alternate broadcasts and explore how the Women’s Super League (WSL) could pioneer a fresh, fan-first scheduling model.They explore how personality-driven storytelling is reshaping sports coverage and debate whether niche creators can drive deeper engagement than major influencers like Mark Goldbridge. The conversation also questions how sports media can strike the right balance between personalised content and the shared “watercooler” moments that unite fans.The duo also brainstorms bold ideas for the WSL, suggesting it moves to a tour-based competition model with festival-style activations, tapping into the momentum around international women’s football and the Lionesses while tackling challenges around attendance, infrastructure, and visibility of women’s club football.Timestamps01:00 – The rise of alternate broadcasts and why fans crave choice10:00 – The fight between personalised feeds and collective moments19:30 – A tour-based model for the WSL: what it could look like30:00 – Building identities around players, not postcodesThe Pitch is the conversational show from the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, hosted by Andy Marston and Drew Rauso.It’s a play on words, with each host bringing an idea, theme, or provocation that they pitch to the other. Together they react, debate, and explore what’s really happening across the sports industry, from shifting media models to the next wave of innovation.Each episode mixes perspective with practicality, with occasional appearances from other Sports Pundit hosts from across the Network.About The HostsDrew Rauso is a versatile media operator with a proven track record of building and scaling sports media ventures at the intersection of content, commerce, and creator strategy. He currently leads Brand, Strategy, and Operations at Playmaker HQ, a leading sports podcast network owned by Better Collective, home to shows featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Angel Reese, and Marshawn Lynch. Previously at The Players’ Tribune, Drew has been instrumental in shaping athlete-driven media, overseeing partnerships, production, and growth initiatives that connect fans and talent in meaningful ways. Connect on LinkedInAndy Marston is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives. Connect on LinkedInAbout Sports PunditSports Pundit is a community-driven platform for executives working in sport, built around content, events, and conversation. Through its weekly newsletter, social channels, WhatsApp groups, and podcast network, it connects industry leaders across the globe.At the heart of the platform is the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, a multi-show lineup created for sports executives, by sports executives. The network features six domain-specific podcasts spanning innovation, marketing, finance, performance, and media, alongside a conversational companion show, The Pitch. Together, they deliver insider perspectives that live up to Sports Pundit’s mission to be “The Voice of the Sports Industry.”Produced by OH SIXThe Sports Pundit Podcast is proudly produced by OH SIX, a content marketing agency specialising in producing digital and social-first content that connects. Trusted by Premier League clubs, F1 teams, and top brands, OH SIX deliver premium content end-to-end, from ideation, working with talent during production and platform specific content to reach audiences on screen.

Alice Ma, co-founder and CEO of Mad Realities and a Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, delves into the intersection of entertainment and sports. She shares insights from founding ConstitutionDAO and creating audience-driven formats that resonate with Gen Z. Alice highlights lessons from K-Pop fandoms, suggesting sports teams should embrace fan engagement like K-Pop groups. The discussion also covers the rise of TikTok-style algorithms and the future of storytelling, emphasizing the value of authentic, human-crafted content in a crowded media landscape.

Join Evan Roosevelt and Matthew Erley, co-founders of Old Tom Capital, as they unpack the evolving landscape of golf investments. Evan shares insights on building the Random Golf Club community, while Matthew highlights his experience scaling startups like Drizly. They discuss the rise of the 'golf curious' consumer and the importance of adaptable formats like par-3s. The duo explores global perspectives on golf, digital experiences, and innovative leagues that could reshape the sport's future, offering a unique operator-investor viewpoint.

Charlie Copsey, Founder and CEO of Underground Fan Club, shares her journey from BBC producer to creating experiential events that foster genuine fan connections. She discusses the inspiration behind her brand, emphasizing the need for authentic talent interactions. Charlie outlines her unique approach to sports marketing, focusing on storytelling and community engagement. She also highlights the significance of micro-influencers over follower counts. With ambitious plans for international expansion, Charlie encourages brands to prioritize relationship-building and understand talent deeply.