Sports Pundit Podcast Network

In the inaugural episode of The Pitch Podcast, Andy and Drew discuss the concept of creating this new show which is centered around ideas and innovations across the sports industry, as well as introducing the Sports Pundit Podcast Network. The conversation explores the idea of extending programming around sports events to create additional value, such as hosting conferences or tourism experiences. The discussion also delves into various opportunities for enhancing sports tourism and maximising the physical experience of attending sports events.Timestamps03:00 - The Evolution of the Sports Pundit Network06:00  - First Pitch: Formula One Business Summit and Expanding Sports Events with Additional Inventory15:00 - Sports as Tourism: Capturing Economic Value29:00 - Conclusion and Invitation for Listener ParticipationAboutVisit our website (sportspundit.co) to find previous episodes, dive into our newsletters, and connect with other execs both online via the WhatsApp Group and IRL via our social events.This episode was produced by OH SIX, specialists in sports and branded video content. They bring experience working with F1 teams, Premier League clubs, and some of the world’s top creators. 

On today’s episode, we visit one of my favourite conversations with Matthew Jafarian, Executive Vice President of Business Strategy at the Miami HEAT.Over the past eight years, Matthew has led one of the most ambitious digital transformations in American sports, overseeing the HEAT’s approach to data, technology, and strategy. But what really sets him apart is the fact that he hasn’t just transformed his own organisation, he’s also helping to reshape the entire industry.Matthew is also the co-founder of 601 Analytics, a data and analytics platform born inside the HEAT that’s now used by over 20% of the NBA, the league office, and teams across the NFL, NHL, NWSL, MLB, and (soon) MLS. From fan insights to ticketing to food and beverage optimisation, it’s become the operating system behind some of the smartest front offices in sport.In this conversation, we dig into how the role of data is evolving in sport, why teams need to start acting like the billion-dollar businesses they are, and what it means to build a company within a world-famous organisation.Timestamps01:00 - Matthew's Journey to Joining the HEAT03:00 - Digital Transformation and the Start of 601 Analytics 08:00 - Expanding to the Milwaukee Bucks14:00 - Balancing Roles and Responsibilities19:00 - Solving Industry Challenges24:00 Leveraging Consumer Profiles and Loyalty29:00 Expanding into Europe32:00 - Court Culture and Empowering Entrepreneurial Ventures35:00 - Approach to Investing and Sports Technology40:00 - Customer-Centric Growth Strategy42:00 - Closing Remarks and Future OpportunitiesAdditional Links⁠Miami Heat: the basketball team turned tech startup⁠⁠Miami Heat Tech Team Expands Data Services To NBA And Beyond⁠⁠Miami HEAT boosts season ticket sales by 30% and saves approximately $1 million on operations⁠⁠⁠Connect with Matthew on LinkedIn - ⁠Here⁠Connect with Andy on LinkedIn - ⁠Here⁠

This is the fifth episode in a series of 5 focused on #Performance and hosted by Rich Buchanan, a former Performance Director at Swansea City FC in the Premier League and Human Performance Consultant for DC United in the MLS. On today’s episode, Rich is joined by Alex Igual, Sport Technology and Partnership Manager at FIBA.FIBA is the world governing body for basketball that amongst many other things, is responsible for organising international competitions, establishing the rules and regulations of basketball and developing the game globally. Alex is right at the cutting edge where technological innovation impacts on court outcomes and FIBA’s business objectives.Connect with Rich on LinkedIn - HereConnect with Rich on LinkedIn - ⁠⁠Here⁠⁠#AdThis series is kindly supported by  award-winning sports technology and innovation company, Genius Sports.  Discover the new operating system for sport brought to you by the world leader in AI and sports data by visiting ⁠⁠⁠geniussports.com/perform/⁠⁠⁠

Today, we revisit a conversation with Em Heath, Global Brand Director at Rexona, a key player globally in Unilever’s personal care brand portfolio.Formerly a sponsor of Williams F1, the brand has taken a serious liking to women’s football - partnering with Man City and Chelsea, doing deals with players like Lauren James and Lucy Bronze, as well as playing a key role in activating around marquee properties like the Women’s World Cup and Women’s Euros, as part of Unilever’s broader partnerships with FIFA and UEFA.We explore this interest in women’s football and the nuances of activating across almost every area of the women’s game, the role that brands can play within women’s sport, and the intricacies of managing a global brand.Timestamps2:00 - Em's Journey4.30: - How Rexona Fits within Unilever Personal Care Portfolio8:00 - Activating Partnerships with UEFA and FIFA15:00 - Balancing Sports Partnerships with Other Areas of Marketing18:00 - Leveraging Ambassadors at Club Partners - like Lucy Bronze and Lauren James20:30 - What Attracted Rexona to Partner with Chelsea and Man City26:00 - Chicken and Egg Problem Surrounding Women's Sport29:00 - What is Rexona's Breaking Limits Program?34:00 - Meeting KPIs and Measuring ROI 40:00 - Evaluating New Partners - and why Rexona Stopped Sponsoring in Formula 145:00 - Looking Forward Additional Links⁠Rexona Partners with England Football Star Lucy Bronze to Inspire Girls to Move More⁠⁠ICC and Unilever announce groundbreaking partnership on International Women’s Day to strengthen the future of women’s cricket⁠Connect with Emily on LinkedIn - ⁠Here⁠Connect with Andy on LinkedIn - ⁠Here

This is the fourth episode in a series of 5 focused on #Performance and hosted by Rich Buchanan, a former Performance Director at Swansea City FC in the Premier League and Human Performance Consultant for DC United in the MLS. On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Performance Podcast, Andy was joined by Spencer Jones of the Denver Nuggets.On a two-way contract with the Grand Rapids Gold of the NBA G League, Spencer has continually beat the odds. From being a last minute admission to Stanford to captaining the team for three seasons, and initially going undrafted, only to now find himself in the NBA. What is most interesting about Spencer is how he continually applies himself both on and off the court. This includes actively engaging with and investing in startups, particularly in the human performance space, as well as being one of very few NBA players active on LinkedIn. Filling in on this episode for Rich, Andy does his best to address the conversation from a performance lens, however, I also took an interest in how he thinks about investing and leveraging his position as a professional athlete. Timestamps4:00 - Spencer's Journey to the NBA7:00 - Leveraging Access and Opportunity 14:00 - Angel Investing in Sports and Health Tech 18:00 - Applying Off-Court Investments into On-Court Performance 23:00 - Maximising Sleep and Recovery 27:00 - Future AmbitionsAdditional LinksConnect with Spencer on LinkedIn - HereConnect with Rich on LinkedIn - Here#AdThis series is kindly supported by  award-winning sports technology and innovation company, Genius Sports.  Discover the new operating system for sport brought to you by the world leader in AI and sports data by visiting ⁠⁠⁠geniussports.com/perform/⁠⁠⁠

Dan Porter, CEO of Overtime, transforms how sports engage Gen-Z. He shares his journey from creating the viral game ‘Draw Something’ to leading a media powerhouse. Dan discusses Overtime's evolution into a league operator, emphasizing that young athletes are stars now, not just in the future. He delves into the impact of NIL on athlete branding and Overtime’s strategic partnerships with the NFL and ATP Tour. Tune in for insights on building an IP empire and the innovative landscape of modern sports!

Rowena Samarasinhe, founder of GENSport and a leading systems thinker in global sport, joins Leanne Bats to envision the future of women's sports following the Lionesses' historic success. They discuss the necessity for innovative approaches that diverge from traditional men's models, emphasizing unique storytelling and branding strategies. Topics include the contrast between US and UK models, challenges in investment, and the potential of under-the-radar women’s sports markets. Their conversation inspires a call to action for supporting and investing in the growth of women's athletics.

This is the third episode in a series of 5 focused on #Performance and hosted by Rich Buchanan, a former Performance Director at Swansea City FC in the Premier League and Human Performance Consultant for DC United in the MLS. On today’s episode, Rich is joined by Nick Davies, the Head of Academy Performance at Crystal Palace. Nick brings a wealth of experience and insight into how a structured process and a multidisciplinary approach serves both the sporting objectives and business goals of an elite football organisation.In this conversation, they explore the people, the philosophies, and the practices that shape player developments in elite academies, diving deep into how high performance systems impact not just player development, but also the long-term sustainability and success of a Premier League football club. Connect with Rich on LinkedIn - ⁠Here⁠#AdThis series is kindly supported by  award-winning sports technology and innovation company, Genius Sports.  Discover the new operating system for sport brought to you by the world leader in AI and sports data by visiting ⁠⁠geniussports.com/perform/⁠⁠

On today’s episode, I’m joined by Avelino, a rapper known for his sharp lyricism, deep wordplay, and cultural influence far beyond music. From his early freestyles on YouTube to collaborations with Stormzy, Aitch, Wretch 32 and Skepta, Avelino’s journey has always been about using his voice to represent something bigger.Now, he’s stepping into a new arena.Alongside presenter Harry Pinero and football entrepreneur John Loaiza, Avelino has co-founded Nexus Football Group, a next-generation agency built to reshape the future of football representation. Beyond managing talent, Nexus aims to unlock overlooked brilliance, bridge culture and sport, and create a new blueprint for how players are seen, supported, and celebrated.In this conversation, we talk about the lessons that Avelino brings from music into football, why the system needs disrupting, and how Nexus plans to elevate both the game and the people in it.Timestamps02:00 - Journey into Music and Football04:00 - Music Career Highlights06:00 - Founding Nexus Football Group12:00 - Mentorship and Player Development14:00 - Updating the Agency Model17:00 - Scouting and Talent Pathways24:00 - Leveraging Technology in Football28:00 - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Jason Steele, Head of Marketing Strategy at the IOC, shares insights on revolutionizing brand growth and audience engagement in sports. He highlights how AI is transforming marketing strategies, making them more data-driven and fan-centric. The conversation dives into the importance of collaboration across departments to enhance fan experiences and the need for a holistic approach to measuring value. Jason also discusses the art and science of designing memorable sports experiences, merging technology with creativity to captivate modern audiences.