SportsPro Podcast

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. 

SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly, editorial director Michael Long and deputy editor Sam Carp look back on a varied week of sports industry stories - including the biggest, Super Bowl LIV. They also discuss a new global proposal in golf, Richard McLaren's return at the IWF, Atletico Madrid's Canadian investment and what Disney's Secret Cinema deal could mean for sport. Then, with issue 108 of SportsPro back from the printers, they look at some of the big topics in the latest edition of the magazine, including how sport has shaped AI, and creative capital from City Football Group to essential tech and much more.

SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly speaks to Pranav Soneji, founder and director of Livewire Sport, about the digital content agency's Diversity in Digital Mentoring scheme and the need for a broader range of voices in the industry.  Soneji - a former BBC journalist who now works with partners including the Premier League, F1 and the NFL - highlights the need to create pathways for people from minority ethnic backgrounds in the UK, people with disabilities, those from underprivileged beginnings and those living beyond major sports industry centres like London. He discusses how his own experience has shaped his plans for the programme, the effects of phenomena like studied informality, and why diversity will lead to better quality work.   

SportsPro editor at large Eoin Connolly heads across the Channel to talk to Brice Lefevre, the Paris GM for Adidas. They discuss the sportswear giant's plans to exploit a big few years for sport in the French capital leading up to the 2024 Olympics, how it aims to reflect rapid local changes, and why it is focusing key marketing efforts on a handful of major global cities. Then SportsPro senior reporter Steven Impey speaks to Kiswe Mobile president and chief executive Mike Schabel about how the startup is creating new kinds of digital viewing experiences for clients including the NBA, and how evolving audience habits are only now being addressed.