Sports Pundit Podcast Network

On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Media Podcast, Jo and Michael are joined by Chris Sice,  Chief Content Officer at ICONS Series. ICONS Series is a disruptive experiential sports and entertainment brand that brings together the biggest, boldest cross-section of world class athletes and fans.This conversation, which took place off the back of their most recent event in Bangkok, explores the series’ disruptive approach to golf, both on the course and in the ways that they approach media. Timestamps2:00 - ICONS Series Origin Story12:30 - Broadcast and YouTube Hybrid17:00 - Players as Media Channels23:00 - Live Vs Edited Storytelling30:00 - Audience Data And Surprises34:00 - Building Cultural Resonance37:00 - Monetising Cultural CurrencyAbout The HostsJo Redfern is a digital and youth media specialist who has spent the last five years at the forefront of platforms such as YouTube, Roblox, and TikTok. With a background in traditional broadcast and kids media, Jo is known for turning generational media behaviours into commercial opportunities. Through her consultancy firm, Futrhood, she helps IP owners and rights holders scale engagement and monetisation by leveraging content, platforms, community, and emerging tech.Michael Cohen has spent the last decade building at the intersection of sport, media, and the creator economy. As former CEO of Whistle, he scaled the company into a $100M multi-platform media business, driving organic growth and strategic M&A before leading its exit to Eleven Sports and later DAZN. Today, through his new venture Disruptive Play, Michael partners with companies and creators to shape the next wave of sports and media IP, challenging the status quo and architecting business models for the next era of sport.About 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 Podcast, we’re joined by Maria Norrman, President of EF Pro Cycling and Global Chief of Staff at EF Education First.Maria sits at the intersection of performance, people, and strategy - helping run one of the most distinctive and commercially innovative teams in professional cycling. As EF opens its first-ever title partnership and looks to build the world’s best cycling team across both the men’s and women’s peloton, she’s the person translating ambition into reality behind the scenes.In this conversation, we get into what it really takes to operate a WorldTour team, the business model of cycling, and how culture, not just budget, can become a competitive advantage.Timestamps02:00 - Maria's Journey and Unique Double Role07:30 - The Unique Economics of Professional Cycling11:00 - Why Winning Isn’t Enough18:00 - Building the World’s Favourite Cycling Team28:00 - The Cost of Running a WorldTour Team39:00 - The Most Underrated Cost in Cycling45:00 - New Inventory and Revenue StreamsAbout 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.Andy 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. About 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.

Jo Redfern, digital and youth media specialist for platforms like YouTube, Roblox and TikTok, pitches Roblox as a Petri dish for new sports. She outlines DropHoop, a parkour-tag-basketball hybrid launching digitally first. They discuss how platform trends, creator-driven distribution, monetisation milestones and reality-TV style crossovers could seed fandom and scale a sport from pixels to packed venues.

On today’s episode of the Sports Pundit Podcast, Andy is joined by Alfonso Díaz, Chief Executive Officer of the Business Area at RCD Mallorca, a club whose transformation in the past decade has been nothing short of remarkable.Alfonso has been with the club since 2016, initially as CFO, and since 2020 as CEO of the business side. Prior to that, he held senior finance and commercial roles at global companies like LG Electronics and GE Capital, and brings a multi-industry perspective to running a modern football organisation.He’s played a key role in helping Mallorca return from Spain’s third tier to LaLiga - and in positioning the club as an international platform for sustainable sports tourism, premium experiences, and global partnerships. Backed by an ownership group that includes Andy Kohlberg, Steve Nash, Steve Kerr, and Stu Holden, the club has doubled down on long-term thinking - investing in a €30M stadium renovation and achieving strategic growth in markets like Japan, Korea, and the US.In this conversation, we explore how Mallorca has rebuilt itself structurally and commercially and what comes next for a club that’s aiming to be more than just a football team.Timestamps02:00 - Welcome, Alfonso’s background, and early challenges at Mallorca04:30 - Rebuilding the club: from crisis to LaLiga stability10:30 - Ownership, culture change, and US long-term thinking15:30 - Stadium redevelopment and reimagining the fan experience24:00 - Tourism, local identity, and balancing visiting fans26:30 - Premium hospitality and new matchday experiences31:00 - International growth, new revenue streams, and global reach40:00 - Future vision for RCD MallorcaWith Thanks to the Social Football Summit ⚽️🏟️Social Football Summit (SFS) is a event designed for innovative content, sharing, networking, and education in the Football Industry. The first event of its kind in Italy, over the years, it has become a reference point for football protagonists and stakeholders.Its inception aimed to build a dynamic and innovative ecosystem with the objective of creating opportunities for encounters between authoritative figures and key players in the Football Industry. Figures like Alfonso, who I was lucky enough to interview on stage at the latest edition back in November at Juventus’ Allianz Stadium. 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. 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 this episode of the Sports Pundit Marketing Podcast, Charlie and Jamie are joined by Travis Black, Global Lead for Olympic & Paralympic Marketing at Allianz.Allianz is one of the world’s leading insurance and financial services brands, with a major footprint across global sport, spanning multi-sport events, clubs and teams, athletes, and stadium partnerships.Travis shares his journey into the industry, sparked by a lifelong passion for North American sport and formative experiences at the Beijing 2008 and Vancouver 2010 Olympic Games. He reflects on the importance of curiosity, empathy, and risk-taking in building a global sports marketing career and the cultural fluency required to lead programs across diverse markets.The conversation also explores the evolving role of athlete partnerships, the shift toward storytelling and purpose-driven sponsorship, and the ongoing balance between global scale and local relevance. Travis offers insight into the internal collaboration required to deliver meaningful partnerships, and how data and AI are shaping the next frontier of fan engagement.Timestamps02:00 - Travis Black’s Journey into Sports Marketing11:00 - Advice for Aspiring Sports Industry Professionals14:00 - Future Trends in Sports Sponsorship22:00 - Creating Effective Athlete Partnerships28:00 - The Unique Appeal of the Olympic Games32:00 - Balancing Global and Local Marketing Strategies38:00 - Empowering Young Talent in Sports MarketingAbout The HostsJamie Corr is a seasoned sports marketing leader with over 15 years’ experience across partnerships, communications, and brand strategy. He has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands through roles at Burson, MKTG, H&K Strategies, and the International Olympic Committee, helping activate major global properties including the Olympic Games, FIFA World Cup, and Tour de France. He now consults with LA-based sports content studio MILE 44 and has also served on the Board of Basketball Scotland.Connect on LinkedInCharlie Copsey is the Founder & CEO of Underground Fan Club. Having began her career producing TV, radio, and film for major UK networks, working closely with talent behind the scenes. It was there she saw the human, unscripted side of stars, a side fans rarely get to access. Frustrated by repetitive, transactional events that kept talent at arm’s length, she set out to build Underground Fan Club, a space where talent could show up as their authentic selves and connect with fans on a deeper, more meaningful level.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.”

Leonardo Giammarioli, Chief Global Business Development Officer at SSC Napoli, shares insights from his diverse background in sports business. He discusses Napoli's innovative approach to squad-wide image rights, which enhances sponsorship opportunities and informs transfer decisions. Leonardo contrasts this with traditional models and emphasizes the importance of owning merchandise for brand perception. He highlights the shift to in-house operations, focusing on sustainability and localizing product design to better engage fans.

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.