Best of 2021: Why Saudi Arabia bought Newcastle United December 27, 2021 In this article, originally published in October, sports business expert Professor Simon Chadwick explains the strategic background to the takeover of Newcastle United by a consortium headed by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund – and why it about much more than football. After years of speculation, prevarication and consternation, Saudi Arabia has at last sealed [...]
Best of 2021: Forest Green owner Dale Vince on saving the planet, one match at a time December 26, 2021 In this interview from March 2021, pioneering eco-entrepreneur Dale Vince discusses the rise of the football club he owns, Forest Green Rovers, the world’s first vegan and carbon-neutral team, who play on an organic pitch in kits made of recycled coffee beans. With a large green Union Jack behind him and a casually dishevelled appearance, [...]
Best of 2021: Lewes FC, the football club of the future? December 25, 2021 In this article from March 2021, Frank Dalleres speaks to Maggie Murphy, general manager and now CEO of Lewes FC about the club’s pioneering stance on equal pay, how a purpose-led approach can attract commercial partners, and bold plans for the future. They take pride in doing things differently at Lewes FC, the small football [...]
Ed Warner: Sport must be proactive in protecting its stars from abuse December 23, 2021 If you see me reaching for the remote to watch BBC Sports Personality of the Year in 2022, you know what to do. I was delighted that our gold medal winning GB Wheelchair Rugby team was nominated for the Team of the Year last weekend, alongside an illustrious bunch of trophy winners from other sports, [...]
‘Zombie clubs’ on rise as Covid doubles football teams in distress December 22, 2021 Football finance experts have warned of a rise in “zombie clubs” as a result of Covid-19 restrictions slashing teams’ income. The number of English clubs in financial distress doubled from 17 to 34 in the six months after stadiums closed in March 2020, a new report by insolvency firm Begbies Traynor found. Derby County and [...]
The Cathedral: Striking new home of AC Milan and Inter Milan revealed December 22, 2021 Italian football giants AC Milan and Inter Milan have revealed plans for their striking new stadium, called The Cathedral, which will replace their iconic current home, the San Siro. The winning design was drawn up by architects Populous, who also created the new Wembley Stadium, the London 2012 Olympic Stadium, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium and the [...]
Tennis star Emma Raducanu signs high-flying deal with British Airways December 22, 2021 Emma Raducanu announced yesterday that she has signed a lucrative deal to promote British Airways.
Scotland follows Wales in banning fans from sport due to Covid-19 December 21, 2021 Scotland has followed Wales in banning spectators from sport in response to increasing numbers of Covid-19 cases. First minister Nicola Sturgeon said most sport due to take place in Scotland over the Christmas period would be “effectively spectator-free”. From Boxing Day for a period of up to three weeks, outdoor events will be limited to [...]
Fifa biennial World Cup claims questioned by sport industry experts December 21, 2021 Leading figures in sports marketing have questioned Fifa’s claim that switching to biennial men’s World Cups would drive a huge revenue increase. Football’s world governing body revived the argument to stage its showpiece more regularly on Monday by presenting research that estimated the change would boost income by 60 per cent over the first four [...]
British Basketball League to begin £7m overhaul after US fund invests December 20, 2021 The British Basketball League (BBL) has announced a major investment by US fund 777 Partners in a move that it hopes will realise the sport’s potential in the UK. Miami-based 777 Partners, which already owns BBL team London Lions, is paying £7m for a 45 per cent stake in the league. The fund also owns [...]