By: Matt Hardy

Deputy Sports Editor - City AM Matt Hardy is the City AM Deputy Sports Editor with a specialism in the business of sport. He covers the likes of rugby, cricket, sporting investment and venture capital funds; while also being across golf, cricket, and the politics of sport.

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Aston Villa sign UK licensed Xapo Bank as club partner

July 2, 2025

UK licensed crypto firm Xapo Bank has partnered with Premier League club Aston Villa in a deal that will see them become the official partner of the club’s pre-season tour to the United States. The self proclaimed “pioneering private bank” was established in 2013 and last year passported its banking licence to the UK. And [...]
West Ham announce betting sponsor year before gambling ban

July 1, 2025

West Ham United has announced a sponsorship deal with bookmaker Boyle Sports one year out from a voluntary Premier League gambling ban. Clubs in England’s top flight have agreed to scrapping gambling brands as front-of-shirt sponsors from the 2026-27 season. Irish bookies Boyle Sports will replace Betway at the London Stadium. The multi-year deal will [...]
Surj Sports chief: Saudi parent PIF, investing and league focus

July 1, 2025

Chief executive of Dazn investors Surj Sports Investments Danny Townsend discusses the state of the changing landscape. When Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund purchased Premier League club Newcastle United in 2021, Middle Eastern sports spending was thrust into the voyeuristic forefront of executive and fan consciousness. Since then Saudi Arabia has invested in a multitude [...]
Sue Barker rebuffed approach from Sky Sports to front tennis coverage

June 30, 2025

Tennis broadcasting stalwart Sue Barker has revealed she rebuffed an approach to work for Sky Sports as the former face of Wimbledon’s BBC coverage remains away from the cameras. The former French Open winner left the BBC in 2022 after a 30-year broadcasting career which included fronting the Wimbledon Championships and Queen’s, as well as [...]
Channel 4 bag 3.7m viewers for England U-21 Euros triumph

June 30, 2025

England’s U-21 European Championship triumph against Germany was watched by a peak 3.7m on Saturday evening. The Channel 4 broadcast on Saturday night claimed 37 per cent of all viewers watching TV at the time England beat Germany 3-2 in Slovakia. Harvey Elliott and Omari Hutchinson scored England’s normal time goals before Nelson Weiper and [...]
LeBron James opts into £38m contract as Lakers set for $10bn deal

June 30, 2025

LeBron James is set to play in the Lakers’ new ownership era after opting into a £38m contract option. It will mean the 40-year-old, who turns 41 in December, will compete for the Los Angeles side for a 23rd season. The American is just 50 appearances short of Robert Parish’s NBA record, having played 1,562 [...]
Crystal Palace made to sweat by Uefa over Europa League place

June 30, 2025

Crystal Palace must wait to learn their fate as to whether they will participate in the Europa League, Uefa confirmed on Monday. The first chamber of the Uefa Club Financial Control Body made rulings on two other cases but chose to delay their decision for Crystal Palace. The Eagles’ won a spot in the second [...]
McLaren, Williams, Ferrari and Aston Martin take over London as F1 surges in popularity

June 29, 2025

On Sunday 6 July over 100,000 Formula 1 racing fans will descend on Silverstone for the British Grand Prix. This in itself is no surprise given the history and heritage that comes with the Northamptonshire track’s association with the highest level of motor racing in the world. But in a nod to the wider mass [...]
Where to watch the British and Irish Lions tour in London

June 28, 2025

The British and Irish Lions tour continues this month as the touring side looks for a first series win since 2013. But where in London can fans watch the action? For those who cannot spend thousands travelling to Australia there are a number of spots in London putting on special breakfast offerings for the duration [...]
Bumble: If Test cricket is dead, then why are the grounds full in the UK?

June 27, 2025

David ‘Bumble’ Lloyd has hit out at those saying Test cricket is dying, pointing to the packed crowds UK stadiums enjoy week in, week out. It comes after England’s sensational victory over India at Headingley last week, and a full Lord’s for the World Test Championship fixture between Australia and South Africa. Limited tickets for [...]

Globalisation obituaries ‘hopelessly premature’

Prem Rugby Big Match Bonanza test of sport’s commercial aims

Teeth ‘N’ Smiles review: Self Esteem is magnetic in dated show

By: Matt Hardy

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