AI Is the New Betting, Which Was the New Tobacco
The article argues that artificial intelligence will become the next dominant sponsorship category in sports, mirroring the rise of betting and the earlier tobacco era. It predicts that within five years two‑thirds of Premier League shirts could feature AI brand logos, driven by private‑equity funding and large pools of operating capital. The piece warns that growing concerns about AI’s impact on children’s mental health may trigger legislative action, potentially culminating in a ban by 2035. The author frames this shift as an inevitable cycle that will reshape the sports ecosystem’s revenue model.
Forget MCOs, MAGs Are the Next Problem
Private equity and major talent agencies are rapidly consolidating football representation into Multi‑Agency Groups (MAGs). CAA’s acquisition of UK powerhouses Base and Stellar created the sport’s largest agency concentration, while USG, Roc Nation and WMG pursue similar roll‑ups. These moves...
The Rugby Analogy
Bex Smith's investment vehicle Crux Football is acquiring women's soccer clubs, beginning with Montpellier in France and Rosengård in Sweden, as part of a broader multi‑club ownership strategy. The approach seeks to pool resources, branding, and scouting to accelerate commercial...
'More Trouble than It's Worth': The Locals Are Revolting
FIFA’s new fan‑festival model for the 2026 World Cup expands the event by 64% more games than Qatar 2022, aiming to boost ticket sales and sponsorship inventory. The tournament’s projected revenue tops $11 billion, with broadcast rights and global sponsorships driving...
Wedge Issues Live
The piece reports that local residents view FIFA’s summer fan festivals as a financial headache rather than a revenue generator, while YouGov data reveals a notable rise in church attendance among Gen Z. It also announces Hugh Bonneville’s move to Miami as...