Unofficial Partner

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Podcast: Unofficial Partner Guest: Barney Francis, IMG (formerly Head of Sky Sports)

Summary

Barney Francis offers an insider's view of the sports media economy, drawing on his experience running Sky Sports and now leading IMG's production business. The conversation spans new sports formats, piracy, streaming disruption, rights economics, the creation of The Hundred, the Premier League's move to in-house production, and the structural challenges facing rugby in the UK. A consistent thread throughout: the consumer should be at the heart of every decision, and the fundamentals of premium

🤖 Summary

Pete Fitzboydon, former CEO of Sussex County Cricket Club, reveals the stark financial realities facing non-Test hosting counties. With only 7 out of 50-60 annual playing days generating profit, counties survive primarily on ECB funding - approximately £3m of a £5-10m turnover. The conversation explores The Hundred's transformative impact, marketing challenges, and the future shape of English domestic cricket.

Hear the full conversation here:

Key Themes

Financial Reality: The 7-Day Problem

• Non-Test hosting counties play 50-60 days of cricket annually
• Only ~7 days make money (primarily T20 Blast fixtures)
• County Championship crowds increased 50%