The Six Nations is here, but does rugby need a commercial rethink?
With the Six Nations back on our screens this weekend, Ed Dixon, Michael Long and Sam Carp sit down to preview the tournament.
The trio discuss the rumours around the tournament potentially switching to a pay-TV broadcaster in the UK, if a culture shift in rugby would mean more growth, and whether the sport can really crack the US market.
There’s also time to unpick the latest goings on at Ineos amid continued unrest at Manchester United and an acrimonious split with sailing legend Ben Ainslie, before taking a look at the NBA’s plans in Europe after commissioner Adam Silver talked up the potential for a new league on the continent.
Articles we mentioned…
Six Nations likely to stay on FTA in UK as TNT Sports distances itself from bid
Six Nations TV rights soon to be up for grabs
Ilona Maher: Rugby union needs culture shift to create stars and grow
Rugby must ‘do things differently’ to break into US, says Roc Nation president
Ainslie ‘astounded’ at Ineos America’s Cup split
Manchester United get government backing for Old Trafford regeneration project
Adam Silver: NBA looking “very closely” at European league launch
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40:45
What the return of Donald Trump means for the sports industry
After seeing Donald Trump sworn in for a second term as president of the United States, Sam Carp, Michael Long and Ed Dixon consider what impact his return to the White House will have on sport.
The trio reflect on the role team owners and other sporting personalities played in helping the 78-year-old win November's election before looking ahead to some of the major events set to take place under his watch, including the 2026 Fifa World Cup and the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics.
As the PGA Tour and LIV Golf continue to hammer out a peace deal, there's also time to discuss what Trump's warm relationship with Saudi Arabia could mean for the future of golf and the wider industry.
Articles we mentioned...
US sports owners make huge political donations. Which party does your team’s give to?
TikTok access in US restored after brief ban-imposed blackout
DAZN ‘nears’ US$1bn investment from Saudi PIF
TKO and Saudi Arabia ‘close’ to launching new boxing league
Saudi Arabia’s SURJ partners with Enfield Investment to boost global sports portfolio
Investors aim to raise US$5bn for ‘F1-style’ international basketball league
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33:05
New year, new leagues... Reviewing the TGL's debut and what to expect from Unrivaled
New year, new leagues... Reviewing the TGL's debut and what to expect from Unrivaled
There have barely been three weeks of 2025 but several new sports leagues have already been making their debut.
In this episode, Sam Carp, Ed Dixon and Josh Sim discuss what they liked and what they didn't about the TGL's inaugural match and look ahead to the highly anticipated tip-off of three-on-three women's basketball league Unrivaled this weekend.
Meanwhile, Josh shares the key takeaways from his interview with League One Volleyball chief operating officer Rosie Spaulding before the trio hedge their bets on which of the three sports properties are best placed for success.
There's also time to hear from our friends on the StreamTime Sports podcast, as Chris Stone and Steve McCaskill break down the demise of US sports streaming joint venture Venu Sports.
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48:00
Ten Influencers 2025: We pick out the industry figures who will define the year in sports
Michael Long, Sam Carp and Ed Dixon kick off 2025 by reviewing SportsPro’s list of Ten Influencers for the year ahead.
With representatives from the worlds of sports media, women’s soccer, major events and more all featuring in the list, the trio discuss why these individuals are going to be shaping the sporting agenda in the coming months and how their influence will be felt across the industry.
Find out more here 🔗 https://www.sportspro.com/insights/features/ten-influencers-2025-michele-kang-bob-iger-caitlin-clark-nike-netflix-saudi-arabia/
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39:30
For better or worse, SportsPro's annual Christmas quiz is back
Chaos is the order of the day as SportsPro's annual Christmas quiz returns. There's a cameo from quizmaster George Breare as he oversees three rounds of sports-based questions to decide who comes out on top in the battle of the SportsPro editorial department, with Tom Bassam and Sam Carp teaming up to take on Steve McCaskill and Ed Dixon. Who wins? Tune in to find out.
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