What an incredible few days at the IMG xRedBird Summit. It was a pleasure to welcome some of the brightest minds from across the sports and entertainment industries, with a renewed focus on ‘Raising the Game’ – how we future-proof our industry and better meet the needs of tomorrow’s fan, today.
Nothing moves people like sport. And in a world where the battle for attention and need to raise our game as companies, organisations, leagues, and teams is only increasing, our goal was to unite, inspire and engage, knowing that together, we do remarkable things.
Many thanks to our partners RedBird Capital Partners, our event team who delivered an incredible experience, and to everyone who attended.
In a programme full of thought-provoking moments hosted by the inspirational Alex Scott, sharing just a few:
Ariel Emanuel and Gerry Cardinale set the tone of the event in a conversation with Matthew Garrahan on the evolution of sports media and ownership, the impact of private equity on sports valuations, and the future of sports rights.
We were lucky to hear from the one and only Andy Murray talking post-tennis life with Karthi Gnanasegaram including a growing passion for golf!
Sara Fischer led a fascinating conversation between George Cheeks and Jon Miller hashing out the dynamic inter-play between linear TV and emerging digital platforms, and the crucial role of live sports, proven by record ratings on Super Bowl, the Olympics and more.
Two of football’s most influential individuals Patrice Motsepe and Javier Tebas Medrano discussed their views on globalisation and African, European and global football with the fantastic Julia Stuart. Both underscored the importance and need for a balanced global calendar, youth development, and the unifying power of football.
Our own Hillary Mandel hosted a discussion on investment strategies in football with Amanda Staveley Giorgio Furlani and Lorin Parys debating the challenges, opportunities, and future of attracting and deploying investment in a sustainable way.
Sally Bolton OBE Daniel Rossomondo Graham Neff and Mark Dowley discussed the shifting dynamics in the economics of sport with IMG’s Barney Francis. Diving into everything from dynamic pricing, ‘Americanizing’ AC Milan, and college athletics’ transition to a professional model with NIL, to the urgent need for a collaborative approach to tackling piracy.
Ben Francis MBE and Noel Mack of Gymshark gave us an in-depth look into what it takes to become one of the world’s fastest-growing brands and truly understanding your audience with Olivia Buzaglo
Gerry and Jeff Shell shell brought us home, with a discussion on the convergence of sports, media, and entertainment. Their enlightening conversation spanned everything from sports rights becoming global, to the value proposition of the bundle, the rising power of women audiences, and ownership and league governance.
A fantastic, inspirational week for all.
#raisingthegame
