The Sport Businessman Podcast

We speak with Shawn Tilger, President of GF Sports and Entertainment, on how private equity is fueling growth in sports and live events through targeted acquisitions, operational excellence, and revenue diversification in tennis, lacrosse, and alternative sports.With a background spanning over 30 years in sports operations from COO of the Philadelphia Flyers to executive roles across NHL, esports, and events, Shawn explains how GF Sports and Entertainment builds high-margin platforms that scale undervalued assets into global brands. He breaks down how PE transforms scouting talent pipelines, venue monetization, and fan engagement, and why the next decade belongs to hybrid models merging live experiences with digital media.We also discuss GF’s portfolio powering ATP events like Dallas and Atlanta Opens, NLL’s Ottawa Black Bears, World Long Drive, and debt-backed expansions, the rise of data-driven sports investments, and opportunities in under-monetized markets for family offices. Shawn shares insights on structural gaps in U.S. sports ecosystems, synergies with institutional capital, and the vision for a PE-fueled entertainment powerhouse.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com

We speak with Aldo Comi, Co‑Founder and CEO of Soccerment, on how football is being reshaped by AI, performance data, and wearable technology, and why the sport is entering a new era defined by objective measurement, player‑centric intelligence, and global scalability.With a background spanning finance, data science, and football performance, Aldo explains how Soccerment is building an integrated ecosystem that combines advanced analytics, proprietary wearables, and AI‑driven insights to support clubs, academies, and players across the development pathway. He breaks down how data is transforming scouting, coaching, and tactical evaluation, and why the next decade of football will be shaped by platforms capable of merging on‑field tracking, contextual analytics, and predictive modelling.We also discuss Soccerment’s work with elite clubs, federations, and the MLS Innovation Lab, the rise of data‑native player development, and how emerging technologies are enabling new forms of football storytelling for media and fans. Aldo shares his perspective on the structural inefficiencies in global football, the opportunities created by under‑digitised markets, and the long‑term vision for building the AI layer of the world’s most global sport.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact:

We speak with Danny Menken, former Managing Director of Eurosport, co‑founder of Eleven Sports, Chairman of Levels Fight League, and co‑founder of Athvance Capital, on how European sports IP is being reshaped across media, combat sports, and private investment, and why under‑commercialised properties represent one of the most overlooked value‑creation opportunities in the sector.With a career spanning pan‑European sports broadcasting, global network building, data‑driven sports operations, and a lifelong commitment to martial arts, Danny explains how emerging sports properties can scale when supported by disciplined governance, modern media infrastructure, and investor‑grade operational models. He also discusses how Athvance Capital is approaching early‑stage sports IP, technology, and services, and why Europe remains structurally fragmented and therefore positioned for consolidation and strategic growth.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment.To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com

We speak with Han Park, CEO & Founder of Payment Labs, on how global payouts are being rebuilt for esports, sports, NIL, and the creator economy and why paying individuals across borders remains one of the most overlooked operational challenges in the digital economy.With 25+ years across gaming and esports, including leading Turtle Entertainment America (ESL Gaming), Han breaks down how Payment Labs enables compliant, efficient payments in 150+ currencies across 180+ countries, and why simplifying onboarding, tax, and cross‑border routing unlocks scale for businesses paying talent worldwide.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment. To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com

We speak with Edoardo Martorelli, Founder & Executive Director of Drive Sports Marketing, on how brands, rights holders, and drivers build strategic partnerships across Formula 1 and global motorsport. With 10+ years in commercial strategy including senior roles at Scuderia AlphaTauri and Right Formula, Edoardo breaks down sponsorship sales, partnership management, and global brand activation in one of the world’s most competitive ecosystems.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment. To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com

We speak with Antonio Alquezar, Team Principal of Spain SailGP, on how the team went from last in Season 3 to World Champions in Season 4 by aligning performance, sustainability, and purpose inside one of the world’s fastest‑growing sports leagues.

We speak with Raphael Gellar, Founder of Forward Sports Group, on how his boutique football consultancy represents players, coaches, and clubs across global markets. From contract negotiation to branding, marketing, and sponsorship acquisition, Raphael breaks down how Forward brokers deals across Europe, Asia, North America, and Africa built on a foundation of integrity and long‑term client trust.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment. To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com

We speak with Koen Put, Senior Partner & Managing Director at Double Pass, on how the company builds and optimizes talent‑development ecosystems for clubs, leagues, and federations worldwide. From “glocalized” academy strategy to consulting across 125 countries, Koen explains how Double Pass helps investors, executives, and sporting leaders create sustainable football performance and long‑term player development.Sport Businessman is a media platform built for investors to learn business models and investable opportunities across sport, media, and entertainment. To request a podcast appearance or explore collaboration opportunities, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com

Massimo Marinelli, Founder & Managing Partner of Berkida VenturesFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Conversation with Massimo Zanetti, Founder of Segafredo Zanetti and Owner of Virtus Bologna. We discuss how he built a global coffee business from Italian roots, and why sport ownership and sponsorship are central to his strategy. The episode covers Segafredo Zanetti’s international expansion, the role of cycling and basketball in brand visibility, and the process of building Virtus Bologna into one of the most decorated basketball teams in Europe.For collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com🌐 Visit: ⁠sport-businessman.com⁠About the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Omer Atesmen, CEO of The Snow LeagueFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Mike Buckley, Co-Owner & CEO of United States SailGP TeamFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Matt Rizzetta, Founder & Managing Partner of Underdog Global PartnersFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Mark Robinson, CEO of New Zealand RugbyFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Isaac Richard III, CEO of Mavros CapitalFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Erik Stover, CEO of New York CosmosFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Matt Valentine, Chairman & Founder Atletico DallasFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: ⁠edoardo@sport-businessman.com⁠🌐 Visit: ⁠sport-businessman.com⁠About the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Paul Rigault, CEO of DODS Diving LeagueFor collaborations, or if you are an investor or builder in sports and would like to appear on the podcast, contact: edoardo@sport-businessman.com🌐 Visit: sport-businessman.comAbout the Podcast:On The Sport Businessman Podcast, I speak with leading investors and operators in the business of sport, media, and entertainment. Together, we explore proven playbooks for profitability and strategies to ensure the long-term sustainability of investment and entrepreneurial projects.

Koen Bosma, Partner & Head of Venture Capital at Apex Capital

15 deals in under 4 minutes from stadium projects to billion-dollar media moves. Here’s where investors are putting money in sports, media, and entertainment this week.