We talk with Ben Harburg about the changing geography of football investment. From Cádiz CF’s international strategy to the first foreign ownership in Saudi Arabian football with Al-Kholood, we discuss what drives new markets, how community-first models can work globally, and what these moves reveal about football’s next era of growth.

We talk with the Latvian Virsliga about revolutionizing fan engagement through their new mobile app. Chairman Maksims Krivuņecs and CEO of Blocksport Vladimir Liulka discuss the app's development, its impact on Latvian football, and future plans for enhancing fan interaction and league growth.

We speak with Lincoln City FC about competing with bigger clubs through innovation, strong community ties, and clear strategic focus. CEO Liam Scully and Chief Growth & Innovation Officer Jason Futers share insights on governance, fan engagement, and building for long-term success.

In this episode, Robin Austermann, Head of Europe & LATAM - Sales & Audiovisual Rights, shares insights into the Bundesliga’s media rights strategy. From tackling piracy to engaging a new generation of viewers, the league is redefining media rights through innovation to stay ahead in football broadcasting.

We dived into several exciting questions:

1) The Current State of Media Rights in European Football and the German Bundesliga

2) How does Bundesliga tackle piracy and illegal streaming, especially in emerging markets? 

3) How does the Bundesliga adapt to the changing viewing habits of younger fans?

4) What makes the Bundesliga’s media rights strategy different from other top leagues?

5) How will the media rights landscape change in the next five years?

In this episode, Markus Klausmann, Director of Sales and Partnerships (DACH & CEE) at Stats Perform, shares his journey of blending a lifelong passion for football with cutting-edge innovation. Born into a family with a rich football tradition, Markus reflects on fulfilling his childhood dream through a partnership with kicker, gaining inspiration from his digital-native son about Gen Z’s evolving engagement with the sport, and why data-driven storytelling is essential for leagues and clubs.

In this episode, we sat down with Vladimir Liulka, CEO and Founder of Blocksport.io, a Web3-ready sports tech company specializing in digital fan engagement and innovative solutions for clubs, leagues, and federations. We explore how Web3 technology is redefining fan engagement and transforming the football industry. Vladimir shared his journey from tech innovator to sports tech pioneer, delving into how blockchain, AI, and digital tools are creating a new layer of connection between clubs and their biggest asset—the fans.

We sat down with Staffan Holmberg, a behavioral researcher and leader at Djurgården Skolidrott, the Djurgården School Sports Association of Djurgårdens IF Fotboll.

Staffan shares the eye-opening journey of how Djurgården, one of Stockholm's most iconic football clubs, went beyond just playing the game to launch a school sports program with a transformative 30-year vision. Djurgården Skolidrott is about fostering physical activity in children and building a legacy deeply rooted in the community.

This episode is full of inspiring insights that extend far beyond football, covering topics like community engagement, sustainability, and the long-term impact of sports on society.

"If one day I write my book on professional sports ownership, it'll be the shortest book ever. It's location, location, location."

This quote is just one of the key hooks in this inspiring episode with Brett Johnson, a seasoned football owner and investor. Brett is the Chairman and Co-Founder of United Soccer League side Rhode Island FC, a shareholder in Premier League club Ipswich Town, and part of the ownership group behind Phoenix Rising in Arizona.

In this episode, we dive into several thrilling topics, including:

- Brett's journey into the world of football business and club ownership

- His thoughts on the differences between the U.S. and English football markets

- Insights on the American soccer system and the absence of relegation

- What sets the United Soccer League (USL) apart and its massive potential

- The X-Factor in football: the critical role of real estate and location

Tune in to hear Brett’s invaluable insights on building a football empire!

FROM DIPLOMAT AT THE MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS TO VALENCIA AND BURNLEY FC

Diplomacy and football might seem like two different worlds—one is political and academic, serious, while the other is fueled by passion, emotion, and entertainment. How can someone transition from being a diplomat to leading top European football clubs? That’s the story we uncover in this episode with Sean Bai.

From working as a diplomat for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Singapore to leading the Valencia CF, and now serving as Chief of Staff at Burnley FC, Sean’s story is sure to inspire anyone who dreams of working for top European football clubs despite you’re coming from a different industry or from a smaller football region.

The Dream is Possible.

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Passionate about E-Sports, sustainability, and digital innovation? 1. FC Magdeburg is hiring "Head of eSports, Sustainability and Digital" ! Lead their E-Sports team, drive sustainability, and enhance digital infrastructure. Check out more details here: https://www.footballbusinessinside.com/job?slug=leiter/in-esport,-nachhaltigkeit-und-digital-(m/w/d)-71