What does it actually mean to make it “pro” in sport?

In this episode of Almost Pro, Laura and Frances unpack how the traditional definition of professional applies in today’s sporting world. From minor leagues and Olympic “amateurs” to NIL deals and docuseries, we explore how money, media, and systems shape who gets called pro.

We also introduce the 7 Pillars of Athlete Success framework (developed by Laura & Frances) — Location, Finance, Talent, Determination, Timing, Luck, and the newly added Health. Together, we ask which pillars athletes can truly control, which are shaped by institutions, and how the balance shifts across different sports.

We talk about:

• What “professional” really means across sports and countries

• How sport is consumed globally in the modern era

• The 6 (maybe 7) pillars that drive success and how they intersect

• Why health deserves its own pillar

• A special This or That inspired by the 7 pillars

  
  

🎧 Tune in for a candid chat that challenges the idea that pro status is the only marker of success.

💬 Question from the Grandstand: If you could max out just one pillar, which would you choose and why? Share your thoughts in the comments — we’d love to hear from you!

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