Valued at ~$103 billion today and projected to reach ~$185 billion by 2035, sports sponsorship has become a strategic growth lever — shaping how organizations position themselves, engage global audiences, and drive commercial value.

In this episode, Giles Morgan, Founder of ‘The Sponsorship Doctor’ and former Global Head of Sponsorship and Partnerships at HSBC and Howden, joins Jonny Gray to unpack the evolution of sports sponsorship, and why clarity, strategy, and execution are fundamental to successful partnerships.

They dive into:

- The importance of clear sponsorship objectives — and the brand risk when they aren’t defined
-  How sponsorship deals are structured in practice, from rights to activation
- Why connecting authentically with fan communities is critical to success — with real-world examples
- How digital tools are transforming ROI measurement and accelerating sector growth

The Supreme Court just proved Kate Kalutkiewicz right.

Tariffs are a defining trade story of this administration — and then, after we stopped recording, the Supreme Court struck them down.

That timing makes this episode of The Impact Exchange even more essential listening.

In this conversation, Kate Kalutkiewicz, Trade Practice leader at McLarty Associates, explains why tariffs were never a short‑term tactic, why their legal foundation always mattered, and why volatility — not certainty — was the most likely outcome. Kate walked through the constitutional risks, the economic trade‑offs, and the unintended consequences businesses and consumers are now facing in real time.

As Kate explains, tariffs raised costs, strained supply chains, and forced companies into challenging choices — leaving open the question of who actually benefits if tariffs are unwound. The Supreme Court’s decision doesn’t end the tariff story. It complicates it.

This episode explores:

- Why tariffs were deployed so aggressively — even against allies
- What happens if tariffs are ruled unconstitutional 
- Who gets refunded if tariffs are struck down — and who doesn’t 
- Why businesses hoping for certainty may get more chaos instead

If you want to understand why this moment was coming and what comes next after the Court’s decision — then this is an episode not to miss. 

In this episode of the The Business Behind Sport, Jonny Gray is joined by Aaryaman Banerji, Head of Football Governance at Lane Clark and Peacock. They discuss the ground breaking Football Governance Act 2025, its implications on English professional football and the newly established independent football regulator. 

Listen as they discuss financial sustainability, fan engagement, and the evolving landscape of football governance. 

Ready to challenge some stereotypes about Mexico's workforce?

On this episode of The Impact Exchange, John Frehse sits down with Ankura's Horacio Gomez, a market strategy expert and transformational leader, to discuss the highly skilled and innovative labor force driving industry in Mexico. They explore the opportunities in healthcare, education, and digital transformation, and why American businesses should look southward for opportunities and growth.

As business leaders navigate intricate global transformations how can they foster a culture that embraces change? 

In this episode of The Impact Exchange, John Frehse speaks with Gloria Madrid, a global operations excellence leader with over 20 years of experience across Latin America, the US, and Europe. Gloria discusses strategies for aligning stakeholders, balancing governance with people-centric leadership, and crafting tailored approaches for successful transformations.

Tracey Abbott, a seasoned Private Equity Operating Partner and Keynote Speaker, joins John Frehse to explore the vital role of intuition, risk-taking, and AI in today's business landscape.

Drawing from her extensive background in private equity, board advisory, and coaching CEOs, Tracey delves into the power of curiosity and the significance of learning from both triumphs and setbacks to enhance intuition and foster success.

On this episode of The Business Behind Sport, Brandon Doll, Founder of Sports & Entertainment Advisors, joins Jonny Gray to discuss the crucial role of ticket sales in revenue generation of various sports organizations. 

They dive into:
- The evolution of the ticketing sales model
- How AI is reshaping ticket pricing models and inventory management
- Consumers’ shift in search to AI platforms and how this is impacting primary and secondary ticket markets
- Working with secondary markets to maintain price control

What keeps a CFO up at night? How has the role evolved beyond traditional number-crunching?

Join John Frehse as he delves into the intricacies of the modern CFO role with financial expert Elliot Fuhr on this episode of The Impact Exchange. Elliot shares invaluable insights on:
• Key financial metrics that every business should focus on 
• The transformation of finance officers into strategic business leaders 
• The power of force multiplication through technology

Unlock the secrets to effectively communicating with your CFO and drive your projects forward.

Ever wondered why the U.S. healthcare billing process is so complex? Ryan Christine joins John Frehse on the latest episode of The Impact Exchange to unravel the intricacies and challenges hospitals face with revenue cycle management.

Key insights include:

• What revenue cycle management really means
• The importance of cash flow in healthcare operations
• Tips on negotiating your medical bills as a patient

Learn how these challenges affect healthcare institutions and what solutions are being implemented. 

In an era of geopolitical challenges and energy transitions, how do businesses adapt? The latest episode of The Impact Exchange with John Frehse features Ambassador Geoff Pyatt, a seasoned diplomat with over 35 years of experience. From the frontlines of international diplomacy to the complexities of energy transitions, Geoff shares insights on Ukraine's resilience, the geopolitical landscape, and the future of critical minerals.

Learn about: 
• U.S. policies in Ukraine and their broader global strategy
• The rising demand for energy resources and critical minerals 
• The impact of geopolitical dynamics on international trade

Blockchain and cryptocurrency have become buzzwords, but what do they truly mean for industries and society? Join John Frehse as he chats with expert Andrew Sotak on this episode of The Impact Exchange. 

Andrew shares his insights on: 
• What blockchain is at its core
• The impact of crypto on global regulations 
• Real-life forensic cases in the crypto world
• Future trends in digital assets

With the football transfer window now open, have you ever wondered about the intricacies behind those multimillion-dollar player moves? With over 22,000 transfers globally last year, the football transfer window is big business, totalling $8.6 billion! In the latest episode of The Business Behind Sport, Jonny Gray is joined by Paolo Lombardi, Managing Director of Lombardi Associates, to share his insights from 23 years of experience, including his pivotal role at FIFA. Together, they discuss:

• The evolution of transfer regulations 
• How the Transfer Matching System (TMS) revolutionised player registrations
• The effects of Financial Fair Play on transfer dynamics

If you’re responsible for outcomes and culture, this conversation will sharpen how you think about both.

Why do so many roll-ups fail — even when the strategy is solid?

In this episode, Sara Huddleston, People & Transformation Leader and Founder of Align Coaching Solutions, joins John Frehse for a candid conversation on what really makes or breaks organizational change. They explore why roll‑ups and integrations break down, what healthy conflict actually looks like, and why trust, transparency, and intentional listening matter more than another playbook or mandate workplace.

If you’re leading growth, integration, or culture change, this conversation will challenge how you think about execution—and why compliance is not the same as commitment.

Listen to learn how leaders can drive performance by putting people back at the center of transformation.

Why are there so many unfinished construction projects? Is it true in construction that you can only pick two: better, faster, or cheaper? 

In this episode of The Impact Exchange, John Frehse sits down with Ankura’s Chris Nutter to explore the world of value engineering, a process developed during World War II that is used today to balance cost, function, and quality in construction projects. 

Chris shares insights on: 
• How to avoid common pitfalls
• Ensuring projects meet their intended goals without sacrificing safety or aesthetics
• Turning short-term savings into long-term success
• How to navigate the complexities of modern construction projects

Don't miss out on this opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the role of value engineering. 

In the latest episode of The Business Behind Sport, hear from Moses Swaibu, a former professional footballer who spent a spell in prison after he was drawn into the dark world of match-fixing. In a candid conversation with Jonathan Brown, Moses reveals how he was targeted by organized crime syndicates to manipulate matches and the impact his actions had on his life and career. Moses' brother, Ayub Swaibu, also joins Jonathan to discuss the brothers’ shared upbringing and to highlight the impact Moses' actions had on his family. 

Moses is using his story as a powerful tool to educate and protect young athletes from falling foul to similar pitfalls. His journey from being involved in match-fixing to becoming an advocate for sports integrity is both compelling and inspiring.

Don't miss this eye-opening episode that delves deep into the world of match-fixing first-hand! 

You can read more about Moses' story in ‘Fixed: The Secret Life of a Match Fixer’, which was recently released! https://ankura.co/4dSMBV0

Are you being watched?! 2025 has witnessed a surge in sophisticated cyberattacks, with ransomware attacks rising by 126% globally. In this episode of The Impact Exchange, John Frehse speaks with Han Lai about the critical importance of cybersecurity and the hidden risks we all face in our connected world.

Discover why information security matters and learn the first steps to take if your data is compromised. Han explains the complex nature of cyberattacks, from prolonged system infiltrations to ransomware negotiations, and how he helps clients navigate these challenges.

Dive into the world of global trade in the latest episode of The Impact Exchange with John Frehse as he’s joined by trade expert Kate Kalutkiewicz!

Kate unpacks the complexities of trade policies and tariffs that are reshaping industries worldwide. From her experiences in the Trump White House Administration to leading trade policy at Amazon, Kate brings unparalleled insights into how these changes affect businesses globally. 

Discover why tariffs are more than just taxes, how they influence everything from automotive supply chains to pharmaceutical pricing, and what the current trade negotiations mean for the future of international business.

Join John Frehse and Michelle Mader on the latest episode of The Impact Exchange as they explore the future of healthcare. Gain insights into the strategic investments required to shape the future and understand what innovations will benefit society at large.

Discover how the healthcare sector is transitioning towards tech-driven home care solutions, enhancing both comfort and cost-efficiency, and learn how modernizing healthcare facilities and investing in emerging trends are essential to address current and future challenges.

Dive into the dynamic world of sports branding on this month’s episode of The Business Behind Sport! Join Tom Allwood, co-founder of MATTA, and Jonny Gray as they unravel the secrets of building unforgettable sports brands. 

From igniting Women’s Elite Rugby in the U.S. to revitalizing established brands, Tom shares his strategic insights on turning visions into fan communities. Whether you’re starting from scratch or breathing new life into a brand, this episode is packed with transformative tips and expert advice. 

In this episode of the Ankura podcast, Lorynn Demetriades is joined by Rebecca McGregor from Linklaters and Ankura colleague Steven Richards to explore the underlying concerns and pressures that lead auditors to engage more aggressively with the investigative process and best practises that companies can employ when faced with enhanced audit scrutiny related to investigations or issues that are flagged for investigation during the course of their audit.

Why do technology projects often miss the mark?

Join John Frehse in this episode of The Impact Exchange as he chats with Mirinda Lowe. Mirinda emphasizes the importance of treating technology implementations as business transformations to ensure success. Key elements for a successful technology rollout include:

• A compelling reason for the initiative
• Clearly defined roles
• A strategic roll-out plan that considers organizational impacts

Our latest episode of the Ankura podcast is out now and features Nitish Upadhyaya, Behavioural Insights Director at Ropes & Gray! Focusing on the importance of organizational culture, Nitish shares his expert insight to help us answer: 

• What are the main drivers for a shift in how businesses interpret the importance of company culture?
• Is culture being prioritized enough at the Board level?
• What factors contribute the most to poor workplace cultures?
• How does a company assess its culture? 

Find out more about Ropes & Gray Insights Lab and hear more insights from Nitish and his team in their podcast the Culture & Compliance Chronicles.

Dive into this fascinating discussion on the art of discourse in the latest episode of The Impact Exchange with John Frehse and Bret Stephens, Pulitzer Prize winning journalist for the New York Times. 

In a world of increased polarization, Bret educates us on the discourse of civil society and explores the architecture of argument and the cultural forces shaping our conversations today. 

Why does diplomacy matter—especially now?

In this episode of The Impact Exchange, John Frehse speaks with Ambassador Lee Feinstein, President of McLarty Associates and a seasoned diplomat whose career spans the Pentagon, the State Department, and the U.S. Embassy, in a conversation “On Diplomacy.”

Together, they explore the philosophy and real‑world value of diplomacy across government, business, and personal life—highlighting the timeless principles that make it effective: clear communication, trust‑building, long‑term strategic thinking, and the ability to understand both your own position and the one across the table.

They also discuss the growing danger of today’s short‑term mindset and why sustainable outcomes require a willingness to think beyond today. 

Listen now to hear Ambassador Feinstein’s insights on why diplomacy still shapes the world—and how it can help all of us drive stronger outcomes.

In this month’s episode of The Business Behind Sport, we focus on sports marketing with Luca Massaro, Founder and Chief Executive of WePlay. 

Sports marketing has changed significantly over time, and global fan engagement is now a key driver for sports organisations. Luca shares his insights with Jonny Gray on how and why sports clubs and athletes are growing their fan base and involvement, in addition to the traditional marketing mix. 

Today, consumers have a relatively positive outlook on the economy, while the economy is showing us signs that we shouldn't. In this episode of The Impact Exchange, John Frehse sits down with Ankura's own Keith Jelinek, performance improvement and retail expert, to discuss the implications of rising consumer debt levels, including the consumer spending index, consumer sentiment and outlook on the market, impacts on the economy and society, and more. 

In this episode of The Impact Exchange, John Frehse catches up with Head of Ankura's Disputes & Economics practice in Australia, Christine Oliver, on all things valuation.

How do company stories play into valuations? What do the numbers tell us about what a business is worth? What company data does Christine consider when performing valuations work?

Dive into the world of sports law in this month’s episode of The Business Behind Sport. Jonny Gray speaks with Sean Cottrell, CEO of LawInSport who shares his expert insights on:

• The dynamic growth and transformation of sports law
• The issues currently impacting the industry
• ‘Lawfare’ in football and explore how sports law is poised to evolve with competition law
• Future trends

In this episode, Charli Curran speaks with legal and reputation management experts Sarah Henchoz (A&O Shearman) and Antony Dunkels (Brunswick) to explore the multi-faceted challenges when organizations are faced with allegations of harassment, abuse, and discrimination involving executives or high-profile representatives.

Key insights include:
• Collaboration between external experts in investigations, employment counsel, and crisis communications
• Internal and public strategy for managing stakeholders
• The increased risk of leaks in sensitive matters throughout the lifecycle of the investigation
• Rebuilding trust to protect culture and reputation

A must-listen for those operating in General Counsel and People Office functions, as well as members of the Board.

In this episode, John sits down with Ankura colleague and sovereign debt restructuring expert Spencer Jones to discuss the implications of countries running out of money. 

Be sure to listen to this fascinating conversation and hear directly from an expert who has advised 30 countries and governments through times of financial distress.

In this first episode of The Impact Exchange, John Frehse sits down with Ankura colleague and change management expert Kevin Cowherd to discuss why change is so important to an organization, why so many of us fail to change and what leaders can do to facilitate effective change.

Listen now to hear more on what leaders can do to successfully lead their organizations through change and transformation.

🎙️✨ After winning the Sports Education award as part of the International Sports Convention (ISC) International Sports Awards, Jonny Gray and Jonathan Brown share some of their favorite moments, key learnings and insights our guests have discussed during previous conversations on this episode of The Business Behind Sport.

This episode is a must-listen! Relive the unforgettable stories that made our show what it is today.

FIFA recently confirmed Saudi Arabia will host the World Cup in 2034. 

In this exclusive interview, Jonny Gray speaks to Polly Handford, General Counsel of the Saudi Arabian Football Federation (SAFF) to discuss the local reactions in the Kingdom to the news, as well as what hosting the World Cup means for Vision 2030 and what the organization of the tournament will look like. 

Dive into the latest episode of the Ankura podcast with Sasi-Kanth Mallela as he hosts a discussion with Satnam Tumani, Partner at Edmonds Marshall McMahon, and Tapan Bebnath, Head of Integrity, Regulatory Affairs & Data Privacy - Process Automation at ABB. 

These experts, all former members of the Serious Fraud Office, share their invaluable insights on navigating high-stakes investigations and dealing with global authorities. 

Tune in to discover: 

• How the UK reached its current stance on corporate cooperation with authorities, especially the SFO 
• Real-world experiences of engaging with the authorities 
• Key considerations when deciding to self-report

Think control drives success? Think again.

Most leaders believe control equals results—but what if that belief is holding you back?

In the latest episode of The Impact Exchange, John Frehse sits down with Dr. Jessica Kriegel, Chief Strategy Officer at Culture Partners, to explore why the most successful leaders today aren’t the ones who “do more” or “know it all.”

You’ll learn:

• Why surrendering the illusion of control unlocks better leadership
• How adaptive cultures outperform command-and-control by 4x in revenue growth
• Practical steps to create clarity, alignment, and accountability without micromanaging
• A 4-question coaching framework that empowers teams and drives results

The takeaway? Stop clinging to old playbooks. Start shaping experiences that shift beliefs and inspire action.

What would happen if you stopped trying to control the uncontrollable?

This month on The Business Behind Sport, Jonny Gray is joined by forensics expert Charli Curran from Ankura and Kat Craig, a multi-award-winning human rights lawyer and the founder and CEO of Athlead, a sports and social impact consultancy.

They discuss trauma-informed governance in sport, focussing on the evolution of safeguarding over the last 10 years. They also address where the gaps in safeguarding in sport are, the importance of the correct stakeholders managing safeguarding and trauma issues, priorities to achieve better governance, and what change looks like for survivors and victims of abuse in sport.

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Tune into the latest episode of The Business Behind Sport featuring Sarah Lewis OBE OLY, as she shares her journey from Olympic ski racer to influential sports leader, as Secretary General of both the International Ski and Snowboard Federation and the Association of International Olympic Winter Sports Federations. 

As the snow sports season begins, join hosts Jonny Gray and Torie Hamilton-Wilson as they delve into:

❄️ The governance system in international snow sports
🎿 Strengths and areas for improvement within the current framework
🏂 Balancing long-term strategic goals with immediate priorities
🏔️ Addressing the threat of climate change to the future of snow sports

In this episode of the Ankura podcast, Lorynn Demetriades sits down with corporate communications and crisis management experts Patricia Rodriguez and Dana White to explore how strategic communication can make or break an investigation's outcome. 

Key insights include:

• The role of strategic communications in shaping public perception
• Collaboration between investigations and communications teams
• Social media's impact on corporate transparency
• New strategies in crisis management

A must-listen for anyone in corporate communications, PR, or crisis management. 

This month on The Business Behind Sport podcast, our Ankura experts discuss the creation of The Hundred Cricket competition, and the England and Wales Cricket Board's (or ECB’s) plans to invite private investment into the tournament. 

Join Alecia Futerman, Jonathan Brown, and Torie Hamilton Wilson as they explore the potential implications for the sport and its stakeholders. Listen now to find out more about the history of the sport, as well as the investment process and strategy. 

Join Ankura’s Lorynn Demetriades and Danny Mayhew, Global Head of Organisational Justice and Smart Assurance at Sanofi on this episode of The Ankura Podcast where they discuss high-stakes investigations, and, in particular, managing crises as they unfold. They discuss:

• The importance of being prepared for crisis-led investigations
• Developing an investigation function within your organisation
• Building a team with the right people and clear responsibilities 
• How to build resilience into an organisation's processes 

Should sports arbitrations and tribunals continue to be held in private?

In this episode of The Business Behind Sport we speak with one of the most high-profile sports barristers in England, Nick De Marco to discuss:
⚽ The arguments for and against private arbitrations in sports 
🏆 How do sports differentiate compared to other industries in terms of handling the privacy aspects of arbitrations or tribunals
🏓 How do you balance the perceived “right to know” of fans, the public, and concerned stakeholders with the privacy of the involved parties?
🏀 And much more…

At the Paris Olympics last week, Saudi Arabia submitted plans to build 11 stadiums - including one set 350 meters above ground level - as part of the country's bid to host the 2034 World Cup.

Listen to this episode of #TheBusinessBehindSport recorded live from London International Disputes Week where Jonny Gray speaks with Helen Waddell, Partner at Pinsent Masons, Richard Liddell KC at 4 New Square Chambers, and Jason Baston from Miller Insurance Services LLP to discuss the interactions between ambition, scale, governance, ESG, media, and commercial pressure in delivering ever-expanding global events like the FIFA World Cup and Olympic Games. 

This month on The Business Behind Sport, Jonny Gray speaks to James Stebbing, a Senior Sports Executive who has held General Counsel and Legal roles at Six Nations Rugby, British & Irish Lions, and England Rugby. 

Throughout his career, he has been at the heart of some of the most pivotal moments in Rugby’s recent history, including the impact and response to the Covid crisis and planning for the Nations Cup, a new cross-hemisphere competition launching in 2026, involving 12 of the world’s top international teams.

They discuss:
• The current state of the game
• The financial sustainability of the sport
• Opportunities for commercial growth
• The rise of Women’s Rugby

This month on The Business Behind Sport we take another look at safeguarding in the sports industry, this time focusing on investigations. 

Jonny Gray speaks with Megan Griffiths, Barrister at 12 King’s Bench Walk, and Charli Curran, safeguarding and investigations specialist at Ankura, to discuss: 

• What risks should be discussed when cases of harassment and abuse are raised? 
• What does a “good” response look like after receiving reports of harassment and abuse?
• What might be the consequences for organizations, and individuals, if the wrong approach is taken?

🚑💡 When healthcare meets innovation, big change happens! 

Ankura healthcare strategy expert Michelle Mader and Ray Anderson, Chief Strategy Officer of Trinity Health talk about the intersection of innovation and transformation to tackle today's tough challenges of clinical integration, nursing shortages, and balancing national leadership versus local decision-making. 

In the latest episode of The Business Behind Sport podcast, Jonny Gray is joined by David James, Global Managing Partner – Sport at Elevate Talent, to delve into the evolving dynamics of the sports industry and its impact on executive talent search.

They explore how the convergence of sports and entertainment - and shifting commercial priorities - has led sport organizations to tap into unconventional talent pools, the qualities top senior candidates need to thrive and the unique challenges of working in this fast-changing industry.

The conversation also looks ahead to emerging talent gaps and offers practical advice for graduates eager to break into the field. Whether you're a seasoned leader or new to the industry, tune in to discover the next era of sports talent.

In this episode of The Business Behind, Sport Jonny Gray is joined by “the most powerful woman in African football” Abi Ijasanmi, former Chief Operating Officer of the Confederation of African Football (CAF). 

This conversation ranges over the landscape of football on the continent, looking closely at integrity and good governance as well as the improvement of infrastructure, the growth of the women’s game, and the emerging global appeal of CAF’s blue-ribbon events such as the African Cup of Nations; both the male and female editions. 

Padel is one of the fastest-growing sports in the world, with much of its growth being driven bottom-up by investors. 

One of those investors, Houman Ashrafzadeh, Founder of Padium, joins Jonny Gray on this episode of #TheBusinessBehindSport to discuss the rise and growth of padel in the UK and worldwide over recent years. Together they discuss: 

• What makes padel different from other racket sports 
• The development of the governance of the sport 
• The commercial opportunities with padel 

Sports are still a very male-dominated space, especially in the boardroom.

In this episode of The Business Behind Sport, Jonathan Brown speaks to two female leaders in the sports industry, Monique Choudhuri Board Director at Women in Football and Rowena Samarasinhe, Managing Director at GENSport.

During this episode, they explore the progress female sports have made over the years, the challenges they face in their careers, the role diversity, equity, and inclusion plays within the industry, and the future of women’s sports as a whole.

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Snooker has always been a popular sport, particularly in the UK, but its rapid growth worldwide has led to a potential global audience of 1.8 billion viewers.

In this episode of The Business Behind Sport podcast, Jonny Gray speaks to Jason Ferguson, Group Chairman & CEO of The World Professional Billiards & Snooker Association (WPBSA) and Director of the World Snooker Tour to discuss Jason’s journey from a player to running the sport worldwide, including his hopes for entry as an Olympic sport in Los Angeles 2028.

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