Home Podcasts The Football Economy
The Football Economy

The Football Economy

Berlin Growth Advisory 53 Episodes Oct 8, 2026

The Football Economy is a show that breaks down the financial and operational aspects of the football industry. Produced by Berlin Growth Advisory (BGA), it offers insights into how clubs, investors, and executives can unlock hidden value, optimize operations, and drive sustainable growth. The podcast invites guests with operational knowledge, academic expertise, and global understanding of the football business.

Episodes

Understanding Football Club Valuation with Dr. Tom Markham | Ep. 64
Understanding Football Club Valuation with Dr. Tom Markham | Ep. 64 Oct 8, 2026 00:58:46 In this episode of The Football Economy, host Ibrahim interviews Tom Markham, a football finance expert known for the Markham Multivariate Model. They discuss the impact of the 2008 financial crisis on football finance, the transition from industry to academia, and the complexities of valuing football clubs. Tom shares insights on the Glazer family's potential sale of Manchester United, his ex
Navigating Risks in Sports Finance with James Okeyemi | Ep. 63
Navigating Risks in Sports Finance with James Okeyemi | Ep. 63 Sep 22, 2026 00:50:36 In this episode of The Football Economy Show, host Ibrahim speaks with James Okeyemi, a financial crime advisory manager and athlete, about the intersection of financial crime, governance, and the business of football. They explore James's journey as an athlete, the risks associated with financial transactions in football, and the importance of compliance and governance in the sport. James sha
Excellence in Football Management with Jordan Gardner | Ep. 62
Excellence in Football Management with Jordan Gardner | Ep. 62 Sep 3, 2026 00:54:54 In this episode of the Football Economy Show, host Ibrahim speaks with Jordan Gardner, an American sports executive and investor, about his journey in football management, particularly focusing on his recent acquisition of Kelty Hearts in Scotland. They discuss Jordan's early experiences in the ticketing business, his role at Twenty First Group, and the strategic insights he brings to managing
Mechanical Engineer to Football Owner with Mario Lapointe | Ep. 61
Mechanical Engineer to Football Owner with Mario Lapointe | Ep. 61 Aug 26, 2026 00:52:49 In this episode of The Football Economy Show, host Ibrahim interviews Mario Lapointe, the owner of Dumbarton FC. Mario shares his journey from a mechanical engineer and musician to becoming a football club owner. He discusses the influence of his grandfather on his work ethic, his entrepreneurial spirit, and the challenges he faced in acquiring and managing a lower league football club. Mario also
Silicon Valley to Stamford Bridge with Adriel Lares | Ep. 60
Silicon Valley to Stamford Bridge with Adriel Lares | Ep. 60 Aug 18, 2026 01:02:34 In this conversation, Adriel Lares, CFO of Chelsea Football Club, shares insights from his diverse career spanning Silicon Valley and the sports industry. He discusses the pivotal role of mentorship in shaping his journey, the importance of situational awareness in new roles, and the evolving responsibilities of CFOs in the age of AI. Adriel also explores capital allocation strategies in football,
How AI is Revolutionizing Football Transfers with Wout Pauwels | Ep. 59
How AI is Revolutionizing Football Transfers with Wout Pauwels | Ep. 59 Aug 11, 2026 00:59:18 In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim interviews Wout Pauwels, CEO of CEO & Co-Founder at SquadAssist, a platform that leverages artificial intelligence to predict the return on investment (ROI) of football players in the transfer market. Wout shares his journey from a fascination with technology and football to creating a startup that addresses the inefficiencies in playe
Investing in Sports Talent with Mohamed Salah | Ep. 58
Investing in Sports Talent with Mohamed Salah | Ep. 58 Aug 3, 2026 00:45:49 In this episode of The Football Economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Mohamed Salah, a football operations manager at Right to Dream. They discuss Mohammed's journey from a passionate football player in Egypt to his role in one of the world's leading youth development organizations. The conversation goes into the unique model of Right to Dream, which combines education and football traini
Building Winning Teams Off the Field with Dave Slemen | Ep. 57
Building Winning Teams Off the Field with Dave Slemen | Ep. 57 Jul 26, 2026 00:57:35 In this episode of The Football Economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Dave Slemen, a founding partner of Elite Performance Partners. They discuss the importance of practicality in sports consulting, the challenges of measuring success in hiring, and the pay disparity between on-field and off-field roles. Dave shares insights from his experience building a team from scratch at San Diego FC and the
A Data Scientist's Journey in Football with Dr. Hadi Sotudeh | Ep. 56
A Data Scientist's Journey in Football with Dr. Hadi Sotudeh | Ep. 56 Jul 15, 2026 01:00:26 In this episode of The Football Economy Podcast, host Ibrahim speaks with Dr. Hadi Sotudeh, a data scientist specializing in football analytics. Hadi Sotudeh discusses the evolving role of data science in football, emphasizing the importance of robust data departments, the integration of AI in recruitment, and the challenges of data security. He highlights the need for clubs to adopt a long-term p
A New Model for Football Development in Africa with Luis Coll Jauregui | Ep. 55 with Luis Coll Jauregui | Ep. 55
A New Model for Football Development in Africa with Luis Coll Jauregui | Ep. 55 with Luis Coll Jauregui | Ep. 55 Jul 5, 2026 01:00:31 In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Luis Coll, CEO and co-founder of LAMSA, the first football academy based in a former refugee camp in West Africa. Luis shares his journey from a finance background to building an academy driven by a mission to provide opportunities for youth both on and off the field. He discusses LAMSA's unique economic model that diversif
Why Smart Money Is Starting to Move Into Women's Football Why Smart Money Is Starting to Move Into Women's Football with Tommy Nodam Jensen | Ep. 54 | Ep. 54
Why Smart Money Is Starting to Move Into Women's Football Why Smart Money Is Starting to Move Into Women's Football with Tommy Nodam Jensen | Ep. 54 | Ep. 54 Jun 28, 2026 00:49:38 In this episode of the football economy show, host Ibrahim speaks with Tommy Nodam Jensen, founder of Pitch15, about the evolving landscape of women's sports and the investment opportunities it presents. Tommy shares insights from his journey as a professional athlete to becoming a key player in the sports investment sector, emphasizing the need for more focus and resources in women's sports. He d
The Real Reason Infantino's FIFA Chooses Money Over Reform with Prof. Simon Chadwick | Ep. 53
The Real Reason Infantino's FIFA Chooses Money Over Reform with Prof. Simon Chadwick | Ep. 53 Jun 21, 2026 00:48:44 In this episode of the football economy show, Professor Simon Chadwick discusses the evolving relationship between football, geopolitics, and the global economy. He highlights how the political landscape, particularly the influence of the United States, has reshaped the sports industry. The conversation delves into the implications of ongoing conflicts in the Middle East on sports investments and

Recommended