The Sports Agents

Today, The Sports Agents catch NFL Draft fever and are joined by former cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys Jason Bell to explore how one pick can transform the fortunes of their beloved team, overnight. 

Colleen Wolfe then joins us live from Detroit to discuss the global audience for the 3-day event and why it represents the kind of leagueparity that European football fans can only dream of...

Who is number 1 pick Caleb Williams and how does a 22-year-old quarterback with a 'generational talent' tag already on his back, handle the pressure & expectation of Bears fans, like Mark Chapman.

Plus, Mark and Gabby react to Liverpool's defeat in the Merseyside derby and Wayne Rooney's suggestion that Jurgen Klopp announced his departure from Anfield at the wrong time.

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producers: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Rory Symon

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

After an explosive statement from a Premier League club alleged that a video-assistant referee, with allegiances to a rival team, should have been removed from their game on Sunday - The Sports Agents reflects on more unintended consequences of VAR and the growing threat to the sport's integrity...

Should a 'melodrama' between Nottingham Forest, the Premier League and the FA ever play out on social media? What was former referee Mark Clattenburg's role in the story and should he resign? And why is the Barcelona President Joan Laporta demanding a replay following their El Clasico defeat on the same day!

The Athletic's David Ornsteinjoins Gabby & Mark to unpack the conspiracy theories and whether or not there is infact legal recourse for clubs like Forest - plus his breaking story on Sporting's highly coveted head coach Ruben Amorim and if he'll be heading to West Ham this summer.

Later, following Sunday's London Marathon, Ultra-marathon runner Jasmin Paris joins us to talk about the Barkley Marathons - after she became the first woman to finish the legendary race - which makes 26.2 miles sound like a stroll in the city!

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Video Producers: Sam Trudgill & Rory Symon

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

Clips:

Jim Ratcliffe with Gabby Logan at the London Marathon (BBC)

Gary Neville (Sky Sports)

This week on The Sports Agents...

A Sports Agents exclusive - Mark & Gabby had a first-look at an independent report into diversity at the senior levels of sport across every major National Governing Body in UK - Sporting Equals Chief executive Arun Kang joined them in the studio to unpack the findings...

Former Lioness Eni Aluko then reflected on her own experiences - after becoming the first black woman in Italy to own a football club.

Plus, how damaging were Manchester City & Arsenal's Champions League exits for English football's chances of a fifth qualifying spot in next season's competition?

And after Lord Seb Coe announced he had chaired the first meeting of The Old Trafford Regeneration taskforce - Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham sat down with Mark to talk about public money, opportunity and London 2012.

Here's some of our favourite bits - new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

After holders Man City & Premier League rivals Arsenal were both dumped out of the Champions League quarter-finals, The Sports Agents assess PL hopes of a 5th place in Europe's elite club competition for next season...

Gabby & Mark are then joined by the Athletic's Adam Craftonfor more on PSG's growing optimism, Mbappe's date with destiny (Real Madrid) and if European matches could finally be heading to US.

And with the first meeting held over the regeneration of Old Trafford, we'll also hear from an exclusive interview with the Mayor of Greater Manchester Andy Burnham- part of the taskforce - and the comparisons he makes with the London Olympics from 2012.

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb & Gabriel Radus

Video Producers: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

Today, a Sports Agents Exclusive as Gabby & Mark reveal the findings of a report into race representation at senior level of UK sport. 

Sporting Equals Chief executive Arun Kang sat down with us to discuss the findings of its annual Racial Equality Index and what lessons need to be learned. 

Plus, former Lioness Eni Aluko joined The Sports Agents in studio, to chat about her own experience as Italy’s first black female football club owner and to reflect on women’s safety in the men’s game - and online.

And later, more from Mark’s weekend at Augusta. 

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producers: David Domb & Rory Symon

Video Producer: Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Rory Symon

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global 

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

This week on The Sports Agents...

An array of stardust as the likes of legendary jockeyAP McCoy and Team GB icon Denise Lewis joined Gabby & Mark on the podcast.

Is your Premier League club trying to kill off season tickets and is Everton's latest points deduction fair?

Does Seb Coe deserve credit for announcing prize money will be paid to Athletes who win gold at the Olympics - and after terror threats at Champions League games - how will Paris ensure fan safety at the Games this summer?

All this and much more on the Sports Agents over the last seven days.

Here's a little flavour of some of the highlights...

As promised, a bonus episode featuring the full interview with Sir AP McCoy on the eve of 2024 Grand National at Aintree - a sporting institution with a global audience.

Gabby Logan sits down with the most successful jump jockey in history of National Hunt racing to talk about 'the people's race', the extreme sacrifices it took to win and his beloved Arsenal's chances of getting through their Champions League quarter final second-leg against Baynern Munich.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Cash for Olympic gold... A step in the right direction or sacrilege? The Sports Agents are joined by Olympic icon Denise Lewis to discuss an historic break from Athletic tradition.

And after reflecting on the mid-week Champions League quarter-final magic - amid terror threats - Gabby and Mark also explore how Paris will be trying to make the Games safe for fans this summer.

Plus, Mark's live from Augusta at 5am on the first day of The Masters, Gabby's caught up with legendary jump jockey AP McCoy ahead of Saturday's Grand National and more...

Additional Guests: Graham Wettone - Stadium policing commentator

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

Clips:

Lord Seb Coe (ITV News)

Today, The Sports Agents takes a closer look at a worrying trend - across the Premier League - after clubs announced more price hikes for next season...

The Athletic's Jack Pitt-Brooke explains why Spurs are stopping concessions for OAP's, Daniel Levy's bonuses and the global demand for tickets.

Daniel Bowdler, from City Matters -Man City's official fan engagement programme - explains why protests and boycotts can still make a real difference.

Plus, Gabby & Mark reflect on Monday's news of a second points deduction for Everton and find out who-dragged-who across the finish line as Gabby and her daughter ran the London Landmarks half marathon!

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

This week on The Sports Agents, your questions for Gabby & Mark on everything from Olympics predictions, to how the panel on Match of the Day is selected!

Plus, Sky Sports NFL analyst Phoebe Schecter on Louis Rees-Zammit's chances of becoming a regular starter for the reigning Super Bowl champs, after he made the switch from Rugby to NFL.

And a closer look at the 'fractured' state of Golf - a week away from The Masters - with English pros Richard Bland and Laurie Canter on the reality of playing on the controversial breakaway LIV Golf tour.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

A week out from The Masters, Gabby & Mark reflect on the state of Golf - a sport at war - fractured in recent years by the Saudi-backed LIV tour...

The Sports Agents are joined by pro golfers Richard Bland - who at age 48 became the oldest first-time winner on the European Tour - and Laurie Canter, who plays on both The European and LIV tours - for insight into the reality for players outside the Top 20.

BBC Golf correspondent Iain Carter also helps to explain how the sport was ripped apart and why the tours mustfind a way to reunite the best players in the world.

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

To mark our first month of shows, The Sports Agents answer your questions on everything from Olympics predictions to how the pundits on MOTD are decided!

Gabby & Mark also check in with Sky Sports' NFL analyst, Phoebe Schecter, to explore Louis Rees-Zammit's chances of making it in the NFL, after the former Welsh Rugby star was signed by reigning Super Bowl Champions, The Kansas City Chiefs.

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

This week, The Sports Agents dug into why Arsenal are still in a league of their own when it comes to the commercial success of their Women's team, how Gabby became 'obsessed' with Andy Murray and if Gareth Southgate would be a perfect fit for Man United's new owners?

And to keep you going over the extended Easter weekend Gabby & Mark also found out all about Corinthians FC - one of the finest teams in English football history, that you've probably never heard of!

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday.

Today, The Sports Agents discuss the story that simply won't go away - will England manager Gareth Southgate replace Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford, after the Euros this summer?

Gabby & Mark are joined by The Telegraph's James Ducker to explore his links to the owners, INEOS 'best of British' blueprint, Southgate's tactical identity and track-record of lead the sort of cultural reset Man United may still need.

And later, Director Helen Tither and Corinthians FC legend Monica Curran join the show to talk about Corinthians: We Were the Champions - and crowdfunding for a documentary about one of the finest football teams - who actually played during the ban on Women's football in the UK.

... Which leads perfectly into an appreciation of Man City and former England captain Steph Houghton - who has announced she'll be retiring at the end of the season.

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

Clips:

Steph Houghton (speaking to Manchester City)

Today, The Sports Agents took a closer look at the Women's Super League and Arsenal's monumental commercial success story - despite surrendering their crown to Emma Hayes' Chelsea, on the pitch...

How have the club's ticket strategy, a 'one-club' mentality and history made them the gold-standard for English football

Chelsea's commerical director Zara Al-Kudcy and The Guardian's Suzy Wrack join Gabby & Mark to reflect on lessons from the continent, salary caps, tribalism and avoiding the financial pitfalls we've seen in the men's game.

And the morning after the Sports Journalism Awards (and gongs for almosteveryone on the show 👀) Gabby wants reflect on victory and near-misses and talk about her Andy Murray obsession... while he's still playing.

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

Clips:

Andy Murray (sky sports tennis)

This week, The Sports Agentstook a closer look at the state of Rugby Union, reflected on Nottingham Forest becoming the latest Premier League club to suffer a points deduction, as well as, the infamous story of one, Ali Dia...

On Tuesday, Andy Burnham - Greater Manchester Mayor and furious Everton fan - certainly didn't hold back when discussing why the Premier League needs an independent regulator.

Top comedians Dara O'Briain and Josh Widdicombe were then on hand to talk about their six-part podcast series exploring the phenomenon of Ali Dia’s overnight rise to the Premier League – for 53 minutes.

Then on Thursday, it was Rugby Union under the microscope as Courtney Lawes, Louis Rees-Zammit, Premiership CEO Simon Massie-Taylor and Wales legend Sam Warburton joined Gabby & Mark to debate the biggest threats to Rugby's future.

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.

Just a few days on from a brilliant Six Nations, it feels like the sport is at a crossroads...

With potential superstars like Louis Rees-Zammit switching to the NFL, casual fans are alienated by a complex game that fails to celebrate its own physicality amid wider questions relating to how 'safe' the sport actually is to play.

The Sports Agents are joined by a stellar cast of special guests including Louis Rees-Zammit from his Miami training camp, Sam Warburton, Courtney Lawes and Premiership Chief Executive Simon Massie-Taylor, to find out how the sport can navigate the biggest challenges it faces today.

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

After Nottingham Forest's 4-point deduction on Monday, Gabby & Mark examine the defiant statements and discuss the likelihood of a final Premier League table that won't be decided by the end of the season...

And after a football governance bill began its passage through parliament earlier today - has the Premier League proven it cannot govern itself?

Plus, comedians Dara O'Briain and Josh Widdicombe joins The Sports Agents to talk about their brand-new Global original podcast series - 53 minutes - all about Ali Dia and one of the greatest mysteries in Premier League history!

And as promised, you can check out last week's sensational interview with boxing supremo Eddie Hearn in full here

Additional Guests: Prof. Rob Wilson (UCFB)

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Sam Trudgill

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

This week, The Sports Agents were invited to the head offices of 'The Enhanced Games' to interview President Aron D'Souza - who wants to put on an Olympic-style event where all the athletes are permitted (even encouraged) to dope... Don't forget your popcorn for this one!

Then on Thursday, Gabby & Mark were joined by boxing promoter Eddie Hearn, to discuss the role the sport is playing in Saudi 'sportswashing'.

Plus, why owners of football clubs can't seem to stop at buying just one, and why Liverpool are following suit?

New episodes every Tuesday and Thursday afternoon.

Matchroom boss Eddie Hearn joins The Sports Agents, in studio, to reflect on the significance of Anthony Joshua's win in Saudi Arabia last weekend. Why an all-British undisputed heavyweight super-fight between AJ and Tyson Fury could be staged at Wembley and signs of progress he's seen at grass-roots level in the Kingdom... (21:30)

But we begin with former sporting director Michael Edwards' return to Liverpool - tasked with not only replacing Jurgen Klopp but finding another football club to add to the owners portfolio, as Liverpool become the latest Premier League side to explore 'multi-club ownership'.

Gabby & Mark are joined by Simon Van Kerckhoven - who helped Man City's owners acquire a Belgian club in 2020 - to discuss the potential post-Brexit benefits, financial fair play loopholes and more.

Plus, The News Agents' Jon Sopel stops by to fill us in on a remarkable story that Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has approached legendary quarterback Aaron Rodgers about serving as his running mate on an independent presidential ticket!

Additional Guests: Simon Van Kerckhoven

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

Clips:

Anthony Joshua (Sky Sports)

The 'Enhanced Games', as you've probably heard by now, promises a union of sport and science - where doping is not just allowed but actively encouraged.

Today, the organisation's President, Dr Aron D'Souza, invited The Sports Agents to Enhanced HQ for an exclusive interview, and to discuss the future of the sport... Don't forget your popcorn.

And later, Gabby & Mark speak to the Chief Executive of the Jockey Club, Nevin Truesdale, about tackling horse-racing's image problem on day one of Cheltenham.

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producers: Rory Symon & Arvind Badewal

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

Clips:

Lord Seb Coe (Sky Sports)

Ben Johnson (Archive)

Anthony Joshua is seemingly one fight away from being either firmly back in the heavyweight title picture... or being finished.

The man standing in his way, is an MMA fighter - Francis Ngannou.

Former cruiserweight world champion, Johnny Nelson joins The Sports Agents to discuss the risk v the rewards and why more fighters are switching codes.

And as Saudi Arabia prepares to host yet another elite heavyweight bout - has the Kingdom become the 'new home' of boxing's blue-riband division.

And Gabby & Mark discuss the conflict all fans face between dream fights and human rights.

Additional Guests: Sarah Shephard - The Athletic

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producer: Arvind Badewal

Social Media Editor: Georgia Foxwell

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

Clips:

Anthony Joshua (Sky Sports)

The Christian Horner scandal has dominated the headlines in Formula 1 and beyond over the past week. So on today's debut episode of The Sports Agents Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman discuss how the allegations of inappropriate behaviour have impacted Red Bull Racing and what's really going on behind the scenes in formula 1?

Should Christian Horner be considering his future? And could this lead to a more competitive season on the track?

Later in the show they turn their attention to the Premier League and Manchester City's Phil Foden. Is he the perfect example of a club nurturing academy talent?

Executive Producer: Adonis Pratsides

Producer: David Domb

Video Producer: Arvind Badewal

Social Media Producer: Laura FitzPatrick

Tom Hughes is Editor for The News Agents podcast network

Vicky Etchells is the Commissioning Editor for Global

You can listen to this episode on Alexa - just say "Alexa, ask Global Player to play The Sports Agents".

Clips:

Christian Horner - Drive to Survive (Netflix)

Christian Horner - Sky F1

Pep Guardiola - Sky Sports

Phil Foden - Sky Sports

Femke Bol - BBC

Welcome to The Sports Agents, a twice-weekly podcast hosted by two of the UK's top sports broadcasters, Gabby Logan and Mark Chapman.

With new episodes available every Tuesday and Thursday, starting 5th March.