A New Year, A New Phase: Why 2026 Is a Big Year for The Business of Football Network
The Business of Football Podcast is back for 2026 and this time, it feels different.
Not because the passion has changed. Not because the mission has shifted. But because the platform itself is evolving. What began as a solo podcast recorded in a bedroom has grown into something much bigger: a developing network, a content platform, and a community built around curiosity, storytelling, and the business of football.
As we enter a new year, this isn’t just about returning to the mic. It’s about recognising how far the journey has come and how much further there is for our network to go.
From Solo Podcast to Growing Network
When the podcast first started, it was simple: one person, one microphone, and a desire to understand the business side of football. There were no industry connections, no sponsors, and no guarantees that anyone would listen. The only credibility came from the last guest who agreed to come on.
That consistency, week after week, built something valuable. It created a foundation that we’re now building on in 2026.
Today, we are looking for The Business of Football is no longer just a podcast. We’ve relaunched our social platforms, expanded onto YouTube, and started producing written content. For the first time, we have a team contributing to the network, writing articles, conducting interviews, and helping shape the direction of where this platform goes next.
That’s something that once felt impossible.
Why This Year Feels Different
The football industry is changing rapidly. Clubs and organisations are becoming more specialised, more professional, and more demanding in the skills they require. Passion alone is no longer enough. Execution, adaptability, and professional capability matter more than ever.
That’s a reality many aspiring professionals , including ourselves — have had to confront. Growth in this industry demands evolution. The person you are today cannot be the same person you are at the end of the year if you want to stay competitive.
That mindset is shaping our direction in 2026. We are focused on becoming more than a podcast. We are focused on delivering value to listeners, to contributors, and to the wider football ecosystem.
Expanding Beyond the Microphone
Storytelling remains at the heart of everything we do. The interviews, the conversations, and the insights from industry professionals are still central to the platform. But now, we are expanding how and where those stories are told.
You’ll see more:
Video content, including full podcast episodes and behind-the-scenes perspectives
Matchday and club-based content, exploring football from the inside out
Written articles, analysing football businesses and industry trends
New interview formats, including deep-dive analysis beyond traditional podcast episodes
The aim is simple: to reflect football not just as a sport, but as a complex, evolving industry.
Building Without a Blueprint
One of the defining features of this journey is that it has been built independently. There were no ready-made pathways, no established industry backing — just curiosity, consistency, and a willingness to keep going.
That persistence has become one of the biggest lessons. Football is a competitive, often stubborn industry. Progress rarely comes quickly. But showing up consistently, learning continuously, and improving incrementally makes a difference over time.
If there’s one theme shaping 2026, it’s this: evolution is not optional.
Looking Ahead
This year is set to be a major one for football globally, and for those working or trying to work within it. Opportunities are changing. Roles are evolving. New skills are emerging as critical.
The Business of Football Network wants to reflect that reality. We want to ask better questions, tell more meaningful stories, and highlight the people and ideas shaping the future of the game off the pitch.
If even one conversation, one article, or one insight helps someone see a new pathway or think differently about their place in the industry, that’s a win.
2026 is about growth, evolution, and delivering more value than ever before.
