Inside the biggest evolution of Football Manager's history
SportsPro’s Steve McCaskill sits down with Miles Jacobson, the studio director at Sports Interactive, the UK-based video game developer known for Football Manager to discuss the most significant evolution in the series history. Jacobson explains the studio’s move to the Unity engine, why the team delayed the game’s release, and how they overhauled the user interface and match engine for the 2026 edition. The conversation explores the addition of women’s football, new licensing deals including the Premier League, data-driven game design, partnerships with platforms like Netflix and Apple Arcade, and the emergence of Football Manager as an esports title.
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33:25
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33:25
Inside the biggest evolution of Football Manager's history
SportsPro’s Steve McCaskill sits down with Miles Jacobson, the studio director at Sports Interactive, the UK-based video game developer known for Football Manager to discuss the most significant evolution in the series history. Jacobson explains the studio’s move to the Unity engine, why the team delayed the game’s release, and how they overhauled the user interface and match engine for the 2026 edition. The conversation explores the addition of women’s football, new licensing deals including the Premier League, data-driven game design, partnerships with platforms like Netflix and Apple Arcade, and the emergence of Football Manager as an esports title.
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33:49
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33:49
Who’s #1? Breaking down SportsPro’s 50 Most Marketable Athletes ranking
The SportsPro Podcast returns with a special guest in the studio, as Ed Dixon, Sam Carp, and Josh Sim are joined by SportsPro’s Director of Key Projects, Mike Long, to unpack the 2025 edition of SportsPro’s 50 Most Marketable Athletes. And there’s plenty to get into. From surprise inclusions to big risers and the stories behind the rankings. They’re also joined by the experts from Northstar Solutions Group, who reveal the data-driven insights shaping this year’s list. The team discuss the biggest cultural trends, the evolving role of social media, and why authenticity has become the ultimate currency in athlete marketability. Tune in to find out who claimed the top spot. And yes, the quiz no one asked for makes another appearance! Recorded at Spotify UK Headquarters.
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1:07:07
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1:07:07
Why are US sports leagues making so much money?
The SportsPro Podcast returns with Ed Dixon, Sam Carp, Steve McCaskill and Josh Sim turning their attention to the US. From the NFL’s rising franchise valuations to the NBA’s record-breaking domestic media deal, the team explores why more money than ever is flowing into the major leagues.They also get stuck into other big talking points stateside, including the sales of the LA Lakers and Boston Celtics, the broadcast state of play across the leagues and why US sports properties are looking overseas for growth.Recorded live from Spotify Studios in London.
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44:02
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44:02
Will stadium naming rights ever catch on in Europe?
SportsPro's Head of Editorial Sam Carp explores the evolving business of stadium naming rights with Al Guido, president of the San Francisco 49ers and chairman and CEO of Elevate.The pair unpack why venue sponsorships have historically been a harder sell in Europe than in North America and consider whether attitudes are softening amid landmark deals for the likes of Everton. Guido offers insight on the nuances of identifying a stadium naming rights partner, how to balance fan sentiment with commercial ambition, and why the next era of venue sponsorships will be defined by authentic storytelling, cultural relevance, and year-round engagement.
México