The Big Deal - Australian Sports Business Podcast

What happens when an AFL legend publicly calls out his club? In last week's episode of The Big Deal podcast, Warren Tredrea declared that Port Adelaide's relationship with coach Ken Hinkley was 'untenable'.  It sparked a huge outpouring of emotion from fans as media, commentators, other past players and club leaders weighed in.  In this episode, Tredders talks about the response to his views, whet...

On the back of two devastating losses early in the AFL season, Port Adelaide legend Warren Tredrea believes the relationship between the Power and its coach, Ken Hinkley, is 'untenable'.  In this episode, Tredders unpacks serious concerns for his beloved club.  Even though we're only three rounds in to the season, Tredders says tough calls need to be made at Alberton. He doesn't expect Hinkley to...

‘Sportswashing’ has become a big talking point in recent times but the issue is more complex than it may seem, says Dr David B. Roberts. Put simply, ‘sportswashing’ is where governments and corporations invest big dollars in sports ownerships and sponsorships in an effort to improve their reputations. And we’ve seen the Gulf States, including Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, throw eye watering amo...

Whether it's breaking news, big stories, opinion or controversy, the appetite for AFL content from fans is insatiable.  And it is a business in its own right, as media networks and their teams of journalists fight to break the big news and get the best stories. At the end of the day, the desired outcome is more clicks, bigger audiences and more advertising dollars.  But the world of footy media ca...

As the battle between Port Adelaide and Collingwood over the AFL 'prison bars' guernsey takes another twist, Power legend Warren Tredrea unpacks the issue and also the bigger picture - why the jersey, the brand and the story is so important to sports clubs.  Over the years Port's desire to wear its heritage 'prison bars' guernsey in a nod to its incredible SANFL history has drawn the ire of Collin...

Tredders is joined by Dion and Monty to preview the AFL season ahead, through the lens of business, brands, contracts and the administration of the game. Tredders talks about who is facing pressure in 2023, including players and coaches. It's the coaches in particular who are under the microscope this year, with a racism investigation, the return of Ross Lyon and questions about Ken Hinkley.  Team...

What does it take to pull together a top sports documentary? Michael Venables tells us, while also revealing the inner cogs of the AFL machine. Michael is the director and executive producer of the second season of Show Me The Money , now streaming on Stan. In this episode, Michael talks about the incredible drama which unfolded on the final day of the AFL trade period as one player’s future hung...

We continue our insightful and entertaining discussion with cricket legend Greg Chappell on the business of cricket. By now you should know Greg well as a former Australian captain, he coached India and South Australia, he was a national selector and played a prominent role as a media commentator. In part 2 of our interview you get more of Greg's great stories along with his lessons learned from s...

Greg Chappell joins The Big Deal for a fascinating discussion on the business of cricket, including the moments and decisions that changed the game forever.  This extended interview is split over two episodes. Greg really needs no introduction to sports fans - he was an Australian captain who surpassed Sir Donald Bradman in his final Test to become Australia’s greatest run-scorer, finishing with 2...

As one of the great icons of international tennis, Darren Cahill knows the inner workings of the sport better than anyone.  Despite being the son of footy legend John Cahill, Darren had success as a tennis player before becoming a coach to the world’s best and a top media analyst.  Darren famously coached Lleyton Hewitt, leading the then 20 year old to his first major title at the US Open in 2001....

There is always tension between athletes and journalists, along with their respective employers.  In many ways, sports stars and the media rely on each other. But still, both have their own interests and goals, and when these don't align, simmering frustrations boil over.  In our previous episode, Kyle Chalmers openly reflected on his own battles with the media last year. His criticisms, reaction...

Sports stars live in a fickle world. Kyle Chalmers knows this better than anyone.  After stunning the world to win Olympic gold in the 100m men’s freestyle final in 2016 at just 18 years of age, the quiet country kid instantly hit celebrity status.  Continued domination at the Olympics, Commonwealth Games and all other international swimming events solidified Kyle’s reputation as Australia’s golde...

It is a huge year for Australian sport with business ramifications for leagues, clubs, athletes, broadcasters, sponsors and fans.  In another episode of Talkback With Tredders, the AFL legend is back in the hot seat facing some big questions from subscribers as well as other major talking points, including: Questions around the process for the next AFL CEO, Tassie's entrance into the league to cau...

In the final episode of our series on The Art Of The Deal, top sports agent Marty Pask and AFL legend Warren Tredrea talk about making the commitment and closing the deal. On the back of good preparation , managing expectations and an honest negotiation process, Marty says no one should be blind sided by the player's final decision. But tough conversations still need to be had.  Marty and Tredders...

Our series on The Art Of The Deal with top sports agent Marty Pask and AFL legend Warren Tredrea is really heating up, as the focus turns to negotiation. When it comes to getting the contract with a sports star signed, sealed and delivered, the negotiation process is often misunderstood.  Marty reveals his philosophy, approach and how it really works. He talks about the impact of external forces,...

As we continue our series on The Art Of The Deal, top sports agent Marty Pask and AFL legend Warren Tredrea talk about expectations, information and strategy in the process of getting a deal done with a sports star.  It's an important part of the process, particularly for the agent who needs to understand the interests of his client, the player, as well as his current or potential suitors. This se...

Welcome to the first episode in our four part series on the art of the deal, where we reveal what it really takes to sign a super star athlete to a lucrative contract including the strategy, negotiations and the build up to signing the dotted line.  To do this, we bring you rare and exclusive insight from those who know this world better than anyone. AFL legend Warren Tredrea reveals the player's...

It only took a matter of days for Australian soccer fans to go from World Cup ecstasy to A-League anger, as administrators made the stunning decision to move the local leagues’ grand finals to NSW for the next three years.  Sports journalist Adam Peacock saw it all better than anyone. He covered the Socceroos on the ground in Doha, and then landed back in Australia to break the story on the Austra...

On the back of Australia’s incredible performance at the FIFA World Cup in 2022, what does it mean for the future of soccer in Australia? The game has had big opportunities like this before. There’s been international success, big name players on the world stage, huge participation, cultural influence and yet most would admit the game should be in a much stronger position in Australia than it is t...

The draft is huge for the NFL and NBA. Not just for the players and clubs, but the hardcore fans, the media and leagues who reap the commercial rewards from the massive public interest. But is it working for the AFL? In the wake of the AFL's two night draft extravaganza, Warren Tredrea dished out his one word assessment: BORING! In this week's podcast, Tredders talks about why the AFL and other Au...

AFL legend Anthony Koutoufides was the prototype ‘modern’ footballer. More than an incredible athlete, Kouta became a superstar brand in the 90s and changed the game for the players that followed. Joining Carlton on a contract worth about $8000 a year, he went on to become arguably the AFL’s first million dollar man. Kouta played 278 games for Carlton between 1992 and 2007. He’s a two-time All-Aus...

In our first Talkback With Tredders episode, AFL great Warren Tredrea has called for leading Australian sports organisations to drop their partnerships with betting companies.  Tredders took questions from The Big Deal audience which included tackling the big issue of betting sponsorships in sport. In the wake of the AFL’s Brownlow Medal betting saga, Tredders challenged Australia’s major leagues...

With a career in sports media that has spanned four decades, including playing a key role in setting the foundations for the NBA and ESPN media empires, John Kosner is a true pioneer in sports business. Based in New York, John is an investor and advisor in sports tech startups and president of digital media and sports consultancy, Kosner Media . John created Micromanagement Ventures with the late...

Jason Cripps is one of the most respected and successful list managers in the AFL. He’s spent more than a decade in the role at Port Adelaide after a stint as assistant coach under Mark Williams and Matthew Primus and an injury-plagued playing career with St Kilda. He’s fresh off securing the AFL’s 2021 number one draft pick, Jason Horne-Francis, in a bumper trade for the Power after just one seas...

Australian sport is at the crossroads, as the industry seeks investment to grow while juggling ethical concerns and a volatile market. Jaimie Fuller knows this better than anyone.  The founder of eo and former Executive Chairman of SKINS personally led several campaigns that raised the profile of major ethics issues in international sport. Jaimie was pioneering at the time, but today the relations...