Behind the Game: The People and Business of Global Sport
Elite sport captivates billions of people - but behind every match, marathon and major sporting moment sits a complex global industry.
From player transactions and commercial partnerships to regulation, reputation and athlete welfare, some of the most consequential decisions in sport happen far away from the pitch or start line.
Join the 93% Club and, Slaughter and May - Founding Partner of 93% Professionals - for a rare look inside the people, decisions and professional disciplines powering global sport.
The conversation
Following a formal welcome and introduction by Kevin Howes (Partner at Slaughter and May), Shelly O’Gilvie (Head of Professional Membership at the 93% Club) will be joined by two leaders from the world of elite sports for an insightful fireside conversation:
Danny Coyle
COO, World Marathon Majors
Nathaniel Meyers
Deputy Football Operations Director, Arsenal FC
Danny and Nathaniel have taken fascinating but very different routes into senior operational roles in sport. Danny moved from communications into the delivery and leadership of major international marathon events, while Nathaniel progressed from strategy consulting into the centre of football operations.
Together, they will explore what happens behind the sporting moments we all see - from delivering major global events and managing player transactions to navigating commercial pressure, regulation, reputation and athlete welfare.
At a time of growing debate about the commercialisation and governance of global sport, we'll discuss how sporting organisations balance growth with the interests of athletes, supporters and the wider public - and what happens when those priorities conflict.
Expect an insightful and accessible conversation covering questions including:
What really happens behind the scenes of elite sport?
Who and what are involved in delivering a major sporting event or player transaction?
As sport becomes increasingly global and commercial, how can it retain the trust of athletes and fans?
What role do relationships and connections play in entering an industry that can appear closed from the outside?
Connect with the 93% Professionals community
Following the fireside conversation, guests will have the opportunity to meet professionals from across the 93% Club and Slaughter and May communities.
The evening will include facilitated introductions designed to help attendees make meaningful connections across different industries and career stages.
Whether you're familiar with the world of sport or simply want to understand the business behind some of the world’s biggest cultural moments, this event offers a perspective you would rarely encounter from the stands.
Agenda:
6.30pm: Arrival, drinks and networking
7pm: Welcome from Kevin Howes - Partner at Slaughter and May, followed by the fireside conversation and audience Q&A
7.45pm: Nibbles and networking
9pm: Event closes
Food and refreshments will be provided. Please share any dietary or accessibility requirements when registering.
Places are limited, so early registration is encouraged.
Please note: Photography and videography will take place throughout this event for future internal and external promotional use. Please reach out to professionals@93percent.club if you have any concerns.