Gary Neville Sells Majority Stake in The Overlap to Top UK Radio Group
Expansion of The Overlap under Global's Ownership
The Overlap, a media company co-founded by Gary Neville, has been acquired by the commercial radio giant Global. This move includes The Overlap’s flagship show “Stick to Football,” which has become a significant presence in the sports media landscape. Global, known for owning major stations such as Classic FM, Capital, Heart, and LBC, now holds a majority stake in The Overlap, marking a strategic step in its expansion into digital content.
This acquisition follows the previous sale of a majority stake in The Overlap, which was founded in 2021. The company features some of the most prominent names in British sports, including Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, and Ian Wright. The Overlap is not only known for its weekly YouTube show and podcast but also for producing fan debates and interviews, as well as spin-offs that cater to a wide audience.
In its most recent financial results for the year ending June 30, 2024, The Overlap reported total assets of approximately £406,000. The investment from Global is expected to be reinvested into the business, with a focus on developing more brands and channels, particularly those centered around football content.
Diversification Beyond Football
“Stick to Football” stands out as the crown jewel of The Overlap’s offerings. The show features Neville alongside other notable figures like Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, Ian Wright, and Jill Scott. Their discussions, memories of games, and general banter have resonated with audiences, making it a popular choice among viewers and listeners alike.
Beyond football, The Overlap has expanded into other sports, including cricket and rugby union shows modeled after “Stick to Football.” Additionally, the company has ventured into non-sports areas such as business and politics, showcasing its versatility in content creation.
The Overlap has established itself as a key player in the British sports media scene, boasting over 38 million monthly views on YouTube. Miroma Group, the previous investor, held its stake through an investment in Buzz16.
The Role of Global in the Media Landscape
Global, founded by Ashley Tabor-King, son of racing billionaire Michael Tabor, is Europe’s largest commercial radio entity. It also has a substantial outdoor advertising business. In addition to traditional radio stations, Global has invested in podcasts and the technology required to produce them, reflecting its commitment to digital media.
The success of celebrity-led YouTube shows and podcasts has led to increased valuations for such platforms. The discussions between Neville and his guests, along with their reflections on past games and lighthearted banter, have proven appealing to both audiences and advertisers.
Major interviews on big podcasts can command high fees. Neville’s interviews with players like Dele Alli and Wayne Rooney have generated significant headlines. Similarly, Ian Wright’s analysis of the fallout surrounding Jude Bellingham has attracted attention. Roy Keane’s candid opinions on struggling teams, especially his former club United, have also resonated with viewers.
However, the show’s continued success depends on maintaining the loyalty of its star names or replacing them if necessary. The famous players involved were initially pundits on traditional broadcasters, primarily Sky Sports, and their work with “Stick to Football” is separate from their roles on Sky Sports. Neville, Keane, and Carragher remain regular pundits on Sky Sports, though Neville’s appearances are now mainly around matchdays.
Founders and Future Directions
The Overlap was created by Gary Neville and former Sky Sports producer Scott Melvin, who will continue as an executive director of the company. As the company moves forward under Global’s ownership, it is poised to expand further, leveraging its existing brand and audience while exploring new avenues in content creation.
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