Eddie Hearn is one of the biggest innovators in modern sport.

From building his athletes into powerhouse names in culture, pioneering women’s boxing with Katie Taylor, and leaving behind traditional broadcasters to strike global deals with streaming giants – there’s a lot of layers to his story that football can learn from.

Having served as vice-chairman of Leyton Orient during his father’s spell owning the club, he’s also seen inside the football industry and picked up lessons along the way.

Ahead of another big Anthony Joshua fight night, the Matchroom Maradona joins VERSUS team members Mayowa Quadri and Corey Pellatt to talk about his connection to the beautiful game, what happened when he signed Harry Kane for Leyton Orient, and why women's sport is here to stay.

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Also - Watch AJ v Franklin live on DAZN on Saturday 1st April

Ep. 13: Eddie Hearn on What Football Can Learn from Boxing

Football is growing in new ways. With Sidemen having sold out Wembley and Baller League finally launching in the UK, there are more ways than ever to consume football – all under the guise of entertainment.

The VERSUS team reflects on whether these alternative football provisions are ushering in a new era for a beautiful game and whether the established order needs to learn from it. We evaluate the WPLL’s proposals to eliminate relegation from the WSL, and give Paul Pogba his overdue flowers.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Corey Pellatt (@CoreyPellatt)
Amie Cripps (@Amiloucri)

Ep. 55: What Can Football Learn from Sidemen?

Arsenal sent the timeline into a spin last week with the news that they’re going to launch a dating show for fans of the North London club.

While many couldn’t understand why a football club would want to create entertainment content, the reality is it’s just the latest sign of major clubs recognising their role as global content and culture brands.

The VERSUS team talks about why Arsenal are one of the very few clubs who can execute such an ambitious concept. We also look back at this year’s edition of the Blue Creator Fund in partnership with Chelsea Foundation, and give Chloe Kelly some much needed flowers.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Corey Pellatt (@CoreyPellatt)
Amie Cripps (@amiloucri)

Ep. 56: Why We Rate Arsenal’s Dating Show

Nike are officially bringing back the OG Hypervenom. After running back the Total 90 earlier this year, the Swoosh are once again tapping into its heritage by reissuing the T90 silhouette successor.

The 2013 release might feel too recent to reload to some, but the move represents how the sportswear giant are ensuring no nostalgia stone is left unturned following the successful relaunch of the adidas Predator.

The VERSUS team assess why it’s the right time for the Hypervenom comeback, and who should front its release. Elsewhere, the team share their thoughts on Baller League, and why the upcoming Unity Cup means so much more than just football.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_) 
Corey Pellatt (@CoreyPellatt) 
Amie Cripps (@amiloucri)
Ahmed Shooble (@@AhmedShooble)

Ep. 57: It’s Time For the Hypervenom Comeback

New Balance are once again showing how to create real change. Their recent Furon V8 event showcased their support for Ebere Eze both on and off the pitch.

Whilst they continue to make great product, they are also showing elite athlete partnerships should go far beyond exchange of goods. With new gen ballers having more to say and showcase than ever before, storytelling is more important than ever.

The VERSUS team assess why New Balance’s talent strategy and athlete activations are proving to be best in class. Elsewhere, the team break down the significance of Travis Scott’s link up with Spotify and Barcelona. Vincent Kompany also gets his flowers for a game-changing title win.

‘The Future of Football’ is a podcast from VERSUS bringing you closer to the people, the stories and the ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Corey Pellatt (@CoreyPellatt)


Ep. 58: Ebere Eze, New Balance and Authentic Athlete Partnerships

Spotify and Travis Scott might have just delivered the best-ever collaboration between football and music.

In their latest artist-led activation, Spotify partnered with Travis for a weekend takeover in Barcelona – including an exclusive live show on the eve of El Clásico and a full capsule collection drop.

The VERSUS team break down why the collaboration resonated so strongly and how it could redefine future partnerships between artists and football clubs.

Elsewhere, we explore the WSL’s recent rebrand – analysing the response and what it means for the league’s identity moving forward. We also dig into the discourse around Trent Alexander-Arnold following his Liverpool exit announcement and how fan treatment reflects wider issues in the game.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS, bringing you closer to the people, stories and ideas shaping the future of the game we love.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Corey Pellatt (@coreypellatt)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)

Ep. 59: Travis Scott’s Barcelona Takeover, The WSL’s Rebrand and Trent’s Treatment

Chelsea’s domestic treble is the latest proof that proper investment drives success in the women’s game — and with fresh backing from Reddit founder Alexis Ohanian, the Blues are only getting stronger.

The VERSUS team break down what this game-changing move means for the WSL, and what other clubs can learn from it.

We also dive into the rise of the underdog, as Crystal Palace lift their first-ever major trophy, and explore why football needs more stories like theirs. Plus, we give Jamie Vardy his flowers as he closes the curtain on a legendary chapter with Leicester.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS, bringing you closer to the people, stories and ideas shaping the next era of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Ahmed Shooble (@ahmedshooble)
Amie Cripps (@AmiLouCri)

Ep. 60: Chelsea's Continued investment, Why Football Needs More Underdogs and Jamie Vardy Praise

Just as Boots Only Summer has arrived, Nike begin the roll-out for their new Cryoshot silhouette. It’s an innovative new drop, but it's not the first time the Swoosh has transformed football boots into sneakers.

The VERSUS team breaks down why Nike is doubling down on this approach after the relaunch of the Total 90.

We also dive into why the Unity Cup was such a success, and why the media terming Black players as arrogant is a dangerous narrative.

The Future of Football is a podcast from VERSUS, bringing you closer to the people, stories and ideas shaping the next era of the game.

Mayowa Quadri (@mayowaquadri_)
Ahmed Shooble (@ahmedshooble)
Johnny Kay (@Ojhnyn)

Ep. 61: The Nike Cryoshot and Why the Unity Cup Meant So Much

As headline sponsors of Baller League, O2 invited us down to take over the O2 Blueroom and create a bespoke space for O2 Priority members, Baller League talent, and VIP guests ahead of the night’s action. With DJ Teddy supplying the vibes, and an all-star crowd in attendance, the O2 Blueroom set the tone for a huge finale.

VERSUS hosted a ‘Future of Football’ panel led by the brand’s very own Chief Commercial Officer, Johnny Kay. With the conversation exploring how Baller League is shaping the future of the game across fashion, content and community — with insights from footballers Albie Sheehan-Cozens and Bryan Ly, as well as content creators Anita Abayomi and Cameron Babayemi aka Culture Cams.

Ep. 62: Baller League Final Four Live from the O2 Blueroom

The Future of Football is a new podcast from VERSUS that brings you closer to the people, the stories, and the ideas that are shaping the future of the game we love. Every episode, we’ll be breaking down some of the biggest talking points from the cultural, social and business sides of the sport, giving you unrivalled insight into the off-pitch issues taking football to a new era.

Ep. 13: Eddie Hearn on What Football Can Learn from Boxing

The Future of Football

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