Gary Neville media business is to expand with the aim of becoming a ‘world-leading sports network’ – after radio giants Global took a majority stake.
The former Manchester United and England defender’s firm The Overlap – which includes flagship show Stick to Football – will now produce more shows and content following a deal which sees the owner of stations such as Classic FM, Capital, LBC and Heart acquire the stake from previous investors Miroma Group.
According to those with knowledge of the situation, The Overlap will continue to focus on football content but will up its output considerably.
Stick to Football, a weekly podcast broadcasted on YouTube features Neville, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Jill Scott.
The Overlap also produces fan debates and interviews, along with cricket and rugby union podcasts, and has more than 38m monthly views on YouTube. It is now expected to have a wider remit, with funds from the sale set to be ploughed back into the business.
Global is the biggest commercial radio outfit in Europe and also owns a major advertising business.
Gary Neville media’s business is set to expand after radio giants Global took a majority stake
Neville’s firm The Overlap – which includes Stick to Football – will now produce more shows
The company will be co-chaired by Gary Neville and Global Group CEO Simon Pitts, with Scott Melvin as lead Executive Director.
‘The Overlap started as an idea that we thought people might like and we went for it,’ said Neville.
‘What has happened since then has been a great journey and it’s a team that I love working with and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of. We never thought of it as a business, we just wanted to create something that people loved and would come back to watch every week.
‘We see huge growth potential for The Overlap and have spent the last few months in a strategic investment process and are delighted to have found the perfect partner in Global to power us forward and create “The Overlap Network” with the aim of becoming a world-leading football and sports media platform.’
Simon Pitts, Global’s Group CEO, added: ‘The Overlap is one of the UK’s most successful and dynamic sports entertainment brands, with a hugely exciting growth plan. Gary and Scott have done an extraordinary job building The Overlap and we’re thrilled to welcome them and their fantastic team to Global as we embark on this next phase of growth together.’
