The Shortlist

Welcome to The Shortlist - a new weekly format from Insights to the Game featuring five stories shaping the business of football.

Each edition rounds up what caught my eye that week across ownership, media, governance, and growth, quick to read, but built for people who think like decision-makers.

Every other week, you’ll also get The Deep Dive, where I take one of these stories further and unpack the strategy, data, and lessons behind it.

Five stories shaping the business of football this week

by Tahoe Lillelund

Introduction

A week where global ambition met governance headaches — leagues are testing their limits, investors are circling, and women’s football keeps gaining commercial momentum.

Here are the stories that stood out.

1. Serie A takes Milan–Como fixture to Australia

The Guardian
Como’s CEO defended the league’s decision to host a domestic match in Perth, calling it “essential for the survival of Serie A.”
Why it matters: A bold test of how far the “product” of football can travel before fan backlash outweighs the money.
Read here →

2. IFR warns ‘unfit’ club owners may be forced to sell

Reuters
The Independent Football Regulator’s chair said several Premier League and EFL owners could be forced out under new suitability rules.
Why it matters: Oversight is tightening — and governance risk is becoming valuation risk.
Read here →

3. DAZN gets $587 million cash injection

Financial Times
Len Blavatnik’s latest investment keeps DAZN afloat as it chases profitability.
Why it matters: Sports streaming remains capital-intensive — DAZN’s struggle shows both the promise and limits of media disruption in football.
Read here →

4. UEFA Women’s EURO 2025 breaks attendance and viewership records

UEFA.com
Over 623,000 fans attended matches — surpassing the 2022 record — with 29 of 31 games sold out and global viewership expected to exceed 500 million. Fan zones attracted over a million visitors across host cities.
Why it matters: Women’s football continues to scale as a commercial property, showing growing fan engagement and sponsor ROI potential.
Read here →

5. Nike extends Barcelona kit deal through 2035

Salaryleaks
Nike’s renewal, reportedly worth €122 million per year, ends speculation about Barca exploring new suppliers. Continuing the relationship since 1998.
Why it matters: Despite tension over revenue sharing, long-term brand partnerships remain vital anchors in club finance.
Read here →

Key Takeaways

• Expansion and regulation are colliding — leagues want scale while regulators demand stability.

• Private investment and streaming remain central to football’s business transformation.

• Women’s football continues to prove that audience growth leads to long-term commercial value.

Deep Dive Teaser

One of these stories will become next week’s Deep Dive.
Think you can guess which one? Hit reply and let me know.