Why the Build Up to a Grand Prix is the Perfect Stage for a Challenger League | The Pitch [#08]

On this episode of The Pitch, Andy, Drew, and Dom discuss using touring sports weekends to add fan-facing “shoulder programming” and new commercial inventory, sparked by MotoGP’s San Marino GP partnering with FIBA 3x3 for a free Thursday street-court event featuring riders as team captains. They explore how F1 and Liberty Media could replicate this by inviting challenger sports (padel, flag football, virtual golf) or creating owned IP (e.g., an “Apex” run club tied to the F1 movie) to drive sponsorship, hospitality, and city-center fan zones, with operational models ranging from full ownership to collaboration. The conversation then shifts to athletes and creators building sport properties off digital channels, citing LeBron and Kevin Hart launching golf YouTube content and the idea of filming and branding charity tournaments as creator-run events, alongside examples like the Sidemen match, athlete-streamed rights, and the tradeoffs of platform distribution. Timestamps 02:00 - MotoGP x 3v3 as Evidence of Cross-Collaboration Events 10:00 - Launching the "Apex Run Club," to Build on F1 Movie IP 20:30 - The Evolution of YouTube Golf 27:30 - Expanding Trend of Creators Gaining Streaming Rights About The Show The Pitch is the conversational show from the Sports Pundit Podcast Network, hosted by Andy Marston, Drew Rauso and Dom Collingwood. It’s a play on words, with each host bringing an idea, theme, or provocation that they pitch to the other. Together they react, debate, and explore what’s really happening across the sports industry, from shifting media models to the next wave of innovation. Each episode mixes perspective with practicality, with occasional appearances from other Sports Pundit hosts from across the Network. About The Hosts ⁠⁠Drew Rauso⁠⁠ is a versatile media operator with a proven track record of building and scaling sports media ventures at the intersection of content, commerce, and creator strategy. He currently leads Brand, Strategy, and Operations at Playmaker HQ, a leading sports podcast network owned by Better Collective, home to shows featuring Shaquille O’Neal, Angel Reese, and Marshawn Lynch. Previously at The Players’ Tribune, Drew has been instrumental in shaping athlete-driven media, overseeing partnerships, production, and growth initiatives that connect fans and talent in meaningful ways. ⁠⁠ Andy Marston⁠⁠ is the founder of Sports Pundit, a community and media platform for sports and technology executives. Through a weekly newsletter, podcast network, lively group chat, and regular social events, he shares industry analysis and connects leaders across the sector. Alongside Sports Pundit, Andy leads Corporate Venture at athlete-backed venture firm, The Players Fund, where he works with high-profile sports IP such as Como 1907 and Juventus to design venture strategies and drive innovation initiatives. ⁠⁠ Dom Collingwood⁠⁠ is the founder of Fanzo, the world's most used sports bar finder, helping fans find the best bars and venues showing live sport near you. Alongside his business partner Leo MacLehose, he launched the company to revolutionise match viewing experiences and currently oversees operations across multiple global markets, including Australia, France, Great Britain, Ireland, Germany, Austria and the USA.