In this episode, Matt Wood sits down with Joe Pattison of EMW Global to unpack the evolving world of global sports marketing. From his journey through media and international markets to working at the intersection of brands, athletes and rights holders, Joe shares a behind-the-scenes look at how modern sports partnerships are built.

They dive into the balance between global reach and local relevance, why athletes are becoming powerful brands in their own right, and how cultural nuance shapes deals across regions like Asia, the Middle East and Latin America. Joe also breaks down EMW’s end-to-end process - from strategy to activation - and explains what separates successful partnerships from the ones that fall apart.

Looking ahead, the conversation explores emerging markets, the growing importance of fan data, and how the sports industry is adapting in an AI-driven world. Whether you’re a brand, athlete or someone looking to break into the industry, this episode offers practical insights into where sports marketing is heading next.

Chapters:

00:00 Joe Pattison’s background and EMW Global overview
02:29 Do global sports deals still make sense in local markets?
04:12 How brands in different regions approach partnerships
05:36 Why Western sports properties are further ahead
06:37 Athletes as brands and why that matters now
09:42 What makes an athlete attractive to sponsors
11:28 Big social followings vs rising stars
13:53 Global icons or local talent: what works best?
16:19 How EMW Global builds partnerships step by step
18:54 In-house talent vs sourcing the right athlete
20:00 Why sports deals break down
21:52 The most underestimated growth markets in sport
23:49 The future of fan data, AI and sports marketing
27:59 Why owning audience data changes everything
28:26 Advice for young people breaking into sports marketing