Global takes majority stake in The Overlap

Global has acquired a majority stake in sports media group The Overlap, expanding its video and audio strategy with a strong focus on sport and football.

The deal brings The Overlap into Global’s growing content business and strengthens its position in sport-focused programming alongside radio, podcasting and digital video, with ambitions to develop new formats and channels across multiple sports.

Founded in 2021 by Gary Neville, The Overlap produces long-form discussion and debate shows across football, rugby and cricket, including the well-known Stick to Football series. The partnership follows a strategic investment process to support the next phase of growth, with Global taking a majority stake and Miroma Group exiting the business.

The new company will be co-chaired by Gary and Simon Pitts, with Scott Melvin continuing as Executive Director. Global will support The Overlap through production, distribution, marketing and advertising, including access to Global’s digital advertising exchange and its newly launched Global Studios operation.

Global Studios has been set up to support creators across audio and video, offering production facilities, multi-platform distribution and promotion across Global’s radio, digital and outdoor estate, placing the partnership firmly within Global’s wider radio and branded entertainment plans.

Gary said the project began as a creative idea rather than a commercial one and described the partnership as the right step to build a wider network, adding that Global would help turn that vision into reality.

Simon said The Overlap fitted closely with Global’s ambitions in sport and entertainment, saying the acquisition accelerates growth across video, podcasts and branded content following the launch of Sport by Global.

The Overlap will continue to develop new formats and work with established on-screen talent across football and other sports, while remaining editorially focused on conversation-led content made for digital and broadcast platforms.