Matt Slater
@mjslater.bsky.social
I cover the business/politics of football & other global sports for The Athletic. In other words, I mainly do bad news.
🔗 https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/matt-slater/
🔗 https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/author/matt-slater/
Pinned
How we will be watching football in 2035
Six predictions for the how viewing football will change — from gaming-style presentation to smart glasses
www.nytimes.com
On an evening when many of us will be second-screening, multi-viewing or prime-visioning, here’s a piece about how we might be watching football 10 years from now. Fwiw, I suspect it won’t be too dissimilar to tonight.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Reposted by Matt Slater
Google is a near-$4tn monument to monopoly power on.ft.com/4oi7mNC
Google is a near-$4tn monument to monopoly power
As threat from ChatGPT recedes, users are searching more with the market leader and monetisation seems to be intact
on.ft.com
November 25, 2025 at 8:01 PM
Google is a near-$4tn monument to monopoly power on.ft.com/4oi7mNC
Reposted by Matt Slater
Cristiano Ronaldo has avoided a suspension for the start of next summer’s World Cup after FIFA handed the Portugal captain a three-match ban, with the final two games suspended for “a one-year probation period”.
Cristiano Ronaldo avoids World Cup ban as FIFA grant Portugal captain ‘probationary period’
Ronaldo, 40, was sent off in Portugal's penultimate World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland.
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 5:03 PM
Cristiano Ronaldo has avoided a suspension for the start of next summer’s World Cup after FIFA handed the Portugal captain a three-match ban, with the final two games suspended for “a one-year probation period”.
Reposted by Matt Slater
On Tuesday, FIFA finalised seeding and procedures for the 2026 World Cup draw, including two new wrinkles with implications for the title favourites and co-hosts.
More from @henrybushnell.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
More from @henrybushnell.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
November 25, 2025 at 5:21 PM
On Tuesday, FIFA finalised seeding and procedures for the 2026 World Cup draw, including two new wrinkles with implications for the title favourites and co-hosts.
More from @henrybushnell.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
More from @henrybushnell.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
On an evening when many of us will be second-screening, multi-viewing or prime-visioning, here’s a piece about how we might be watching football 10 years from now. Fwiw, I suspect it won’t be too dissimilar to tonight.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
How we will be watching football in 2035
Six predictions for the how viewing football will change — from gaming-style presentation to smart glasses
www.nytimes.com
November 25, 2025 at 7:42 PM
On an evening when many of us will be second-screening, multi-viewing or prime-visioning, here’s a piece about how we might be watching football 10 years from now. Fwiw, I suspect it won’t be too dissimilar to tonight.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
As revealed earlier, they’re back! For those still following the ESL franchise, I make this the 4th iteration of A22’s plan to replace the deeply unpopular Champions League that nobody wants to watch, televise or sponsor. Apparently.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
November 24, 2025 at 11:14 PM
As revealed earlier, they’re back! For those still following the ESL franchise, I make this the 4th iteration of A22’s plan to replace the deeply unpopular Champions League that nobody wants to watch, televise or sponsor. Apparently.
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
The men who gave us the European Super League are back with a tweak to their Unify League idea. It’s the ‘Swiss model’ but split into 2x18 seeded groups. They want UEFA to approve it by mid-Jan & they’ve begun legal action with Real Madrid against UEFA.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Super League company demands UEFA authorises its new ‘Unify League’
Court of Justice for the European Union ruled in 2023 that UEFA’s approach to potential competitors breached EU law.
www.nytimes.com
November 24, 2025 at 4:31 PM
The men who gave us the European Super League are back with a tweak to their Unify League idea. It’s the ‘Swiss model’ but split into 2x18 seeded groups. They want UEFA to approve it by mid-Jan & they’ve begun legal action with Real Madrid against UEFA.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Reposted by Matt Slater
Alexander Isak looked like a passenger for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest. And, right now, Liverpool cannot afford passengers.
Isak’s first few months as the Premier League’s most expensive footballer could hardly have gone worse.
✍️ @oliverkay.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Isak’s first few months as the Premier League’s most expensive footballer could hardly have gone worse.
✍️ @oliverkay.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
November 24, 2025 at 9:27 AM
Alexander Isak looked like a passenger for Liverpool against Nottingham Forest. And, right now, Liverpool cannot afford passengers.
Isak’s first few months as the Premier League’s most expensive footballer could hardly have gone worse.
✍️ @oliverkay.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Isak’s first few months as the Premier League’s most expensive footballer could hardly have gone worse.
✍️ @oliverkay.bsky.social
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/683...
Reposted by Matt Slater
Vinicius Junior has told Real Madrid that he does not want to renew his contract while his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso remains so strained.
More from Mario Cortegana ⤵️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
More from Mario Cortegana ⤵️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
November 24, 2025 at 2:18 PM
Vinicius Junior has told Real Madrid that he does not want to renew his contract while his relationship with head coach Xabi Alonso remains so strained.
More from Mario Cortegana ⤵️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
More from Mario Cortegana ⤵️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
The Premier League (shareholders meeting) is BACK! Here’s my report from a day that featured a record loss, the tightest of wins, European implications, Championship fears, play-acting, a crackdown on cheating & a very relieved management team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Premier League squad cost ratio and anchoring summit — which clubs voted for what?
On Friday, the Premier League's 20 clubs voted on three potential financial rule changes — so who voted for what?
www.nytimes.com
November 22, 2025 at 9:14 PM
The Premier League (shareholders meeting) is BACK! Here’s my report from a day that featured a record loss, the tightest of wins, European implications, Championship fears, play-acting, a crackdown on cheating & a very relieved management team.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Reposted by Matt Slater
Premier League clubs have voted to overhaul the league’s financial regulations from the start of the 2026-27 season.
Full story from @mjslater.bsky.social here ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Full story from @mjslater.bsky.social here ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
November 21, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Premier League clubs have voted to overhaul the league’s financial regulations from the start of the 2026-27 season.
Full story from @mjslater.bsky.social here ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Full story from @mjslater.bsky.social here ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Reposted by Matt Slater
Paramount+ has won the rights to broadcast the majority of Champions League games in the United Kingdom from 2027 to 2031, with Sky Sports winning the rights to broadcast Europa League and Conference League matches from the 2027/28 season.
Updated story from @mjslater.bsky.social ⬇️
Updated story from @mjslater.bsky.social ⬇️
November 20, 2025 at 9:03 PM
Paramount+ has won the rights to broadcast the majority of Champions League games in the United Kingdom from 2027 to 2031, with Sky Sports winning the rights to broadcast Europa League and Conference League matches from the 2027/28 season.
Updated story from @mjslater.bsky.social ⬇️
Updated story from @mjslater.bsky.social ⬇️
As I don’t think you can bet on this, I’ll share my predictions for tomorrow’s votes. Anchoring will be first & will be comfortably rejected. That will bring back enough rebels to get squad cost through. Just. SSR, the sustainability provision, will pass.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Premier League ‘anchoring’ proposals, ‘salary cap’ and what Friday’s vote means for your club
Premier League clubs will take part in three votes on Friday that will decide whether new regulations are brought in
www.nytimes.com
November 20, 2025 at 10:41 PM
As I don’t think you can bet on this, I’ll share my predictions for tomorrow’s votes. Anchoring will be first & will be comfortably rejected. That will bring back enough rebels to get squad cost through. Just. SSR, the sustainability provision, will pass.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
Reposted by Matt Slater
Arsenal have confirmed their sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda will end in June 2026 after eight seasons.
The deal with Arsenal’s first sleeve sponsor began in 2018 and brought in £10million according to club accounts for 2023-24.
The deal with Arsenal’s first sleeve sponsor began in 2018 and brought in £10million according to club accounts for 2023-24.
Arsenal to end eight-year Visit Rwanda sponsorship deal
The north London club's association with the tourist board was the subject of criticism and fan protests.
www.nytimes.com
November 19, 2025 at 10:31 AM
Arsenal have confirmed their sponsorship deal with Visit Rwanda will end in June 2026 after eight seasons.
The deal with Arsenal’s first sleeve sponsor began in 2018 and brought in £10million according to club accounts for 2023-24.
The deal with Arsenal’s first sleeve sponsor began in 2018 and brought in £10million according to club accounts for 2023-24.
Reposted by Matt Slater
🎙️To his detractors, he’s a government crony & the body he runs may ruin one of the few things we do well. To his fans, he’s the media guru whose brain, elbows & thick skin can save football from itself.
Here’s independent football regulator David Kogan. You decide.
pod.fo/e/3550cd
Here’s independent football regulator David Kogan. You decide.
pod.fo/e/3550cd
The Athletic FC Podcast: Meet the man expected to fix English football
Today we bring you an audio exclusive with David Kogan, Chair of the Independent Football Regulator.A role that makes him one of the most powerful people in English football.So what powers will he ...
pod.fo
November 18, 2025 at 4:43 PM
🎙️To his detractors, he’s a government crony & the body he runs may ruin one of the few things we do well. To his fans, he’s the media guru whose brain, elbows & thick skin can save football from itself.
Here’s independent football regulator David Kogan. You decide.
pod.fo/e/3550cd
Here’s independent football regulator David Kogan. You decide.
pod.fo/e/3550cd
🎙️To his detractors, he’s a government crony & the body he runs may ruin one of the few things we do well. To his fans, he’s the media guru whose brain, elbows & thick skin can save football from itself.
Here’s independent football regulator David Kogan. You decide.
pod.fo/e/3550cd
Here’s independent football regulator David Kogan. You decide.
pod.fo/e/3550cd
The Athletic FC Podcast: Meet the man expected to fix English football
Today we bring you an audio exclusive with David Kogan, Chair of the Independent Football Regulator.A role that makes him one of the most powerful people in English football.So what powers will he ...
pod.fo
November 18, 2025 at 4:43 PM
🎙️To his detractors, he’s a government crony & the body he runs may ruin one of the few things we do well. To his fans, he’s the media guru whose brain, elbows & thick skin can save football from itself.
Here’s independent football regulator David Kogan. You decide.
pod.fo/e/3550cd
Here’s independent football regulator David Kogan. You decide.
pod.fo/e/3550cd
Reposted by Matt Slater
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to attend a meeting at the White House, on a day when U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in the Oval Office, multiple sources have confirmed to The Athletic.
@henrybushnell.bsky.social & @adamcrafton.bsky.social
@henrybushnell.bsky.social & @adamcrafton.bsky.social
Cristiano Ronaldo expected to attend White House meeting as Trump hosts Saudi Prince MBS
Ronaldo's appearance in Washington, D.C., will mark his first known return to the U.S. in over a decade
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:26 PM
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to attend a meeting at the White House, on a day when U.S. President Donald Trump is set to host the Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman in the Oval Office, multiple sources have confirmed to The Athletic.
@henrybushnell.bsky.social & @adamcrafton.bsky.social
@henrybushnell.bsky.social & @adamcrafton.bsky.social
In a week when Premier League clubs appear unlikely to agree on new financial rules, the case for independent regulation seems stronger than ever. But it won’t be - and shouldn’t try to be - a panacea for all of football’s ills, as IFR chair David Kogan explains 👇.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
English football needs oversight to face ‘extreme challenges’, says Football Regulator chair
Speaking to The Athletic FC podcast, Kogan explained that issues further down the pyramid explain the need for the newly-created regulator.
www.nytimes.com
November 18, 2025 at 12:29 PM
In a week when Premier League clubs appear unlikely to agree on new financial rules, the case for independent regulation seems stronger than ever. But it won’t be - and shouldn’t try to be - a panacea for all of football’s ills, as IFR chair David Kogan explains 👇.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
🎙️The Athletic’s resident futurologists @adamleventhal.bsky.social @adamcrafton.bsky.social & I discuss digital piracy, “Premflix”, the 3pm blackout, American chocolate, hyper-personalisation, smart glasses & professional rodeo.
Yes, it’s an international break.
pod.fo/e/3546cb
Yes, it’s an international break.
pod.fo/e/3546cb
The Athletic FC Podcast: The future of watching football
A week ago we released a documentary about illegal streaming. It’s fair to say, you’ve had a lot to say about it.So, today we’re going to answer your questions, and look to the future of watc...
pod.fo
November 17, 2025 at 9:54 PM
🎙️The Athletic’s resident futurologists @adamleventhal.bsky.social @adamcrafton.bsky.social & I discuss digital piracy, “Premflix”, the 3pm blackout, American chocolate, hyper-personalisation, smart glasses & professional rodeo.
Yes, it’s an international break.
pod.fo/e/3546cb
Yes, it’s an international break.
pod.fo/e/3546cb
Reposted by Matt Slater
Nasser Hussain has joined The Athletic as a columnist as part of our coverage of the Ashes, which begin on Friday in Perth.
“This series usually defines England captains and coaches, and this one will.”
Hussain will return to provide analysis for The Athletic after each Test.
“This series usually defines England captains and coaches, and this one will.”
Hussain will return to provide analysis for The Athletic after each Test.
Nasser Hussain interview: ‘The Ashes defines England captains and coaches’
The former England captain is joining The Athletic's Ashes coverage - he can't wait for the talking to stop and the cricket to start
theathletic.com
November 17, 2025 at 8:15 AM
Nasser Hussain has joined The Athletic as a columnist as part of our coverage of the Ashes, which begin on Friday in Perth.
“This series usually defines England captains and coaches, and this one will.”
Hussain will return to provide analysis for The Athletic after each Test.
“This series usually defines England captains and coaches, and this one will.”
Hussain will return to provide analysis for The Athletic after each Test.
OK, let’s do it this way: hands up, who likes top-to-bottom anchoring?
Football agents join the players and several clubs in the “no thanks” camp ahead of Friday’s crucial votes on the Premier League’s proposed new financial rules.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Football agents join the players and several clubs in the “no thanks” camp ahead of Friday’s crucial votes on the Premier League’s proposed new financial rules.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Three leading football agencies threaten to sue Premier League ahead of anchoring vote
The proposed new regime will be voted on by clubs at their next Premier League shareholders’ meeting in London on Friday.
www.nytimes.com
November 16, 2025 at 3:39 PM
OK, let’s do it this way: hands up, who likes top-to-bottom anchoring?
Football agents join the players and several clubs in the “no thanks” camp ahead of Friday’s crucial votes on the Premier League’s proposed new financial rules.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Football agents join the players and several clubs in the “no thanks” camp ahead of Friday’s crucial votes on the Premier League’s proposed new financial rules.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
Can you imagine how much better this England-Serbia game would be if it was 3rd v 29th in a (don’t call it) Swiss model qualifying league? No? How about if it was a Nations League game with qualification points? Still no? Straight to penalties? Draw lots?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
English FA calls for ‘overhaul’ of European qualifying for World Cups and Euros
England qualified for next summer's World Cup with two matches to spare in their group, and have not lost a World Cup qualifier since 2009.
www.nytimes.com
November 13, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Can you imagine how much better this England-Serbia game would be if it was 3rd v 29th in a (don’t call it) Swiss model qualifying league? No? How about if it was a Nations League game with qualification points? Still no? Straight to penalties? Draw lots?
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Reposted by Matt Slater
Why are England’s players wearing ‘mind-altering’ foam shoes as part of their World Cup preparations?
It’s apparently all in the name of neuro-science.
@dansheldon.bsky.social explains ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
It’s apparently all in the name of neuro-science.
@dansheldon.bsky.social explains ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
November 13, 2025 at 2:32 PM
Why are England’s players wearing ‘mind-altering’ foam shoes as part of their World Cup preparations?
It’s apparently all in the name of neuro-science.
@dansheldon.bsky.social explains ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
It’s apparently all in the name of neuro-science.
@dansheldon.bsky.social explains ⬇️
🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
Reposted by Matt Slater
Another price increase for the 2026 World Cup…
Sensing strong demand, FIFA raised the cost of many tickets to record-setting heights — the first large-scale implementation of its “variable pricing” strategy.
Details from @henrybushnell.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Sensing strong demand, FIFA raised the cost of many tickets to record-setting heights — the first large-scale implementation of its “variable pricing” strategy.
Details from @henrybushnell.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
November 12, 2025 at 11:10 PM
Another price increase for the 2026 World Cup…
Sensing strong demand, FIFA raised the cost of many tickets to record-setting heights — the first large-scale implementation of its “variable pricing” strategy.
Details from @henrybushnell.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Sensing strong demand, FIFA raised the cost of many tickets to record-setting heights — the first large-scale implementation of its “variable pricing” strategy.
Details from @henrybushnell.bsky.social: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Reposted by Matt Slater
Shane Warne took 708 wickets in 145 Tests for Australia and reinvigorated what had become the dying art of leg-spin bowling.
But Shane Keith Warne was so much more than statistics.
🔗 theathletic.com/6787575/?sou...
But Shane Keith Warne was so much more than statistics.
🔗 theathletic.com/6787575/?sou...
November 13, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Shane Warne took 708 wickets in 145 Tests for Australia and reinvigorated what had become the dying art of leg-spin bowling.
But Shane Keith Warne was so much more than statistics.
🔗 theathletic.com/6787575/?sou...
But Shane Keith Warne was so much more than statistics.
🔗 theathletic.com/6787575/?sou...
Reposted by Matt Slater
Matchroom Boxing say they are in talks with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) over a possible fight between the social media influencer and Anthony Joshua.
Full story here ⤵️
🔗 theathletic.com/6803716/?sou...
Full story here ⤵️
🔗 theathletic.com/6803716/?sou...
November 13, 2025 at 12:02 PM
Matchroom Boxing say they are in talks with Jake Paul’s Most Valuable Promotions (MVP) over a possible fight between the social media influencer and Anthony Joshua.
Full story here ⤵️
🔗 theathletic.com/6803716/?sou...
Full story here ⤵️
🔗 theathletic.com/6803716/?sou...