Media and entertainment group Global has announced a strategic partnership with Gary Neville’s The Overlap. Under the terms of the deal, Global will take a majority stake in The Overlap and support its ambition to build a multi-format sports media network. The move follows the recent launch of Global’s digital-first studio and the acquisition of creator collective The Fellas Studios.
The Overlap has become a leading sports destination since launching in 2021, with more than 38 million monthly views on YouTube, and it recently announced it had achieved 2.2bn views across all platforms in 2025. It spans sports including football, rugby and cricket and is home to fan debates, exclusive interviews, and the series Stick to Football.
Global said the partners will build out a media network spanning multiple brands and channels across sports verticals, led by football. Global will use its platforms, relationships and marketing power to support the growth of The Overlap, from hosting and distribution to data-driven insights and ad sales, through Global’s digital ad exchange. The company will be co-chaired by Gary Neville and global group CEO Simon Pitts, with Scott Melvin as lead executive director.
“The Overlap started as an idea that we thought people might like and we went for it. What has happened since then has been a great journey and it’s a team that I love working with and I’m incredibly proud to be a part of,” said Neville. “We see huge growth potential for The Overlap and have spent the last few months in a strategic investment process and are delighted to have found the perfect partner in Global to power us forward and create The Overlap Network with the aim of becoming a world-leading football and sports media platform.”
Pitts added: “We want Global Studios to be the home of the best audio and video brands on the planet and The Overlap’s ambition, creativity and unrivalled connection with fans is a perfect fit. The acquisition of a majority stake in The Overlap accelerates our growth strategy across video, podcasts and branded entertainment, and strengthens Global’s position at the heart of the sports conversation following the recent launch of Sport by Global (a branded entertainment offering dedicated to sport).”
Melvin said: “The growth of The Overlap has always come from listening to our audience and understanding what brought them here in the first place. Because people loved Stick To Football, we’ve expanded into formats like Stick To Rugby and Stick To Cricket. This partnership allows us to continue doing that by developing new formats, continuing to work with leading talent, and delivering world-class sports content for our community.”
