In a significant move for the UK sports media landscape, the Global Group has acquired a majority stake in The Overlap, the media business founded by former Manchester United and England footballer Gary Neville.
Details of the Acquisition
The deal, which was confirmed on Tuesday 6 January 2026, sees the radio and media powerhouse take control of the venture launched by Neville in 2021. The agreement results in previous majority shareholders, the Miroma Group, exiting the business.
The Overlap's most famous production is the popular video series Stick to Football, which features a star-studded line-up including Neville, Jamie Carragher, Roy Keane, Ian Wright, and Jill Scott. The brand has since expanded into rugby union and cricket with dedicated spin-off content.
Strategic Vision and Leadership
Neville expressed strong optimism about the partnership, stating the strategic investment process had led them to the "perfect partner" in Global. The vision is to grow "The Overlap Network" into a world-leading football and sports media platform.
Under the new structure, Gary Neville will co-chair the Global entity alongside Global Group's chief executive, Simon Pitts. Former Sky Sports producer Scott Melvin will take the role of lead executive director, driving day-to-day operations.
Financials and Market Context
Accounts filed for The Overlap Limited to 30 June 2024 showed net assets of £406,000, with several changes relating to significant control noted in December of that year. The sale follows Neville's recent partial exit from Salford City FC, which he co-owns with David Beckham.
The Overlap has capitalised on the growing appetite for alternative sports content, rivalling other ventures like Gary Lineker's Goalhanger. It boasts over 38 million monthly views on YouTube. Global has pledged to leverage its marketing power, platforms, and digital advertising exchange (DAX) to accelerate The Overlap's growth through distribution and data-driven insights.
