#314: How Kiri Madhani pivoted into Commercial Partnerships at DAZN

How do you pivot your career to the commercial side of sport so you can grow the game you love?

Kiri Madhani breaks down how she transitioned from game development roles to become a Senior Commercial Partnerships Manager at DAZN growing women’s football in Europe.

If you feel like your career is a bit stuck, this is your roadmap.

About the guest:

Kiri Madhani Senior Commercial Partnerships Manager at DAZN, and is part of the team recently short-listed for Football Business of the Year Award at the 2025 Women’s Football Awards.

Plenty to look out for in this conversation including Who is DAZN and what makes them a massive player in the sports media world. How Kiri consciously pivoted her career from game develop roles across university sport and charities into the Commercial world working with $Million deals and major rights holders. Plus tools on how to handle difficult conversations and work with others effectively. Kiri is one of my oldest friends in the sports industry, so naturally we go off topic a little from time to time, but I hope you enjoy.

We cover:

(00:00) - Interview begins

(03:05) - Introduction

(08:35) - Quick fire questions

(20:01) - Kiri's role at DAZN explained

(29:58) - Kiri's involvement in branding & pitching process

(32:14) - Selling brand deals

(37:25) - Understanding DAZN's offering

(41:00) - Working with FIBA Media growing Women's Basketball

(45:10) - How Kiri landed the role at DAZN

(50:09) - How the FISU Forum in France influenced Kiri's career

(58:07) - How a side role at London Rowing Club helped Kiri in landing a job in commercial sport

(01:04:03) - Tips for a successful interview

(01:10:10) - How to have tough conversations with colleagues

(01:20:11) - Advice to her younger self

If you like this ep, give these a go next:

#289: How to move from London to Australia and work in Sports Marketing | George Ludlow’s journey to Gemba

#290: Inside the 2025 FISU World University Games with Mirinda Kidman

#309: How I landed a dream job at Cricket Australia | Reuben Williams, Founder of SportsGrad

Want a job in sport? Click here.

Follow SportsGrad on socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok Follow Reuben on socials: LinkedIn | Instagram | TikTok

Big thanks to Deakin University for making this episode possible. Check out their Master of Sport Management, ranked #1 in Australia.

Thanks for listening, much love!

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