Navigating Economic Downturns: EPL Poised to Outperform in Next Cycle

SportBusiness Podcast delivers Insights on Premier League Rights, America’s Cup, and Industry Loss

New analysis reveals notable trends in the world of sports business, as discussed on the latest episode of The SportBusiness Podcast. Experts are predicting continued growth in international revenue for the English Premier League,alongside a strategic overhaul of the America’s Cup competition. The podcast also honored the memory of Josh Burack, a highly respected figure in the sports industry.

Premier League’s Global Revenue Surge

Frank Dunne, a leading voice in sports media rights, shared his projections for the Premier League’s ongoing financial success. He anticipates continued increases in revenue generated from international broadcasting deals, reflecting the league’s ever-expanding global fanbase. The Premier League remains the most-watched football league in the world, attracting viewers from across the globe.

Recent data from Statista indicates that the Premier League generated approximately £6.7 billion in revenue during the 2022-2023 season, with international broadcasting rights accounting for a substantial portion of that figure. Statista

America’s Cup Embraces F1-Style Commercial Model

Matthew Glendinning and Jonathan Rest explored the America’s Cup’s recent decision to adopt a Formula 1-inspired commercial strategy. This significant change aims to streamline commercial operations and enhance the competition’s appeal to sponsors and audiences alike. The move reflects a growing trend in sports to professionalize commercial ventures and maximize revenue potential.

Did You Know? The America’s Cup is the oldest international sporting trophy, first raced in 1851.

Remembering Josh Burack

The episode also paid tribute to Josh Burack, a beloved industry executive who recently passed away on August 8. Martin Ross and Nick Haigh, a business partner and friend of burack, shared heartfelt memories and recounted his impactful career. Burack’s contributions to the sports industry were widely recognized, and his loss is deeply felt.

podcast Accessibility and Discounts

Listeners can access The SportBusiness Podcast on various platforms, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.A special discount is available for new subscribers to SportBusiness.com; using the code SBPODCAST30 at checkout grants access to a 30-percent discount on monthly and annual subscriptions.

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The Evolving Landscape of Sports Media Rights

The value of sports media rights continues to climb as streaming services and traditional broadcasters compete for exclusive content. This trend is driven by the increasing demand for live sports and the desire to reach a wider audience.The Premier League, with its global appeal, is at the forefront of this revolution, benefiting enormously from fierce bidding wars for broadcasting rights.

Pro Tip: Stay informed about sports media rights trends by following industry publications like SportBusiness and exploring reports from market research firms like Nielsen.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you think the Premier League’s international success will continue? What are the potential benefits of the America’s Cup’s new commercial strategy?

Share your thoughts on these developments in the comments below and stay tuned for more updates from the world of sports business.

is EPL’s fee-based business model truly insulated from all economic pressures,or are there secondary effects of a downturn that could still impact revenue?

Understanding Economic Resilience & EPL’s Position

Economic downturns are certain. History demonstrates cyclical patterns of expansion adn contraction, and currently, with factors like technological change, geoeconomic fragmentation, and demographic shifts impacting the global labor market (as highlighted in the World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025), understanding how to position investments for resilience is paramount. Enterprise product Partners L.P. (EPL) – a leading North American provider of midstream energy infrastructure – presents a compelling case for outperformance during the next economic cycle. This isn’t about predicting if a downturn will occur, but when, and how specific assets are positioned to weather the storm.

why Midstream Energy is a defensive play

The midstream energy sector, and EPL specifically, operates on a largely fee-based business model. This is a critical differentiator.Unlike upstream (exploration & production) or downstream (refining & marketing) companies, EPL’s revenue isn’t directly tied to volatile commodity prices.

here’s a breakdown of why this matters during economic slowdowns:

Demand Inelasticity: Essential energy products – natural gas, natural gas liquids (ngls), crude oil, refined products – maintain relatively stable demand even during recessions. People still need to heat their homes,drive to work (even if less),and consume goods transported via energy.

Contractual Stability: The majority of EPL’s revenue is generated through long-term, take-or-pay contracts. This means customers are obligated to pay for capacity irrespective of whether they actually utilize it, providing a predictable revenue stream.

Essential Infrastructure: EPL’s pipelines, storage facilities, and processing plants are vital components of the energy supply chain.Disruptions would have notable economic consequences, making their services consistently in demand.

EPL’s Specific Strengths for Downturn Resilience

EPL isn’t just any midstream company; several factors contribute to its superior positioning:

Diversified Asset Base: EPL boasts a geographically diverse network spanning key producing regions, reducing reliance on any single area. This diversification mitigates regional economic risks.

Strong Financial Position: EPL consistently maintains a strong balance sheet with manageable debt levels. This financial versatility allows it to continue investing in strategic projects and perhaps acquire distressed assets during downturns. A solid credit rating also ensures access to capital at favorable rates.

Focus on NGLs: EPL has strategically focused on NGLs,which are used as feedstocks for petrochemicals. Demand for these products tends to be less cyclical than demand for gasoline or diesel.

Limited Exposure to Volatile crude Oil markets: While EPL handles some crude oil, its primary focus is on natural gas and NGLs, lessening its direct exposure to the often-turbulent crude oil market.

Historical Performance During Recessions

Looking back at past economic downturns, EPL has consistently demonstrated its resilience.

2008-2009 Financial Crisis: While the broader energy sector suffered,EPL’s fee-based model and stable cash flows allowed it to navigate the crisis relatively unscathed.Dividend payouts were maintained.

2015-2016 Oil Price Collapse: Despite the significant drop in oil prices, EPL continued to generate strong cash flow and maintained its distribution.

2020 COVID-19 Pandemic: The pandemic caused a sharp decline in energy demand, but EPL’s essential infrastructure role and contractual commitments provided a buffer against the worst effects.

These historical examples demonstrate a pattern of stability that sets EPL apart from its peers.

Key Metrics to watch for Assessing EPL’s Health

Investors should monitor these key metrics to assess EPL’s ongoing health and preparedness for a potential downturn:

1. distributable Cash Flow (DCF) coverage Ratio: A ratio above 1.0 indicates that EPL is generating enough cash to cover its distributions.
2. Debt-to-EBITDA Ratio: A lower ratio signifies a healthier balance sheet and less financial risk.
3. Contractual Backlog: The size and duration of EPL’s long-term contracts provide visibility into future revenue streams.
4. Throughput Volumes: Tracking volumes of products moving through EPL’s network provides insight into underlying demand.

Benefits of Investing in EPL During Economic uncertainty

Defensive Characteristics: EPL offers a degree of protection against economic downturns, making it a valuable addition to a diversified portfolio.

Attractive Distribution Yield: EPL consistently provides a high distribution yield,offering investors a steady stream of income.

Potential for Long-Term Growth: Strategic investments in infrastructure and the growing demand for NGLs position EPL for long-term growth.

Relative Stability: Compared to the volatility of the broader energy sector, EPL offers a more stable investment option.

Practical tips for Investors

* Dollar-Cost Averaging: Consider investing in EPL gradually over time to mitigate the risk of buying at a market peak