The Industry

As one of the fastest growing industries in the world, sport has benefited from a huge rise in media attention over the last decade. This public interest surpasses that of any other - whether it's in the back pages of the newspaper, on TV, radio or internet.

According to Sport Market forecasts in 2007 by the Sport Industry Research Centre, the value of the Sport Industry within the UK, was about £19.5 billion, it is now estimated to have risen to a value of £24 billion.

TSP specialises in Rugby Union and Cricket, both of which have overseen a dramatic rise in both commercial investment and popularity over the last few years.

This is largely down to the coverage and investment from BSkyB who not only broadcast the England Cricket Internationals Home and Away, but also dedicate a number of hours to county matches, allowing the public to watch more cricket and therefore raising interest levels.

In 2008, BSkyB and Channel Five retained the British TV rights to England's cricket matches, for £300 million.

This was a 50% increase on the £200 million deal that was paid for in 2007, highlighting the significant rise in value within the cricket industry.

The introduction of Twenty20 has also been a massive factor in the rise of investment and interest in cricket. This format of the game allows families to get more involved and attend matches after work or school and buy an affordable ticket. This rise in attendances and added coverage on TV through BSkyB, has been behind the increase in money generated within the sport.

Similar trends have been seen in English rugby, as since the World Cup Victory back in 2003, the sport has leapfrogged the likes of tennis and athletics, and become the UK's second most popular sport behind football. This has helped cement its place among the world's elite international sports with a growing number of commercial partners and sponsors providing lucrative sport at all levels. Such is the popularity of rugby, it is estimated that 4 billion people worldwide will tune into the Rugby World Cup in New Zealand in September 2011, as 238 countries receive the RWC broadcast.