Gary Neville officially leaves business after 9 years

Manchester United’s most recognisable voices in the media have continued to expand their presence away from the pitch in recent years.

Gary Neville has long combined his punditry work with a growing portfolio of business ventures since retiring from playing.

His media empire has become one of the most influential in English football, spanning podcasts, YouTube shows and now major streaming partnerships.

That empire has continued to grow throughout this year, even as elements of Neville’s earlier business ventures have shifted.

One of those changes was confirmed by the former United captain.

Gary Neville has announced he is leaving Buzz 16, the sports production company he co-founded back in 2016.

Gary Neville leaves business

Posting on LinkedIn, Neville wrote, “After an incredible journey, I’ve now exited Buzz 16.”

He added, “I’m hugely proud of what we’ve built over the years and I’m grateful to everyone who has been part of it – Scott Melvin and Marc Boyan/Miroma Group and all of the staff, partners and brilliant talent we’ve worked alongside.”

“I wish the team every success for the future,” Neville concluded.

Buzz 16 was originally co-founded by Gary Neville alongside former Sky Sports producers Scott Melvin and Diana Law, and specialises in live sports coverage, documentaries and studio programming.

The company forms part of Neville’s wider Relentless Group, which also includes hospitality and property ventures in Manchester.

Media agency Miroma Group acquired a majority stake in Buzz 16 back in 2021 to help expand its international reach.

Neville’s exit from Buzz 16 comes at a time when his other media venture, The Overlap, continues to grow at pace.

The Overlap recently agreed a landmark deal with Disney+, bringing two of its biggest football shows to the streaming platform.

The agreement will allow Disney+ subscribers to watch 40 episodes of “Stick to Football”, hosted by Neville alongside Jamie Carragher, Jill Scott, Ian Wright and Roy Keane.

Disney+ will also broadcast 50 episodes of a brand-new show, “Stick to United with Wayne Rooney”, co-hosted by Rooney and content creator Mark Goldbridge.

Both shows will remain available on YouTube alongside their new home on the streaming service.

The Overlap has grown rapidly since its 2021 launch, building one of the most listened-to football podcasts in the country.

Neville’s decision to step away from Buzz 16 appears to reflect a broader shift in focus towards The Overlap as his primary media project going forward.