Chambercast Episode 29 - Justin Pascoe

 

In this episode of Chambercast, the President and Pep speak with Justin Pascoe, Director of Global Sports Fund Management Group and co-owner of the Sunshine Coast Lightning. Justin shares his journey from Melbourne to the Sunshine Coast, including a career that spans AFL involvement, corporate leadership, and private equity in Los Angeles. His experience in global sports and business has shaped his approach to building sustainable, high-performing sporting organisations.

Justin discusses the evolution of sport as an asset class, highlighting how strong participation and storytelling drive fan engagement and commercial growth. Through Global Sports Fund, he focuses on investing in emerging opportunities, particularly in women’s sport, which he believes is one of the most undervalued and high-growth areas globally. His insights reflect a strong belief in the long-term value of sport beyond just entertainment, including its social and community impact.

Turning to the Sunshine Coast Lightning, Justin explains that the club’s deep community connection and strong participation in netball made it a compelling investment. While the team is performing well and has a loyal following, challenges remain—especially around stadium capacity and the need to grow corporate partnerships. He emphasises the importance of enhancing the game-day experience and building stronger commercial support to ensure the club’s long-term success in a regional market.

Looking ahead, Justin outlines plans to strengthen local talent pathways through the development of a Sunshine Coast-based netball academy and to continue embedding the Lightning within the community. He calls on local businesses and supporters to get behind the team, reinforcing that the Lightning is not only a professional sporting club but also a key part of the region’s identity and future growth.