Lucy Wray: Building Culture, Driving Change and Backing Women’s Sport

The Game Changers

Lucy Wray: Building Culture, Driving Change and Backing Women’s Sport

"Sport is this incredible rollercoaster of winning, losing, learning and bonding — I don’t think anything else creates that kind of magic."

This week on The Game Changers, Sue Anstiss is joined by Lucy Wray – an inspiring and influential leader in sport whose journey spans elite performance, business innovation and transformative change.

A former Wales lacrosse captain with over 70 international caps, Lucy’s early experiences as an athlete have shaped her deep understanding of team culture and what it takes to succeed at the highest level.

As Group CEO of Saracens from 2020 to 2024, Lucy led the club through one of its most turbulent periods – navigating relegation, the salary cap scandal and a global pandemic, all while pregnant. Her reflections on resilience, leadership and staying true to your values in the face of crisis are both powerful and profoundly honest.

Now as an investor, co-owner of London Mavericks Netball and board member of the Netball Super League, Lucy shares her bold vision for the growth of professional women’s sport. With a rare mix of commercial acumen and heartfelt purpose, Lucy speaks about building sustainable business models, creating inclusive, player-first cultures and investing in women’s sport not just as a commercial opportunity – but as a force for social change.

Whether she’s talking about building businesses, empowering athletes or creating unforgettable matchday experiences, Lucy’s story is one of courage, creativity and an unshakeable belief in the power of sport to do good.

This is a must-listen for anyone passionate about the future of sport, the rise of women’s sport and what it truly means to lead with purpose.

Thank you to Sport England who support The Game Changers Podcast with a National Lottery award.
Find out more about The Game Changers podcast here: https://www.fearlesswomen.co.uk/thegamechangers

Hosted by Sue Anstiss
Produced by Sam Walker, What Goes On Media
A Fearless Women production

Chapters

1. Introduction to Lucy Ray (00:00:00)

2. Lucy's journey in lacrosse and sports (00:01:45)

3. Family connections to Saracens Rugby (00:07:15)

4. Early career and building business skills (00:14:54)

5. Taking on CEO role during Saracens crisis (00:22:49)

6. Leadership style and building team culture (00:31:02)

7. Women's rugby challenges and opportunities (00:38:40)

8. London Mavericks and netball investment (00:43:40)