Barry Hearn, best known for transforming snooker, darts and boxing into major television sports, remains one of the world's most recognisable sporting promoters at 78. His involvement in football began in March 1995 when he saved Leyton Orient from bankruptcy by buying the club for just £2.43. By 2007, three sides of Brisbane Road had been rebuilt, and by 2012 he had wiped out any debt and reportedly invested around £8m.

Orient reached the League One play-off final in 2013/14 but lost to Rotherham at Wembley, after which Hearn sold the club to Francesco Becchetti. After nine years away from football, Hearn returned in July 2023 when Matchroom sponsored the home shirt of Brentwood Town, an Isthmian League North Division side based three miles from Matchroom's headquarters. The following year he took a minority stake, and earlier this summer a five-year partnership and "a significant investment" was announced.

Chairman Jez Dickinson said Hearn initially became involved through a Saint Francis Hospice event, where they bonded over a game. Dickinson has been the driving force since taking over as chairman in May 2019, having previously noted "no pathway for the youth into the first team", "the bar was like a 1970s pub", and "the ambition was just to stay in the league". Under his leadership, Brentwood installed a brand new 3G pitch in summer 2024, won the Isthmian North Division in 2024/25, and lost the play-off final last season with a National League South place at stake.

The club now has a Centre of Excellence with 250 boys and girls aged six to 12. Dickinson said he speaks to Hearn once or twice a week, describing him as hands-on and available for discussions, and believes Hearn's involvement provides the chance to take the club to another level.