The Soccer Business Podcast

Former Manchester United, Chelsea and Spain midfielder Juan Mata and his business partner Jürgen Griesbeck join Simon Evans to launch Unleash Football, a new project that aims to give players, fans and the wider football community a bigger say in how the game is run.

Unleash Football is part of the C Lab framework. It lets anyone take part by answering questions on an anonymous survey platform. Mata and Griesbeck say the results will be a "mandate" from the game: a first wave of data that can be built on in later waves and shared with g...

Sam Mewis signed her first pro contract for $15,000. Ten years later, the league she came up in has free agency, purpose-built stadiums and a wave of brands that had never touched sport before. 

In this episode, I spoke to two USWNT world champions, Emily Sonnett and Sam Mewis. We discussed how they turned a sport that barely had a league into a career, what it takes to build a team around you as a pro, and how they're planning for life after the final whistle.

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Como's rise from Serie D to Serie A is one of the most unlikely stories in modern football — but what's happening off the pitch might be even more interesting than what's happening on it.

In this episode, I sit down by Lake Como with club President Mirwan Suwarso to break down how the club engineered its climb through Italian football, and the innovative commercial strategy powering its next chapter — one that leans into tourism, fashion, and food as much as it does results on the pitch.

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Kay Cossington spent 20 years building women's football from the inside at England's FA — then walked straight into private equity. Now she's CEO of Bay Collective and Head of Global Women's Football at Sixth Street, running a multi-club ownership platform with no ceiling on ambition.

She talks through the FA's "What It Takes to Win" model that led to hiring Sarina Wiegman, why England never tried to copy the US college pipeline, and what she really thinks happens when private equity money meets a sport still building its infrastructure. Plus: the uncomfortable question nobody's asking about patient capital ve...

Robert Faulkner, Chief Marketing Officer of Wrexham, joins the pod to break down how the club, backed by Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, have managed their extraordinary rise through the divisions, their new American fan base and the global impact of the Welcome to Wrexham documentary. This episode was recorded on-site at the World Football Summit in Madrid.

Women’s soccer is no longer just a game on the field - it’s an emerging asset class, and Chelsea Washington knows exactly why that matters. From becoming the first player drafted from her college into the NWSL to working in sports finance and investment today, she breaks down the business side of the women’s game that most fans never see.Simon Evans and Vnciane Ngomsi sit down with Chelsea Washington for a sharp, revealing conversation about the shift from athlete to investor, what she learned inside the locker rooms of the league’s golden era, and why the...

Zavier Gozo from Salt Lake to Premier League Crystal Palace, Sebastian Berhalter and Max Arfsten to Middlesbrough, even two USL strikers moving to Scotland. Why are British and European clubs suddenly buying players from MLS and USL? And can MLS and USL grow by being 'selling leagues'? Tom Bogert of The Athletic, America's number one journalist on soccer's transfer market, joins The Soccer Business to take a look at what is going on? 

Jennifer Levine, Vice President of Communications and Public Relations with the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) joins the pod to talk about the growth of the league, their core and target audiences, how the league is story telling and whether there is competition with other women's sports league such as the WNBA. This is the first of our new series 'The Women's Soccer Business Podcast'.

Clubs are paying for mountains of player data — and using as little as 15% of it. Dean Bracha, founder of Marquee, joins the launch episode of The Stack to explain how his Tel Aviv-based platform is using AI to close that gap, and why he thinks most recruitment departments are still making multi-million-pound decisions on a fraction of the information available to them.

Simon Evans and André Da Costa dig into how Marquee's 12 proprietary AI models work as a "decision intelligence layer" sitting on top of a club's existing data stack — automating roughly 70-75% of the recruitment analysis proce...

In the first of our new series on investment topics 'The Deal Room' we take a look at reports that Amazon owner Jeff Bezos is part of a consortium looking to acquire a sizable chunk of Liverpool FC. With the club's valuation reported to be somewhere between $6 billion and $8 billion, what would this investment mean for the club? Does Fenway Sports Group have an exit strategy and what kind of presence would Bezos be at Anfield? Former Liverpool CEO Peter Moore returns to the pod to give his view on the situation.

MLS is banking on it's partnership with Liga MX in the Leagues Cup, which got underway this week, to deliver growth across all areas of the business. On Wednesday the competition held its first game on Mexican soil with a packed crowd in Toluca witnessing the clash with the Seattle Sounders.

Tom Mayo, Executive Director of Leagues Cup, joined the pod to outline MLS's thinking about the tournament and reveal how the competition will fit into the new-look MLS calendar.

Plus we touch upon the unveiling of Larry Berg as new commissioner of MLS in...

Larry Berg is the new MLS Commissioner having been chosen to replace Don Garber in the top seat at the league. But what to expect from the former private equity executive and LAFC co-owner? What will be at the top of his agenda. Brian Anderson from Sheppard Mullin, an analyst of American soccer business, joins the pod to talk to Andre and Simon about the big new appointment.

Simon Evans is joined by Andre Da Costa and Sports Business Journal's Alex Silverman for a wrap-up review of the World Cup — breaking down the tournament's biggest business winners and losers.

From Erling Haaland to Cristiano Ronaldo - beer sales to hydration break revenue - it's all covered as the pod looks back on a memorable five weeks.

Every four years the same debate resurfaces after a US World Cup exit: pay-to-play, access, and why the world's most inclusive sport still has a class problem in America. Ed Foster-Simeon, CEO of the US Soccer Foundation, has heard it all before — and argues the industry keeps asking the wrong question. Instead of fixating on elite player development, he makes the case that talent identification is a volume problem: you can't find good players in communities that don't have anywhere to play.

Foster-Simeon walks through how the Foundation is closing that gap — nearly 1,000 mini-pitches built toward a 2026 targ...

'Pay to Play' youth soccer is being blamed for the USMNT under-performing. But is there another way for kids to be given access to coaching? Amir Lowery is a coach and former MLS and USL player who is now head of the Open Goal Project at DCFC in Washington, DC - a free to play program. He joins Simon to explain the problems with pay-to-play and how the alternative he has built actually works.

Simon and André break down the USA's 4-1 collapse against Belgium in the Round of 16 — and why the manner of the exit, not the result itself, has triggered a wave of hot takes across social and sports media. They unpack the noise around player development, arguing that most of the criticism misses what's actually working and what is really in need of reform.

They also tackle the Pulisic scapegoating narrative head-on, and shift to the business case: why one early exit won't slow MLS and USL's momentum, how corporate America's attitude toward soccer has visibly shifted, and wha...

A significant, first of a kind, new investment in an MLS club. LAFC sell their Swiss club and a USL purchase are among the issues discussed in our new review before Bruno Costa, head of the international office for the Brazilian Football Federation (CBF) talks to us about the World Cup magic of the yellow jersey and their North American strategy.

Simon and Andre dive into the opening two weeks of the World Cup - beyond the extraordinary attendances and record-breaking ratings, the tournament has captured the imagination in lots of unexpected ways. With the extra ad revenue generated, are hydration breaks here to stay? What's behind the hate campaign against Alexi Lalas and will the people who are spending thousands of dollars on the World Cup be persuaded to follow domestic soccer once the tournament is over?

While the USMNT make their bid for glory at the FIFA World Cup. the U.S. Soccer Federation is breaking revenue records with over $1.3 billion in contracted revenue. Chief Commercial Officer Dave Wright reveals the business behind the national team and why they say no to so many potential deals.

Former top Coca Cola and Visa sports sponsorship executive Ricardo Fort joins the pod to reveal the inner workings of the business, ambush marketing and why AI firms could be at the forefront of the next wave of mega-deals around the World Cup.

Don Garber visited Montreal on Thursday and made it very clear he wants to see changes to the stadium situation in the city. After Vancouver, is a second Canadian city facing the threat of relocation with Las Vegas waiting in the wings. What is going on with MLS and Canada? Journalist Manuel Veth joins us from Canada to go inside the issues.

There was plenty of criticism of MLS's broadcast deal with Apple TV - from both fans and within the industry. But the latest numbers out of MLS suggest that real growth is happening. Seth Bacon EVP Media with MLS joins the podcast to discuss the numbers. Plus we look ahead to the UEFA Champions League final.

After a weekend of promotion and relegation drama in Europe - what is happening with USL's plans for pro/rel? How would a true pyramid work in the USA? Plus the latest news including Netflix eyeing World Cup rights.

Drake's deal for Venezia in Serie A. FIFA-Fanatics collectibles deal, New Man United training kit sponsor, Liga MX dominating MLS again. Plus does Messi's attitude to media dilute his impact? Can USL be a hipster brand? And will MLS Next Pro's plans really work? All that and more in this week's Soccer Business News Review with Simon Evans and Andre Da Costa.

Tom Glick, CEO of Hometown Soccer Holdings, reveals how a groundbreaking partnership with Major League Soccer and private equity giant KKR is revolutionizing community football across the U. S. and creating a new model for sustainable soccer growth.

This is the story of how small-town clubs will become the beating heart of local communities and a catalyst for the sport’s nationwide boom. From strategic city-by-city deployments to innovative league structures, Glick shares the blueprint behind a visionary plan to support dozens of new teams, each fitting neatly into the fabric of their local areas.

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The U.S. soccer pyramid is about to change—overnight. A major global investment firm, KKR, just partnered with MLS to revolutionize how lower-division soccer operates in North America.

This isn’t just about new teams or stadiums; it’s a strategic roll-up of the entire ecosystem that could challenge the USL’s dominance and reshape the future of American football. If you’ve wondered how private equity is now targeting soccer’s grassroots and development pipeline, this episode uncovers the game-changing tactics, behind-the-scenes deals, and long-term visions driving this bold new chapter.

In this episode, Sim...

Are the Vancouver Whitecaps heading out of Canada and facing relocation to Las Vegas or Phoenix? Simon and Andre discuss the Athletics' report that MLS has been discussing relocation as an option. Plus we dive into the big numbers around NWSL after Jimmy Haslem forks out $205 million for an expansion slot in Columbus amid soaring valuations. Plus some USLgameday experience and some National League drama.

Marc Spiegel made history in 2025 by becoming the first American to take majority ownership of a Liga MX club. In this episode, the Querétaro FC chairman explains why he sees Mexican soccer as the most exciting investment opportunity in world football right now, how a chance dinner conversation in Wyoming set the whole thing in motion, and what a tech entrepreneur can bring to the beautiful game that traditional owners often miss.

Lionel Messi buys a club in Spain. A plan for a new soccer stadium in Vegas? Netflix move into North American soccer, Chelsea's heavy losses and those transport prices for the World Cup in New York/New Jersey. Simon Evans and Andre Da Costa break down this week's headlines in soccer business.

EFL clubs are suffering record losses but there is no shortage of (American) investors willing to take on the challenge of trying to make it to the Premier League. Football finance expert Kieran Maguire joins Simon and Andre to dig deeper into the reasons behind the negative balance sheets.

Writer Andres Martinez is the author of a new book on American Soccer 'The Great Game - A Tale of Two Football's And America's Quesst to Conquer Global Sport' which is a deep dive into how American soccer has moved in from the fringes of society to the mainstream and how America's traditional sports are, in turn, seeking to spread their reach globally.

In this conversation with Simon Evans, host of The Soccer Business, Andres explores the role of culture and politics in keeping soccer out of the mainstream, soccer and identity in American society and the...

This episode of the Soccer Business Podcast kicks off with a review of the week’s top headlines, beginning with the "kit war" between Nike and Adidas during recent US national team matches, where retro designs and "guerrilla marketing" took center stage. Hosts Simon Evans and Andre Da Costa celebrate the record-breaking debut of the Denver Summit, who drew 63,000 fans to an NFL stadium for their NWSL opener, and discuss the launch of Inter Miami’s state-of-the-art new stadium, the fresh home for Lionel Messi. The hosts also analyze the surprising departure of USL CEO Justin Papadakis as the leag...

Simon and Andre report back from Atlanta on a busy week at the SBJ conference on the in North American soccer business. Arthur Blank, Mohammed Mansour and Don Garber made their marks with their contributions raising a number of big issues. Plus Will Mo Salah bring a 'Middle Eastern Messi' effect to MLS? And does women's soccer need to talk more like a business than a community venture?

Zlatan Ibrahimovic Joins Fox Sports: A Game Changer for World Cup Coverage? Is the Jordan Brand Ruining Brazil’s Iconic Kit? Why American Soccer Fans Are Talking About the '94 Denim Kit. Did Nike Miss a Trick? And Cracking the Code: How Brands Can Reach the 'New' American Soccer Fan Through Creators. Host Simon Evans is joined by regular guest Andre Da Costa and Darren Weber of Beautiful Game Consulting.

This week Simon and Andre look at Lionel Messi's growing equity stake in Inter Miami, Carlos Velas's investment in LAFC, a new soccer lifestyle product and in our deep dive Pardeep Cattry of CSB Sports joins us to discuss the new NWSL season and the KPIs that Commissioner Jessica Berman will be looking out for.

In this week's interview Nicolas Garcia Hemme, Managing Director of LaLiga North America, provides details on how the Spanish league has been sweeping up lucrative partnership deals with the likes of McDonalds and Walmart while continuing to grow their fan-base across the region. Is LaLiga replacing LigaMX as the preferred partner for brands looking to reach the Hispanic soccer fan in the USA? Plus Simon and Andre dive into the USL labor dispute and the latest NWSL valuations.

MLS Next Pro President Ali Curtis discusses the league's expansion plans, their new broadcast deal and role of the league in growing the game across the United States and much more in this week's Soccer Business interview. Plus Andre Da Costa joins Simon to go over the big stories in North American soccer business news.

In this week's Soccer Business Podcast - Simon Evans and Andre Da Costa quickly go over the main talking points from the week in North American soccer business before our feature interview - a deep dive into the revenue strategy at Premier League club Tottenham Hotspur with Chief Revenue Officer Ryan Norys.

Find out about how Spurs maximize their state-of-the-art stadium 7-days a week, how they engage with global fans and a hint of some of their future plans as Ryan provides valuable insights into the modern business of a top club.

Simon Evans is joined by Erik Stover, CEO of the New York Cosmos, who are about to begin their new life in USL and soccer market analyst Andre Da Costa. As well as examining the return of the Cosmos brand and the work being undertaken in New Jersey, we look at the recently announced plans for USL Premier and the broader ambitions for the introduction of promotion and relegation for USL.

The Bundesliga signed a 17-year partnership with Relevent Sports to boost their performance in the U.S. market and the broader Americas market. What is the strategy for the German league as they seek to enhance their business performance and profile in the Americas? Robin Austermann, head of Europe and Latam for the Bundesliga joins Simon Evans on The Soccer Business Podcast to break down that deal and the overall strategy for standing out in a crowded market of international soccer properties looking to establish themselves in the U.S market.