Finance of Football

Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé & Frequency Machine
  • 5.0 (3)
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Created and hosted by The Athletic's Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé, Finance of Football is a podcast focused on The Business of the Beautiful Game. While football is the most popular sport on the planet, it hasn’t witnessed the same success in the United States … yet. But with the 2024 Copa América, 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics coming to the country and continent, the money and interest in the game is expected to reach unprecedented heights and could be the catalyst that brings football to the forefront in the U.S. Each episode, we not only discuss and debate the how, but, more importantly, the why around the biggest topics, themes and trends in football, particularly in the U.S., while being joined by guests who can lend their expertise and experience to the conversation. Thanks for listening! – Asli and Michael

  1. How Big Can NWSL Really Get?

    2D AGO

    How Big Can NWSL Really Get?

    “Distribution equals visibility. Visibility drives sponsorship. Sponsorship fuels payroll growth.” That’s the new model powering the National Women's Soccer League. The league that launched in 2013 just trying to survive is now operating in a completely different financial reality. Ahead of 2026 — with the men’s World Cup on U.S. soil and the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil on the horizon — women’s soccer in America is no longer chasing legitimacy. It’s scaling. Michael and Asli break down what changed. The NWSL secured a reported $240 million multi-year media deal across CBS, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video and Scripps. Linear viewership is up 22% year over year. Growth among women 18–34 is up 30%. Social audiences continue to surge. Sponsors are following the eyeballs. Atlanta’s incoming expansion team — owned by Arthur Blank — doesn’t debut until 2028 and has already signed a reported seven-year, $28 million front-of-kit deal with Aflac, believed to be the largest sponsorship in women’s sports history. We revisit the league’s fragile early years, the 2021 governance crisis, and the restructuring that followed — including a landmark CBA introducing full free agency, revenue sharing, and stronger guardrails. Instead of collapsing, the league stabilized and accelerated. Valuations are rising. Angel City FC sold for $250 million in just three seasons. Expansion fees continue to climb. Institutional capital, NFL owners, and tech investors are entering the space as a serious business play. Meanwhile, global competition is intensifying. The Women's Super League is aggressively pursuing American talent, pushing salaries and transfer fees higher. With three months until the 2026 men’s World Cup kicks off, the spotlight on American soccer will be unprecedented. For a league that has finally achieved stability, 2026 isn’t about momentum. It’s about validation. How big can NWSL scale from here? --- For more, follow Asli and Michael on Instagram Asli - @brefootcontessa Michael - @michale.lore And follow the show… On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod On Facebook - /financeoffootball --- The Finance of Football, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is… Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond,  Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky --- Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports, a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at frequencymachine.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    25 min
  2. MLS 3.0: Does This Change Everything?

    FEB 23

    MLS 3.0: Does This Change Everything?

    M LS about to take a real global leap — or just reshuffle the calendar? With the 2026 FIFA World Cup around the corner, Major League Soccer is launching MLS 3.0 — a sweeping shift designed to align the league with Europe and reposition it internationally. At the same time, USL is preparing to introduce promotion and relegation with the launch of its new Division One league. Together, these moves could reshape the structure of American soccer. For the first time, MLS will move to a summer-to-spring calendar, syncing with global transfer windows and major European leagues. Commissioner Don Garber has called it one of the most important structural changes in league history. But here’s the real question: does changing the calendar actually change MLS’s ceiling? Michael and Asli examine how aligning with international transfer windows could reshape roster building, whether MLS can realistically become a true selling league even if it cannot outspend Europe’s elite, and what avoiding direct competition with the NFL could mean for broadcast negotiations and the league’s next media rights cycle. Then we zoom out. With USL introducing promotion and relegation — something MLS has never embraced — is the real disruption happening outside the top division? We speak with Sacramento Republic FC managing partner Kevin Nagle — who also owns Huddersfield Town in England — about calendar alignment, open systems, international player trading and whether American fans are ready for the volatility that comes with promotion and relegation. If MLS is trying to reposition itself in the global hierarchy, MLS 3.0 is the clearest signal yet. But structural change doesn’t automatically mean competitive change. Will these reforms unlock smarter transfers, stronger outbound sales and bigger media leverage — or simply make MLS look more like Europe without closing the financial gap? The 2026 World Cup will bring attention. What American soccer does next will determine whether it keeps it. --- For more, follow Asli and Michael on Instagram Asli - @brefootcontessa Michael - @michale.lore And follow the show… On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod On Facebook - /financeoffootball --- The Finance of Football, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is… Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond,  Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky --- Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports, a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at frequencymachine.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    26 min
  3. MLS Expansion: Who Lands the Next 2 Teams?

    FEB 17

    MLS Expansion: Who Lands the Next 2 Teams?

    Five Major League Soccer (MLS) teams are now worth $1 billion — and expansion ahead of the 2026 World Cup is driving the surge. Ahead of the 2026 season, Major League Soccer has officially entered its financial power era. The average club is now valued at $767 million — up 6% year over year and nearly 40% since 2021. So what’s behind the explosion? Michael and Asli break down the arrival of “MLS 3.0” — a new era defined by rising franchise fees, smarter infrastructure strategy, and the looming impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Clubs like Inter Miami CF, LAFC, LA Galaxy, Atlanta United FC, and New York City FC have crossed the billion-dollar mark — and expansion fees are climbing fast. San Diego FC paid $500 million to enter the league and is already valued near $800 million after just one season. But the real story is stadium economics. MLS has shifted from flexible entry requirements to demanding infrastructure first. Soccer-specific venues unlock naming rights, sponsorships, mixed-use development, and year-round revenue. It’s no longer just about matchday income — it’s about long-term asset growth. That brings us to the big question: MLS is at 30 teams. Do they expand to 32 like the NFL? Or stop here? We examine the most realistic contenders — Sacramento Republic FC, Las Vegas, Mesa, Arizona, and Indianapolis — and what it would actually cost to join the league today. We also explore why some American billionaires are investing overseas instead — including Bill Foley’s purchase of AFC Bournemouth — and what that signals about global football capital. Then the focus shifts to World Cup logistics, including New York City’s proposal to pilot free public transportation during the tournament. MLS is no longer fighting for legitimacy. It’s deciding how big it wants to become. --- For more, follow Asli and Michael on Instagram Asli - @brefootcontessa Michael - @michale.lore And follow the show… On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod On Facebook - /financeoffootball --- The Finance of Football, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is… Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond,  Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky --- Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports, a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at frequencymachine.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    25 min
  4. The A-List Is Buying Women’s Soccer — Here’s Why

    FEB 11

    The A-List Is Buying Women’s Soccer — Here’s Why

    What do Madonna and Giannis Antetokounmpo have in common? Women’s soccer. Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé break down the growing wave of celebrity attention and investment pouring into the women’s game — starting with Madonna being spotted at a Chelsea Women vs Tottenham youth match, supporting her daughters in the Spurs academy. When a global icon shines a spotlight on women’s soccer, it’s more than a family moment. It’s awareness, distribution, and commercial momentum. Then comes the financial headline: Giannis joining the ownership group of Chelsea Women alongside Alexis Ohanian. The deal values Chelsea Women at roughly $265 million, making it the most valuable women’s soccer club in the world. The hosts explore a larger trend — elite American athletes investing in English football, from JJ Watt and Tom Brady to Kevin Durant and LeBron James — and why celebrity ownership works when it’s authentic and trusted by supporters. It’s also a strategic play. Active athletes understand franchise valuations, media leverage, and the branding power they bring simply by attaching their name to a club. For women’s soccer — still fighting for investment parity and global visibility — that kind of crossover audience can be transformative. Fandom doesn’t get replaced; it expands. The conversation then pivots to the World Cup. With U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirming it will be part of tournament security, questions are already surfacing globally about safety, perception, and whether the U.S. feels welcoming to international fans. Add in the random ticket draw closing, resale prices climbing, and uncertainty around future sales phases — and the 2026 build-up is already chaotic. Michael shares his own failed ticket bid strategy, while Asli offers perspective from the Club World Cup, where late resale prices unexpectedly dropped. Will the World Cup follow the same pattern, or is it simply too big — and too global — for bargains to emerge? From record-breaking valuations in women’s soccer to mounting anxiety over access and affordability, this episode captures a pivotal moment in global football — where growth, celebrity influence, politics, and fan experience are all colliding at once. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    18 min
  5. 2026: MLS’s Biggest Year Yet?

    FEB 2

    2026: MLS’s Biggest Year Yet?

    2026 should be the most important year in Major League Soccer history. MLS is coming off its strongest season ever, capped by a 2025 finale that delivered record global viewership and massive social engagement, underscoring the scale of the Messi Effect. With Lionel Messi’s contract extended through 2028 and the global soccer world increasingly focused on North America ahead of 2026, the league enters a pivotal stretch that could define its next era. In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael LoRé and Asli Pelit unpack what’s driving MLS’s momentum and whether the league is positioned to turn attention into permanence. They examine soaring team valuations, continued expansion interest, and why MLS now claims the youngest and most diverse fanbase among North American men’s professional leagues. The conversation looks at how Gen Z audiences consume soccer through highlights, social media, and athlete-driven storytelling, and why MLS’s international roster — with players representing more than 70 countries — gives the league a unique global advantage. They also discuss the significance of MLS’s Apple deal in expanding worldwide access and what a World Cup-driven halo effect could mean for the league in 2026 and beyond. As MLS approaches its 30th season with unprecedented visibility, the central question isn’t whether the league is growing, but whether this moment can permanently change soccer’s place in the American sports landscape. --- For more, follow Asli and Michael on Instagram Asli - @brefootcontessa Michael - @michale.lore And follow the show… On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod On Facebook - /financeoffootball --- The Finance of Football, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is… Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond,  Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky --- Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports, a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at frequencymachine.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    19 min
  6. Can 2026 Do for Soccer What the Dream Team Did for Basketball?

    JAN 26

    Can 2026 Do for Soccer What the Dream Team Did for Basketball?

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup is coming — and New York and New Jersey are at the center of it. In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael LoRé and Asli Pelit speak with Alex Lasry, CEO of the New York–New Jersey World Cup Host Committee, about what it takes to deliver the biggest sporting event in history. Lasry draws on experience spanning the Obama White House, NBA ownership with the Milwaukee Bucks, and U.S. tourism leadership to explain the scale of coordination required across two states, multiple transit systems, security agencies, and FIFA itself. From transportation and safety to fan festivals and economic impact, the episode breaks down how public-private partnerships underpin the tournament. The conversation also tackles accessibility and cost, including the decision to charge for FIFA Fan Fest entry and how host cities are trying to balance security, crowd management, and inclusion. Looking beyond 2026, Lasry outlines the legacy he hopes the World Cup will leave — expanding grassroots access to football, driving long-term tourism and investment, and inspiring a new generation of American players. The episode closes with a new World Cup Update segment, examining how geopolitics and global tensions could shape the road to 2026. The World Cup is coming. How it’s remembered is still being decided. --- For more, follow Asli and Michael on Instagram Asli - @brefootcontessa Michael - @michale.lore And follow the show… On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod On Facebook - /financeoffootball --- The Finance of Football, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is… Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond,  Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky --- Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports, a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at frequencymachine.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    27 min
  7. The Architect of American Soccer: Alan Rothenberg on 1994, MLS, and the Stakes of 2026

    JAN 19

    The Architect of American Soccer: Alan Rothenberg on 1994, MLS, and the Stakes of 2026

    With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, Finance of Football welcomes Alan Rothenberg, one of the most influential figures in U.S. soccer history. Joined by Michael LoRé, Rothenberg reflects on the unlikely moments that launched American soccer onto the global stage — from the breakout success of the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics to leading the 1994 World Cup, founding Major League Soccer, and helping shape the women’s game. Despite entering the sport as an outsider, Rothenberg explains how professional management, big-event thinking, and long-term vision helped transform soccer from a fringe pastime into a permanent fixture in the American sports landscape. Looking ahead to 2026, he outlines what real success looks like this time: stronger TV ratings, deeper investment in MLS and NWSL, rising team valuations, and a World Cup that creates lasting momentum rather than a temporary spike in interest. From expansion debates to the challenge of turning “World Cup curious” fans into lifelong supporters, this episode explores how past decisions built the game — and what must happen next for 2026 to truly move it forward. For more, follow Asli and Michael on Instagram Asli - @brefootcontessa Michael - @michale.lore And follow the show… On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod On Facebook - /financeoffootball --- The Finance of Football, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is… Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond,  Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky --- Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports, a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at frequencymachine.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    26 min
  8. World Cup Year or Culture War? Ticket Boycotts, Trump’s America, and the Stakes of 2026

    JAN 13

    World Cup Year or Culture War? Ticket Boycotts, Trump’s America, and the Stakes of 2026

    It’s officially a World Cup year — but the road to 2026 is already uneasy. As the random ticket draw for the 2026 FIFA World Cup closes, millions of fans are hoping for seats to what FIFA calls the biggest sporting event in history. At the same time, a growing number are calling for a boycott, driven by political fear, rising costs, and real concerns about safety and welcome in the United States under Donald Trump. In this solo year-opening episode, Michael LoRé wrestles with the tension forming around a tournament meant to unite the world. Immigration enforcement, visa uncertainty, gun violence fears, and dynamic pricing are colliding with the promise of a joyful global celebration — leaving many fans asking whether it’s worth the risk to attend at all. Michael places the moment in historical context, examining how major sporting events have been shaped — and sometimes overshadowed — by politics and power. The question facing 2026 is simple but urgent: can North America host a World Cup that actually feels safe, open, and welcoming for everyone wearing a different flag? The episode then turns to a more hopeful storyline in women’s football. As the NWSL battles European leagues for elite talent, new rules designed to retain stars like Trinity Rodman signal a league entering a serious, global phase. The return of U.S. captain Lindsay Heaps adds momentum at a moment when investment and ambition in the women’s game are finally aligning. The World Cup is coming. The demand is real. The stakes are enormous. Whether 2026 becomes a celebration or a cautionary tale is still being decided. For more, follow Asli and Michael on Instagram Asli - @brefootcontessa Michael - @michale.lore And follow the show… On Instagram - @financeoffootballpod On Facebook - /financeoffootball --- The Finance of Football, a Frequency Machine Podcast, is… Written, Hosted, and Produced by Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé Editing and Sound Design by Ryan Hammond Mixing and Mastering by Julian Kwasneski Executive Produced by Ryan Hammond,  Stacey Book and Avi Glijansky --- Check out more of Frequency Machine’s podcasts - including Undercover Sports, a show about the wildest sports conspiracy theories, at frequencymachine.com See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    14 min
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5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Created and hosted by The Athletic's Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé, Finance of Football is a podcast focused on The Business of the Beautiful Game. While football is the most popular sport on the planet, it hasn’t witnessed the same success in the United States … yet. But with the 2024 Copa América, 2025 FIFA Club World Cup, 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics coming to the country and continent, the money and interest in the game is expected to reach unprecedented heights and could be the catalyst that brings football to the forefront in the U.S. Each episode, we not only discuss and debate the how, but, more importantly, the why around the biggest topics, themes and trends in football, particularly in the U.S., while being joined by guests who can lend their expertise and experience to the conversation. Thanks for listening! – Asli and Michael

Information

  • Creator
    Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé & Frequency Machine
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    37
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Asli Pelit & Michael LoRé 2025
  • Show Website
    Finance of Football

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