The Soccer Business Podcast

Simon Evans
  • 4.9 (10)
  • Soccer

Welcome to the boardroom of North American soccer. The Soccer Business podcast offers unparalleled access to the industry's most influential figures. Host Simon Evans connects you with the key players - from MLS Commissioner Don Garber to legendary figures like Rio Ferdinand - to uncover the real stories behind the business of soccer. Each episode is packed with expert analysis and actionable insights for club owners, investors, and executives dedicated to driving the growth of the game.

  1. 15h ago

    World Cup Mania - 'Hydration Breaks', Fox and Soccer as Festival

    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?

    43 min

  2. Jun 19

    The $1.3 billion deals behind the USA team at the World Cup

    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.

    30 min

  3. Jun 12

    Inside The Billions Spent on World Cup Brand Deals with Ricardo Fort

    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.

    40 min

  4. Jun 5

    Another Relocation Threat in MLS?

    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.

    28 min

  5. May 29

    Is MLS's Apple Deal finally paying off?

    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.

    29 min

  6. May 27

    Is Promotion and Relegation Really Going to Come to the USA?

    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.

    40 min

  7. May 8

    Drake the Investor, Fanatics-FIFA

    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.

    31 min

  8. May 5

    "We have identified 150 markets" - Tom Glick of Hometown Soccer on the new MLS plans

    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. You'll discover how targeted stadiums of 6,000-8,000 seats, detailed market analysis, and community-focused branding combine to unleash soccer's power in every corner of America. Plus, hear about the transformative role of the upcoming 2026 World Cup and how it amplifies this ambitious movement, creating tailwinds for decades to come. We break down the technical and strategic aspects of this evolution, exploring: The unique partnership model between MLS clubs, MLS Next Pro, and hometown communities How private equity funds like KKR are not just investors, but strategic partners driving commercial and sporting success The potential for multiple teams within a single MLS club’s ecosystem, and the opportunities this unlocks This episode is essential listening for soccer entrepreneurs, city planners, investors, and fans eager to see the sport thrive in America’s overlooked towns. Glick’s insights illuminate a future where every city, big or small, can have a professional team that sparks local pride, fuels grassroots growth, and elevates the sport’s cultural stature.

    39 min
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Trailer

4.9
out of 5
10 Ratings

About

Welcome to the boardroom of North American soccer. The Soccer Business podcast offers unparalleled access to the industry's most influential figures. Host Simon Evans connects you with the key players - from MLS Commissioner Don Garber to legendary figures like Rio Ferdinand - to uncover the real stories behind the business of soccer. Each episode is packed with expert analysis and actionable insights for club owners, investors, and executives dedicated to driving the growth of the game.

Information

  • Creator
    Simon Evans
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    52
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Copyright 2025 All rights reserved.
  • Show Website
    The Soccer Business Podcast

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