In this important episode of the season, host Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with Michael Kodama and Matthew Atencio to examine the true costs of mega sporting events such as the World Cup. Together, they explore some of the often-overlooked challenges associated with these events, including environmental impacts, accessibility for people with disabilities, and issues of equity and fair treatment. They discuss the rising cost of attendance—including comparisons to the equivalent cost of attending 104 Super Bowls—and the long-term consequences of public investment in Mega sporting events promise excitement, tourism, and investment—but who truly benefits, and who gets left behind? Host Lisa Bonta Sumii sits down with Michael Kodama of United Soccer Coaches and Matthew Atencio, Professor at California State University, East Bay and Co-Director of the Center for Sport and Social Justice, to examine the real costs of events like the World Cup. They discuss rising ticket prices, environmental concerns, accessibility, public spending on stadiums, and the long-term effects these events can have on host communities. Using lessons from the 1976 Montreal Olympics and comparisons between the 1994 and 2026 World Cups, Michael and Matt explain why cities must move beyond surface-level outreach and give residents a meaningful role in shaping decisions. The episode also explores what a positive sports legacy could look like in the Bay Area, including affordable access for local youth, investment in underserved communities, and partnerships with organizations already advancing equity through sport. Our Host: Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW, CMPC, Clinician and Certified Mental Performance Consultant®, Mental Performance Coach at Oakland Roots SC, CEO & Founder of AthMindset® Guests: Michael Kodama, Coaches Community Relations Manager for United Soccer Coaches Matthew Atencio, Professor at California State University, East Bay and Co-Director of the Center for Sport and Social Justice Tune in to hear how host cities, sports organizations, and community leaders can ensure major events leave behind more than stadiums. Available now on all platforms. Resources: LA84 Foundation Oakland Roots & Soul SC Soccer Without Borders America SCORES Bay Area Positive Coaching Alliance Footballistas for Life Project 510 The Yates Report - www.ussoccer.com/stories/2022/10/sally-q-yates-investigation-findings Center for Sport and Social Justice - www.csueastbay.edu/cssj/ Funding: Funding for Making Moves was provided by Cal State University East Bay and the Center for Sport and Social Justice. Make sure to catch all past and future episodes of Making Moves. Streaming now on SoundCloud, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts. Big thanks to everyone who made this episode possible! AthMindset - www.athmindset.io/ SportsEpreneur - www.sportsepreneur.com/
