Today, one of soccer’s most controversial trends is the rise of “MCO” or multi-club ownership model, in which investment groups raise and invest capital in a web of international clubs. While this model seems to suit the ownership groups well, this phenomenon has raised concerns among fans about maintaining their club’s sovereignty and autonomy, rather than being a pawn in a global network of clubs.
In Episode 56 of the Because Football Podcast, our guest Kyle Shestack is going to speak with us about the advantages and dangers of the MCO model, as well as his ambition to develop a global network of “grassroots” or lower league clubs. Through his company Supporters Sports Ventures, Kyle secured a partial ownership stake in Dorking Wanderers FC, a club in England’s 6th tier National League South division.
Despite not having millionaire or billionaire status himself, and with the added challenge of being an American owner in the English football ecosystem, Kyle shares the story of how he essentially cold-called his way into partnership with Dorking, and why he genuinely believes the club is “the greatest sports story ever”.
Since starting as a pub team in 1999 under the leadership of owner/coach Marc White, Dorking have made an unparalleled rise through the English football pyramid, earning 12 promotions in 23 seasons and going viral through their partnership with the “Bunch of Amateurs” YouTube channel.
Although playing in the 6th tier, Dorking have a social media reach that rivals those of clubs even in the EFL Championship - four tiers above them and just one below the global, commercial behemoth of the Premier League.
In this episode, Kyle tells us about the benefits of the MCO model for owners, but also how it can help clubs secure their own financial futures. From player pathways to leveraging knowledge of a centralized staff, to enhancing reach for sponsors and securing substantial deals for clubs, Kyle also shares his vision for applying the MCO model at a grassroots level.
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