Shows
Finance of FootballAmerica Likes to Be Different… But MLS Finally Changes Its CalendarAfter nearly 30 years, Major League Soccer is finally aligning with the global football calendar. Starting in 2027, MLS will shift to a summer-to-spring season with a winter break — avoiding clashes with the NFL, syncing with European competitions, and positioning the league for better transfer windows and playoff visibility.At the same time, MLS is ending its Apple TV partnership early and scrapping MLS Season Pass. Michael LoRé and Asli Pelit break down why the deal fizzled, how paywalls hurt growth, and what a new media-rights landscape could look like with platforms like Amazon, Netflix, and traditional networks now in...
2025-11-1917 min
Finance of FootballUnderdogs, My Ass: NWSL Money Moves, Atlanta’s Bid and JuJu’s Power PlayA record NWSL expansion, a college star turned investor, and Messi popping up in two stadiums—this week’s episode has everything.Asli and Michael kick off with the NWSL playoffs, a weekend full of chaos and upsets that proved once again why this league delivers pure drama. Asli questions whether the short playoff format does the excitement justice, but Michael argues that if you’ve got heartbreak and high stakes, the system’s working.The big headline? Atlanta’s new NWSL franchise. At a record $165 million expansion fee—over 50% more than Denver’s deal—the city is ceme...
2025-11-1122 min
Finance of FootballYou Can’t Just Slap a Logo On It: Beer Wars, Big Money and the Beautiful GameHeineken’s out, Budweiser’s in—and soccer’s sponsorship landscape may never look the same.This week, Asli and Michael kick things off with the end of a 30-year partnership: AB InBev is replacing Heineken as the official beer of the UEFA Champions League starting in 2027, doubling the annual fee to more than $230 million. Asli wonders if the European prestige will fade, while Michael sees it as the next phase of soccer’s global takeover—and a warning to every legacy sponsor that no brand is too iconic to be replaced.Then it’s over to U.S. S...
2025-11-0419 min
Finance of FootballWe Don’t Do Small Corruption: World Cup Tickets, Messi’s Miami Extension, and the NWSL Money WaveTicket chaos, Messi’s Miami deal, and a corruption scandal that could only happen in Turkey—this week, Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé dive into the messy business of the world’s game.With World Cup 2026 tickets already hitting $25,000 on resale, they ask: has football’s biggest event become too elite for real fans? Asli recalls Brazil 2014’s accessible magic, while Michael calls today’s market a test of FIFA’s soul.Then, Messi extends with Inter Miami through 2028—just in time for Freedom Park’s debut—but can MLS handle a future without salary caps? Asli says yes...
2025-10-2831 min
Finance of FootballAndrés Cantor: The Voice Behind the World’s GameFresh off FIFA’s announcement that the 2031 Women’s World Cup will be co-hosted by the U.S., Mexico, Jamaica, and Costa Rica, Asli and Michael turn their focus to one of the sport’s most iconic voices: Andrés Cantor.From Buenos Aires to Los Angeles, Cantor has spent a lifetime bringing football to life for millions. He shares how growing up listening to Argentinian radio play-by-plays shaped his rhythm and emotion, and how calling the 1994 World Cup in the U.S. helped launch soccer into the American mainstream.Now, three decades later, he’s prepari...
2025-10-2233 min
Finance of FootballMelissa Ortiz: Beyond the Game — Turning Passion into PowerKick off your day with purpose—and coffee.Get 15% off at KickoffCoffeeCo.com with code FINANCEOFFOOTBALL15 — coffee for soccer people, by soccer people, freshly roasted and delivered to your door.The NWSL is on fire—record crowds, soaring valuations, and billionaires lining up to buy in. But as the women’s game explodes, what does real progress look like off the pitch?Former Colombia international and Adweek’s Most Powerful Woman in Sports Melissa Ortiz joins hosts Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé to talk about what comes...
2025-10-1428 min
Finance of FootballFrom Streets To Stars: Kyle Martino’s Roadmap to a U.S. Men’s TitleThe question has haunted American soccer for decades: why can’t the U.S. Men’s National Team win it all? The money is there. The facilities are world-class. The fanbase is growing faster than ever. And yet, the pipeline that produces global stars in Brazil, France, and Argentina keeps breaking down here at home.With the 2026 World Cup fast approaching, hosts Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé sit down with former U.S. international and soccer entrepreneur Kyle Martino to talk about what it will really take to build a winning program. Martino argues that America doesn’t need...
2025-10-0838 min
Finance of FootballGo Big Or Go Home: Will FIFA Expand 2030 to 64 Teams?It’s supposed to be a week for presidents and prime ministers. But at this year’s United Nations General Assembly in New York, FIFA president Gianni Infantino was just as visible—glad-handing world leaders, cutting reels for social media, and pushing the conversation toward the 2030 World Cup.Already the most complicated World Cup ever—with opening matches in South America before the bulk of games in Spain, Portugal, and Morocco—the tournament could now swell to 64 teams if CONMEBOL gets its way. The idea sounds inclusive, but critics say it risks diluting the product. Do fans really wan...
2025-09-3023 min
Finance of FootballThe Business of the Ballon d'Or: How Soccer's Biggest Award Cashed InThat shiny golden trophy every soccer player desperately wants? It’s the most prestigious individual award in sports. But here’s the thing - the winner gets exactly zero dollars in prize money for it. So why do they weep on stage and launch campaigns to win one? Hint: it’s not just for the glory - it’s for the massive, seven-figure bonuses from clubs and sponsors that come with it. The Ballon d'Or isn't just an award; it's very, very good business.On this episode, Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé follow the money tra...
2025-09-2417 min
Finance of FootballAmerica’s Team, America’s Market? Is the USMNT’s Business Strategy Working?The scene is becoming alarmingly familiar: a US Men’s National Team match at home. It should be a sea of red white and blue. Instead, the stands are an ocean of opposing colors and the cheers for the visitors drown out the home fans.With the 2026 World Cup on the horizon, U.S. Soccer is facing a billion-dollar question: why is it struggling to sell out its own stadiums? Is it the inconsistent product on the field? Or is it the price of admission, which has skyrocketed from an average of $28 to nearly $100 a...
2025-09-1619 min
Finance of FootballNWSL vs WSL: The Battle of the Balance SheetWhen 20-year-old superstar Alyssa Thompson traded LA's Angel City for London's Chelsea, it was more than a transfer - it was a multi-million dollar shot across the bow in one of the fiercest rivalries in women’s soccer. A knockdown, dragout battle being fought not on the pitch but on the balance sheet. The transatlantic rivalry shaping the future of the sport: America’s National Women’s Soccer League vs. England’s Women’s Super League.From skyrocketing NWSL team valuations and a purpose-built stadium in Kansas City to Reddit Co-Founder and Mr. Serena Williams, A...
2025-09-0923 min
Finance of FootballFrom The Beautiful Game to The Billion-Dollar Game: Has Spending in Soccer Gotten Out of Control?NOTE: At the time of recording Premiere League spending was around £2.88 Billion. It's since jumped up to 3.11A whirlwind transfer window led by the Premier League spending a record £3.11 billion ($4.16 billion) has the soccer arms race skyrocketing to never-before-seen heights. Led by Liverpool’s club-record spend, and highlighted by Alexander Isak’s £125million move from Newcastle, Deadline Day alone witnessed £375 million change hands in just 24 hours.And just in case you thought we were being hyperbolic when we say the spending is getting crazy, consider this; between recording this episode...
2025-09-0225 min
Finance of FootballThe Yanks are Coming! The Yanks are Coming! - Is U.S. Investment Good for European Soccer?What do Arsenal, Chelsea Liverpool, Manchester United, AC Milan, AS Roma, Birmingham City, Burnley, Espanyol, RCD Mallorca, Atalanta and Wrexham all have in common? They all have American owners. From Tom Brady to Rob McElhenney, Stan Kroenke, Todd Boehly and Stephen Pagliuca, U.S. investment in European soccer clubs is the new Labubu—everybody wants one!On this week’s episode of Finance of Football, co-hosts Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé discuss the Americanization of European soccer, the value proposition for U.S. owners investing billions behind these badges, and wh...
2025-08-2628 min
Finance of FootballIs MLS a Retirement League?Is Major League Soccer a legitimate top-flight league, or just a very lucrative retirement home for European superstars? It’s been nearly 20 years since MLS enacted the designated player rule (AKA, the "Beckham Rule" ) and first rolled out the red carpet for aging icons. But with the arrival of the greatest of GOATS, Lionel Messi, and a new wave of blockbuster signings from Son Hueng-min to Thomas Müller, the debate is hotter than ever. Do these flashy, big-name signings actually grow the beautiful game in America, or do they just sell a few more...
2025-08-1926 minFinance of FootballBuilding Trust in Boston: Legacy FC Looks to Start Anew After Launch LetdownIt was supposed to be a shining start to a new era for women's sports in Boston with a NWSL expansion club set to begin play in 2026.But when the initial club name of BOS Nation FC and the accompanying "Too Many Balls" marketing campaign inspired near immediate backlash, the team learned the hard way that starting a new franchise isn't easy. But, unlike some franchises in other sports we could mention, the newly re-named Boston Legacy were quick to listen to their community and are ready to reintroduce themselves.O...
2025-08-0524 minFinance of FootballThe Other World Cup: Was FIFA’s Gamble on a Club World Cup Brilliant or just an Unnecessary Risk?FIFA invested more than $1 billion to make the 2025 Club World Cup in the United States relevant. Did FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s gamble pay off and will it help raise the profile of soccer in the US? Or was the expanded tournament unnecessary, over hyped and potentially detrimental to more important league and tournament play? On this week’s episode of Finance of Football, hosts Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé discuss whether or not the 2025 FIFA Club World Cup was a success and how it may negatively impact the 2026 FIFA World Cup.Plus, a half...
2025-07-2229 minFinance of FootballBeer+ Soccer= Marketing GOAT. How Michelob ULTRA Made “Fit Beer” the MVP of SoccerCrack open a cold one with Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé as they explore the other partnership in soccer: beer and the beautiful game. From World Cup sales spikes to European pub madness, beer brands are redefining sports marketing. This week, they sit down with Ricardo Marques, SVP of Marketing at Michelob ULTRA, to unpack how the brand kicked its soccer strategy into high gear—and why “fit beer” is scoring big with Gen Z, MLS fans, and global tournaments alike. Cheers to smart branding and beautiful football.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and Califor...
2025-06-1117 minFinance of FootballCharly Goes Stateside: Mexican Kit Brand Is Making Moves in the U.S.Mexican soccer kit brand Charly is stepping onto U.S. turf. In this episode, hosts Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé sit down with Matthew Bickham, Charly’s Commercial Sales Director, to unpack the brand’s bold entry into the U.S. market through a strategic partnership with the USL. From tapping into local fan culture to crafting custom kits and forging authentic team collaborations, Bickham shares how Charly plans to stand out in the most competitive sports market in the world.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/priva...
2025-05-1228 minFinance of FootballUSL’s Bold Pro/Rel Leap with Orange County SC’s James KestonOrange County SC owner James Keston joins hosts Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé to dive into USL's groundbreaking decision to introduce promotion and relegation. What does this historic shift mean for clubs and the future of the league? What hurdles lie ahead in making this transition a success? Tune in for an in-depth discussion on how this move could transform the landscape of American soccer.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2025-04-0234 minFinance of FootballSam Mewis on Hanging Up the Boots, Fixing the Game, and Men in Blazers LifeWorld Cup champion and soccer icon Sam Mewis joins hosts Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé to discuss stepping away from the pitch, the rapid rise of women’s soccer in the U.S. and beyond, and her new role as Editor-in-Chief of The Women's Game podcast on the Men in Blazers network. From career highs and tough transitions to behind-the-scenes insights on the sport’s future, Sam opens up about life after soccer and her mission to make waves behind the mic.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/p...
2025-03-1833 minFinance of FootballFrom Flying (Pee Cups) to Football’s Future with Fabio SáIn this episode, Minute Media's EVP of global business Fabio Sá shares his wildest experiences in soccer—including the time he faced a barrage of flying cups filled with pee during Sao Paulo vs Fluminense in Morumbi Stadium in Sao Paulo . But beyond the chaos, he sees a bright future for the sport in the U.S. Tune in as he dives into the passion, challenges, and massive growth potential of soccer in America.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
2025-03-0446 minFinance of FootballNASL vs. USSF/MLS: Breaking Down the Legal Battle with UCLA’s Steven BankIn this episode of Finance of Football, Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé dive into the legal battle between NASL and USSF/MLS with UCLA law professor and soccer law expert Steven A. Bank. A longtime follower of the case, Professor Bank unpacks the key arguments, the impact of the court’s decision, and what it means for the future of the U.S. soccer pyramid. Will NASL appeal? How does this case shape the landscape of American soccer? Tune in for an insightful discussion on the legal and structural dynamics at play.See Privacy Policy at https://art...
2025-02-1841 minFinance of FootballIntroductionCreated and hosted by 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 episod...
2025-02-0511 minFinance of FootballMile High Momentum: Denver’s NWSL DebutIn this episode of Finance of Football, hosts Asli Pelit and Michael LoRé break down the NWSL’s expansion into Denver and what it means for the league’s growth and the global rise of women’s soccer. Why was Denver chosen? Who’s behind the investment? And how does this move fit into the broader financial landscape of the sport? Tune in as we analyze the business, the market potential, and what’s next for women’s football worldwide.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-m
2025-02-0533 minFinance of FootballThe Billionaire & The Burner AccountLess than a month before Major League Soccer kicks off its 30th season, the league and U.S. Soccer find themselves in the middle of a high-stakes antitrust lawsuit brought by billionaire Rocco Commisso, owner of the New York Cosmos and AFC Fiorentina. Since the trial began on January 13, the courtroom has seen testimony from major sports figures, including Clark Hunt—owner of the Super Bowl-bound Kansas City Chiefs—former NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, and former U.S. Soccer President Sunil Gulati.In this episode, we break down the latest twists and turns from...
2025-01-2924 min