The Soccer Business Podcast

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.

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.

"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.

⁠MLS is Coming for USL’s Markets. Why Private Equity wants a part of it?

The U.S. soccer pyramid is about to change—overnight. A major global investment firm, KKR, just partnered with MLS to revolutionize how lower-division soccer operates in North America. This isn’t just about new teams or stadiums; it’s a strategic roll-up of the entire ecosystem that could challenge the USL’s dominance and reshape the future of American football. If you’ve wondered how private equity is now targeting soccer’s grassroots and development pipeline, this episode uncovers the game-changing tactics, behind-the-scenes deals, and long-term visions driving this bold new chapter. In this episode, Simon Evans teams up with soccer industry analyst André da Costa to decode the explosive partnership between MLS and KKR—how it accelerates youth development, player trading, and market expansion. You’ll discover how KKR is applying their private equity expertise to build a verticalized, sustainable soccer pyramid—from small-market teams to national TV contracts. We break down the strategic move to smaller stadiums designed for lower-division attendance, and why this could bring regional clubs, USL rivals, and MLS teams into direct competition for the same fan base. Plus, we explore what this means for the player pipeline: Can USL still be the breeding ground for future stars, or will the majors overshadow them with resource-rich academies and centralized contracts? You'll learn why the US soccer landscape is more fragmented and competitive than ever, and how this private equity influx could be a game of winners and losers—if someone does, in fact, "win." With USL eyeing promotion and relegation and MLS exploring franchise relocations (Vegas, Vancouver), the stakes could not be higher. The episode reveals how these developments threaten to spark turf wars and market instability—yet also unlock immense growth opportunities for fans, players, and investors ready to seize the moment.

Whitecaps Relocation? Columbus NWSL expansion - The Soccer Business News Review

Are the Vancouver Whitecaps heading out of Canada and facing relocation to Las Vegas or Phoenix? Simon and Andre discuss the Athletics' report that MLS has been discussing relocation as an option. Plus we dive into the big numbers around NWSL after Jimmy Haslem forks out $205 million for an expansion slot in Columbus amid soaring valuations. Plus some USLgameday experience and some National League drama.