In this episode, we're joined by John Guagliano, the Chief Marketing Officer of MLS club Minnesota United FC. John shared his fascinating journey through professional sports, which spans across major sports leagues including the MLS, NBA, MLB, and NHL, detailing the path from his humble beginnings to now being at the helm of the marketing department for Minnesota United FC.

John dove into his early love for sports, particularly soccer, and how it shaped his career aspirations. He reminisced about his unique start in sports in the NBA with the Charlotte Hornets, starting as a Mascot Coordinator (yes, that's a job!) later returning to spearhead the game-day energy and fan engagement, crafting memorable experiences that went beyond just watching a game.

Transitioning to soccer, John discussed his move to Minnesota United prior to their MLS debut in 2017, highlighting the challenges and triumphs of joining a new club transitioning to America's premier soccer league. He reflected on the strategic marketing shifts necessitated by the move from a large college stadium to the more intimate, soccer-specific environment of their new home in 2019, and how he drew inspiration from other clubs globally to create a unique fan culture.

John opened up about his most recent rewarding project - recently working with the Make a Wish Foundation to fulfill a child's dream of scoring a goal in front of his great grandparents at Allianz Field. He shared the profound impact of integrating community service into the club's identity and how these efforts resonate deeply with fans and staff alike.

Finally, John touched on the broader trends in sports marketing and soccer's growing place in American culture, offering insights into how MLS clubs like Minnesota United are not just competing on the pitch but in the hearts of their communities.

Whether you're a sports fanatic looking to get a peek into the brain of one of the soccer industry's sharpest marketing minds, or simply enjoy storied showcasing how hard work and determination is always the recipe for success, you're going to want to listen to this one.

In this episode, we're joined by the visionary Commissioner of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), Keith Tozer. Keith shared his extensive journey and deep passion for the sport, offering insights into his career and what draws him to the fast-paced nature of indoor soccer.

Keith explained the unique appeal of indoor soccer, addressing common misconceptions about the MASL and highlighting to excitement and strategic depth that the game offers. He dove into the league's approach to corporate partnerships, articulating the strengths and value points that make MASL an attractive platform for businesses looking to engage with vibrant, sports-loving audiences.

With a recent merger set to reshape the landscape of indoor soccer, Keith outlined his visionary plans for the future of the MASL and discussed the necessary steps to enhance the league's popularity and ensure it captures a broader fan base, emphasizing the importance of strategic marketing and attracting influential new owners o the league.

Keith also gave us a behind-the scenes look at the league's annual combine (which is taking place in October!), explaining how this key event fits in to the MASL's broader operations and its role in nurturing new talent and maintaining high competition standards.

If you're a fan of the indoor soccer scene, Keith's name is one you will recognize and know that this is an episode you are not going to want to miss. And, if you aren't a fan or don't know much about this side of the sport, we are confident you'll want to tune in and learn about why this is something you should be paying more attention to as the game continues to grow here int he United States.

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#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast

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Join us as we dive into the intriguing career of Calen Carr, former MLS star turned top TV analyst for Apple TV's MLS Season Pass. In this episode, Calen opens up about his transition from playing professional soccer to shaping its narrative behind the scenes.

Calen shared how his passion for storytelling emerged during his playing days and the catalysts that pushed him into the media realm. He's been committed to shining a light on the underrepresented aspects of the game, tackling tough topics with both sensitivity and a keen eye for the untold story, and he talked us through his creation "The Movement," revealing how this project became a personal mission to highlight crucial social issues within the sport.

Remember that one-on-one interview with Zlatan Ibrahimović? Calen broke down what it was like to be given the responsibility of introducing Zlatan to the league’s fans, and how “the lion”'s on-screen persona is not a mask, but his true self. Calen reflected on his transition to full-time studio analysis, comparing his previous roles to the bustling and dynamic environment of live broadcasting. Calen also outlined how his preparations for covering multiple teams over consecutive weekends require meticulous planning and a deep understanding of the teams performing in the games he’s involved in.

If you’re a fan of the MLS, sports media, or interested in the behind the scenes of studio broadcasting, this episode is one you won’t want to miss.

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#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast

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Join us as we sit down with Tim McDermott, the President of MLS Club Philadelphia Union, to uncover his multifaceted journey through the world of professional sports management. In this episode, Tim dove into his personal and professional background, sharing insights from his expansive career that spans across the NFL, NHL, NBA, and now the MLS.

Tim opened up about the influential figures from his youth and early career, discussing how mentors and role models have shaped his professional ethos and strategic approach. He reflected on the transitions and challenges of adapting marketing strategies to suit the unique cultures and fanbases of each team he's managed, and other areas of the business that he had to learn when transitioning from CMO to President.

With Philadelphia Union experiencing a sold-out season last year, Tim reveals some of the key strategies behind their success. He emphasizes the role of community engagement, innovative fan-building initiatives, and the cohesive efforts of the entire organization, from ticketing to top-tier marketing campaigns, in creating a thriving club atmosphere.

Tim truly has one of the sharpest minds in the sports industry, and this episode is full of golden nuggets of wisdom, insights, and stories that you won't want to miss out on hearing.

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#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast

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In this episode, we're joined by Lee Cohen, the President of USL Championship side Charleston Battery and former President of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Lee shared with us his extensive journey through the soccer landscape, revealing the insights and strategies that have shaped his successful career so far.

Lee took us back to his early experiences as an intern at the PDL that quickly found himself as the league's Director less than 18 months later, which is a theme in Lee' career of facing challenges head on and never shying away from absorbing more responsibility and pressure. He discussed the unique challenges and triumphs of leading a club during the unpredictable 2020 season - a year that saw his team win the Eastern Conference despite the disruptions caused by COVID-19. He also opened up about his move to Charleston, detailing his initial conversations with the ownership group and what made him get back into the President's chair after a brief break from the game.

Under Lee's leadership, Charleston Battery has seen a remarkable turnaround, clinching the Eastern Conference title in 2023 having finished third from bottom just one year earlier. Lee attributes this success to more than just tactics on the pitch; preferring the idea of instilling a set of strong values within the club's staff over the abstract concept of "culture".

It is clear from this conversation as to why Lee has had the success and rapid upward growth in his career so far in the game, with a big reason being his authentic day-to-day mindset of taking each day as it comes and only focussing on what you can control in the here and now.

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#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast

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In this episode, we're joined by Ron Patel, President of USL Championship side New Mexico United. Ron shared his unique journey from being born in Liverpool and quickly getting exposed to the passion for the game, to now leading one of the most community-focused soccer clubs in the US.

Ron reflected on the early challenges of starting a soccer club (Albuquerque Sol), the lessons learned from his first business ventures, and how this shaped his skillset when he was tapped on the shoulder to come in as employee number one of New Mexico United.

Under Ron's leadership, New Mexico United isn't just a soccer club; it's truly a movement that champions community impact over profit. He discussed the club's ethos, the importance of hiring staff who align with their purpose-driven mission, and his personal view of his role not just as a job, but as a calling.

He also revealed the moment he's proudest of so far with New Mexico United--a story you won't want to miss--and what he's most looking forward to in the future of New Mexico United and soccer in the United States.

If you're a soccer fan, business person, or simply a lover of feel-good stories, this one's for you.

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#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast

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Join us as we explore the journey of James Keston, Owner & CEO of USL Championship side Orange County SC, and his transformative impact on the club.

James shared the backstory of how he almost became the owner of teams in Portland and Seattle almost ten years prior to acquiring Orange County SC, and he discussed the detailed process of purchasing an existing club and the strategic decisions behind the transformative rebranding from Orange County Blues FC to OCSC.

James gave us a deep dive on their unique model focusing on developing young players and transferring them to higher leagues, particularly in Europe, which has reshaped the club's financial and competitive landscape. He also shed light on the international partnerships with Feyenoord and Rangers, explaining the strategic benefits and the reasons behind choosing these specific clubs.

This was a true behind the scenes episode with someone who has taken a club from scratch and built it into an internationally known team, and one you certainly won't want to miss.

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#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast

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Join us for a conversation with Chris Canetti, the visionary behind Houston's 2026 World Cup bid and former President of Houston Dynamo and Dash. In this episode, Chris shares his journey from the baseball fields of New Haven to leading one of MLS' most successful franchises, and now spearheading Houston's effots to host the world's most prestigious soccer event.

Chris delves into his early days juggling numerous roles within soccer, his strategic vision that brought a women's team to Houston, and a never-before-told story of how he got Manchester United to come for the 2010 MLS All-Star Game. He explains the complexities and the exhilaration of transforming the Dynamo and Dash, enhancing their impact both on the field and within the community, culminating in several trophy wins under his leadership.

Transitioning to his current role, Chris outlines what it takes to secure a World Cup bid, from the initial pitch to FIFA, to highlighting Houston's diverse cultural and infrastructural strengths. He discusses unseen aspects of city bids and how previous international events in Houston have laid the groundwork for their World Cup aspirations.

Beyond the pitch, Chris reflects on the profound impact sports organizations can have on local communities and why this remains a priority in his expansive career.

Don't miss this deep dive into the behind-the-scenes action of soccer management and World Cup planning with one of the sport's most influential figures.

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#OffThePitch • #SoccerBusinessPodcast

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To reach out to us please email:
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