In this standout episode, we sit down with Radhika Duggal, the Chief Marketing Officer of Major League Soccer, who brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world.

Radhika shared her journey, reflecting on her upbringing detailing how her childhood interests and earl exposure to sports helped shape her path towards a career in marketing. Radhika recounted the strategic decisions that have defined her career so far, from her initial professional aspirations to her roles across various industries before stepping into the world of MLS.

As CMO of MLS, Radhika detailed her initial impressions and strategic priorities upon joining the league. She discussed her approach to enhancing fan engagement through understanding consumer behavior, revealing some trends among MLS fans. The conversation naturally turned to the seismic impact of Lionel Messi's presences in the league, and Radhika unpacked both the immediate excitement and the long-term strategies involved in leveraging such a high-profile figure to elevate the league's global presence.

Looking ahead, Radhika shared her predictions for the future of the sport here in the United States especially in light of the upcoming major soccer tournaments coming to the country, articulating her vision for how MLS could play a pivotal role in the global sports narrative.

Radhika's story is not just one of professional success but also of personal growth and the relentless pursuit of excellence in the competitive world of marketing. If you're looking for a sports marketing masterclass or simply want to hear an inspirational journey, this episode is not one you'll want to skip.

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In this compelling episode, we explored the journey of Nick Ragain, President of USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Nick opened up about his unconventional path into the world of soccer, a sport that was not a part of his life until he spearheaded the Swtichbacks. He shared insights into his personal background and the unlikely story of how he transitioned from a newcomer to the game to leading a successful soccer franchise.

Nick recounted the intriguing beginnings of the Switchbacks in 2013, including how the team's name was chosen through a fan contest–revealing some of he alternative names that were considered. He described the early days of setting up the franchise, the whirlwind of activities required to transform an idea into a professional team, and the community's role in shaping the club's direction.

Delving into the complexities of launching a running a soccer club, Nick explained his approach to gathering knowledge and guidance, from consulting with seasoned professionals to studying examples of other successful franchises. He candidly discussed the challenges he faced, from unforeseen operational hurdles to the strategic decision that guided the development of the team's own stadium, Weiner Field, which opened in 2021.

The opening of Weidner Field marked a significant milestone for the Switchbacks, fundamentally changing the club's dynamics both on and off the field. Nick reflected on the impact of having a dedicated space that they can call home and how it has fostered a deeper connection with fans and bolstered the team's performance.

As he looked back on his journey with the Switchbacks so far, Nick identified a specific moment of personal pride that stood out–a testament to his dedication and collective efforts of everyone involved with the club. Tune in to hear how Nick navigated the challenges of founding and growing a soccer club, his vision for its future, and the lessons learned along the way.

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In this episode, we delved deep with Michelle Hyncik, President of Utah Royals, exploring her remarkable transition from a law career to spearheading a major NWSL club. Michelle began with an overview of her legal background and her initial foray into the sports industry, highlighting the skills and experiences that prepared her for leadership in soccer.

Michelle discussed the strategic decisions involved in her move from New York to Utah, the complexities of legal transitions within MLS, and how these experiences equipped her for future challenges. She outlined the process of taking the legal helm during Real Salt Lake's ownership transition, detailing the meticulous approach required to secure the club's future.

As we talked about the revival of the Utah Royals, Michelle revealed how past experiences shaped her approach to relaunching the team. She discussed the early strategy sessions, the drive to build something great from scratch, and the ongoing mission to elevate women's soccer not only in Utah but across the United States.

Michelle also touched on the personal attributes that have supported her career progression and the lessons learned from overseeing both legal and operational aspects of a soccer club. She concluded by sharing her proudest moment in her journey, which encapsulates her achievements and her vision for the future of the Utah Royals.

Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at Michelle's unique path from the courtroom to the soccer field, filled with lessons on leadership, resilience, and the power of following your passion with one of the soccer industry's most impressive executives.

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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 stories showcasing how hard work and determination is always the recipe for success, you're going to want to listen to this one.

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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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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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To reach out to us please email:
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