Off the Pitch

In this episode, join us for an enlightening conversation with Steven Aldrich, Chair and Investor of the Oakland Roots; a club that's quickly become a beloved part of the of the U.S. sports landscape.Steven takes us back to the inception of the club, revealing the challenges and triumphs of transforming a bold idea into a reality with a sold-out home opener. He discussed the Roots' strategic climb from NISA to the USL Championship, shedding light on what it really takes to move up in the comp...

Have you ever thought about what it takes to picot from being a Premier League player to a leading voice in sports broadcasting? Join us as we catch up with Stu Holden, who's done just that. From thrilling fans on the field for clubs like Bolton Wanderers and the U.S.National Team to now sharing his sharp insights on Fox Sports, Stu's had quite the journey.In this epidoe, Stu shares how he made the leap from the field to the analyst desk and has even venture into club ownership with RCD Mallo...

Imagine starting your finance career at a top firm like Ernst & Young and then 20 years later having worked all the way up to being at the financial helm of MLS' most valuable club. Well meet Stacy Johns, LAFC's CFO & COO, who has a tale of ascension that's as instructive as it is inspiring. Starting her sports journey with the Indianapolis Colts in 2004 and now playing a pivotal dual-role at LAFC, Stacy's journey is one of strategic mastery and groundbreaking deals.In this episode, S...

When you think of which MLS club has had the most star power and one of the most financially successful histories, the LA Galaxy is likely the first club that comes to mind. And at that club, someone has to be in charge of generating said money and success. Well, meet Urel Martinez - LA Galaxy's Chief Revenue Officer.With a career spanning across the MLB, NBA, and now MLS, Urel Martinez is one of the U.S. Sports Industry's top executives., going from being a Guest Relations Rep at the LA Dodg...

For the San Jose Earthquakes, a lot has changed over the years: different stadiums, a new city, and Hall of Fame players coming and going. Although there has been lots of change, Jed Mettee has been there since the beginning. Listen to our conversation with the Jed - the Chief Operating Officer at the San Jose Earthquakes. We talk about what it was like to work in the early days of the MLS and how different it is today. We dive deep into the history of the club and how it has impacted th...

What’s your favorite game day memory? Was it the stadium filled with crowds chanting? Was it the adrenaline rush while you were on the edge of your seat? Everything you experience on a game day is engineered by experts - from the build boards you see on your drive, to the music playing after a goal, and the food you eat in the stadium. These experts create an atmosphere that leaves you wanting more. One such expert is Lisa Franklin. The current Chief Marketing Officer at MLS' D.C. Unite...

What an episode to kick off this podcast with. If being the VP of Soccer Operations at an MLS Supporters’ Shield winning club wasn’t a cool enough job already, try being employee #1 for said club. That’s the story of FC Cincinnati’s Dan McNally, who has gone from being the person tasked with purchasing the first bag of cones and balls for a non-existent squad, to the proven-leader given the honor to spearhead the construction and operations of a $250M stadium that consistently sells out ...