Finance of Football
Created and hosted by The Athletic's 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 episode, we not only discuss and debate the how, but, more importantly, the why around the biggest topics, themes and trends in football, particularly in the U.S., while being joined by guests who can lend their expertise and experience to the conversation. Thanks for listening! – Asli and Michael
Episodes
Who will replace Don Garber as MLS commissioner?
After leading Major League Soccer since 1999, Don Garber is preparing to pass control of the league to a successor. Whoever takes over will inherit an MLS that is more valuable, more ambitious and under more pressure than ever before.
In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael and Asli break down the search for the next MLS commissioner and the leading candidates being considered ...
How did David Beckham become one of the biggest winners of the 2026 FIFA World Cup without kicking a ball?
While one country will lift the trophy and receive $51 million in prize money, the financial impact of this World Cup extends far beyond the teams competing on the pitch.
FIFA is expected to generate a record $11 billion from the tournament, participating nations are receiving unprecedented payouts and breakout players have gain...
Is the 2026 FIFA World Cup already one of the best tournaments ever?
From Cabo Verde’s incredible Cinderella story to Norway shocking Brazil, this World Cup has already delivered drama, upsets, global stars, late winners, penalty shootouts and some of the best fan moments in recent memory.
But off the pitch, the tournament has been just as intense.
In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael and Asli break down the good, the...
Why are World Cup tickets so expensive — and why are fans still paying?
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup already delivering packed stadiums, record demand and eye-watering resale prices, FIFA’s ticketing strategy is under the spotlight.
In this episode of Finance of Football, Asli Pelit is joined by Jim McCarthy, founder of Impresario Strategic Growth Services and co-founder and former CEO of Goldstar and Stellar Live, to bre...
With the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway across the United States, Canada and Mexico, there’s no better time to revisit one of the most important conversations we've ever had on Finance of Football.
Long before MLS, packed soccer-specific stadiums, billion-dollar club valuations, and the arrival of global stars like David Beckham and Lionel Messi, there was Alan Rothenberg.
As CEO of the 1994 FIFA World Cup, founder of Major Leagu...
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is here — and the USMNT has already made a statement.
In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael is joined by Jozy Altidore, one of the top goal scorers in U.S. soccer history, to break down the pressure, opportunity and expectation around the U.S. men’s national team at a home World Cup.
After a strong opening performance from the USA, Jozy explains why he believes this team has the talent to...
Why are 2026 World Cup tickets so expensive?
With the biggest World Cup in history just days away, FIFA is facing growing criticism over ticket prices, dynamic pricing, seat transparency and the overall fan experience.
In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael and Asli break down FIFA’s controversial decision to introduce dynamic ticket pricing for the 2026 World Cup — the first time this model has ever been used at...
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is almost here — and some of the biggest brands in America are racing to be part of soccer’s biggest moment.
In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael and Asli look at The Home Depot’s growing investment in the beautiful game, from Arthur Blank’s role in building Atlanta United to the company’s long-running partnerships with MLS, the Mexican national team and U.S. Soccer.
Th...
In this episode of Nations & Numbers, we break down Group L at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: England, Croatia, Ghana and Panama.
England enters the tournament with one of the most valuable squads in world football, the power of the Premier League behind it, and the pressure of a nation still waiting for football to truly come home. With stars like Jude Bellingham, Bukayo Saka, Declan Rice and Harry Kane, England has the talent, comme...
In this episode of Nations & Numbers, we break down Group K at the 2026 FIFA World Cup: DR Congo, Portugal, Uzbekistan and Colombia.
DR Congo returns to the World Cup for the first time since 1974, carrying one of the strongest emotional and financial stories of the expanded tournament. As the poorest country in the 2026 World Cup by GDP per capita, its guaranteed FIFA payout of at least $12.5 million could mean more here than a...
The Championship playoff final is often called the richest match in football.
This year, Hull City beat Middlesbrough at Wembley Stadium to win promotion to the Premier League — and unlock roughly $275 million in broadcast and commercial revenue over the next three seasons.
In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael and Asli break down why promotion to the Premier League is about far more than sporting glory. From TV reven...
In this episode of Nations & Numbers, we break down Argentina, Algeria, Austria and Jordan — four nations with very different football identities, but major financial, cultural and commercial stakes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Argentina enters Group J as the defending World Cup champion and one of the most commercially powerful national teams in football. After Lionel Messi lifted the trophy in Qatar in 2022, Argenti...
In this episode of Nations & Numbers, we break down France, Senegal, Iraq and Norway — four nations with very different football stories, but huge financial, cultural and commercial stakes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Iraq arrives with one of the most emotional stories of the tournament. After 40 years away from the World Cup, the Lions of Mesopotamia are finally back on the biggest stage. Their qualification is about far m...
The 2026 FIFA World Cup is being billed as the biggest sporting event in history.
48 nations.
104 matches.
16 cities.
3 countries.
5 million fans.
$80.1 billion in gross output.
$11 billion in revenue for FIFA.
But there is another number behind the tournament: an estimated 9 million tons of carbon dioxide equivalent.
In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael and Asli break down the environmental impact of the expanded 2026 Wor...
In this episode of Nations & Numbers, we break down Spain, Cape Verde, Saudi Arabia and Uruguay — four nations with very different football identities, but huge financial, cultural and commercial stakes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Spain enters the tournament as one of the favorites, hoping to prove that its golden era was not a one-time miracle. From 2008 to 2012, Spain dominated international football with back-to-back Eu...
In this episode of Nations & Numbers, we break down Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand — four nations with very different football histories, but huge financial, cultural and political stakes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Belgium enters the tournament at a turning point. After finishing third in 2018 and then crashing out in the group stage in Qatar, this World Cup could mark the end of one era and the beginning of another...
A sweaty football shirt used to be just a piece of kit.
Now it can be a luxury asset.
In this episode of Finance of Football, Michael and Asli explore the booming business of match-worn football shirts — a market where sweat, mud, blood and emotion can turn a jersey into a highly valuable collector’s item.
The conversation starts with Diego Maradona’s blue Argentina jersey from the infamous “Hand of God” ...
The 2026 FIFA World Cup isn’t just a tournament.
It’s the biggest sporting event in history.
48 nations.
104 matches.
39 days.
$80.1B in gross output.
$11B in revenue.
5M attendees.
6B viewers worldwide.
Finance of Football is breaking down the stories, stakes and numbers behind the tournament — in the run-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup and throughout the tournament itself.
From the main show to our special Nations &am...
In this episode of Nations & Numbers, we break down the Netherlands, Japan, Tunisia and Sweden — four nations with very different football identities, but major financial, cultural and commercial stakes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
The Netherlands enters the tournament still chasing its first-ever World Cup title despite decades of influence on the modern game through Total Football and legends like Johan Cruyff. But this W...
In this episode of Nations & Numbers, we break down Germany, Curaçao, Côte d’Ivoire and Ecuador — four nations at completely different stages of their football journeys, all with massive financial, cultural and commercial stakes at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Germany enters this tournament at the end of an iconic era. After decades of partnership and four men’s World Cup titles together, the DFB will part ways wit...
Popular Podcasts
Hey Jonas! The official Jonas Brothers podcast. Hosted by Kevin, Joe, and Nick Jonas. It’s the Jonas Brothers you know... musicians, actors, and well, yes, brothers. Now, they’re sharing another side of themselves in the playful, intimate, and irreverent way only they can. Spend time with the Jonas Brothers here and stay a little bit longer for deep conversations like never before.
If you've ever wanted to know about champagne, satanism, the Stonewall Uprising, chaos theory, LSD, El Nino, true crime and Rosa Parks, then look no further. Josh and Chuck have you covered.
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
Betrayal Weekly is back for a new season. Every Thursday, Betrayal Weekly shares first-hand accounts of broken trust, shocking deceptions, and the trail of destruction they leave behind. Hosted by Andrea Gunning, this weekly ongoing series digs into real-life stories of betrayal and the aftermath. From stories of double lives to dark discoveries, these are cautionary tales and accounts of resilience against all odds. From the producers of the critically acclaimed Betrayal series, Betrayal Weekly drops new episodes every Thursday. If you would like to share your story, you can reach out to the Betrayal Team by emailing them at betrayalpod@gmail.com and follow us on Instagram at @betrayalpod and @glasspodcasts. Please join our Substack for additional exclusive content, curated book recommendations, and community discussions. Sign up FREE by clicking this link Beyond Betrayal Substack. Join our community dedicated to truth, resilience, and healing. Your voice matters! Be a part of our Betrayal journey on Substack.
The official podcast of comedian Joe Rogan.