Shown by its mismanagement of the US Open Cup, the US Soccer Federation has lost all authority as the governing body for the sport in this country. USSF has allowed MLS to become the most powerful soccer entity in this country. At the same time, the US soccer system is a mess as leagues compete against leagues. The chaos of the way that the US Open Cup debacle has been run shows how weak the leadership is under the US Soccer Federation.Also discussed in this episode is the new TV deals from USL and NWSL, and how those two leagues will be giving MLS a run for its money since the launch of MLS Season Pass. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US Soccer Federation bows down to MLS

In this week's episode, we discuss whether the soccer streaming bubble has burst. We also dive into a breakdown of the ESPN, FOX, and TNT app and whether it’s a killer app. We discuss the Premier League’s domination of the soccer landscape in the United States, and how that may not be a good thing. Plus, when even the biggest story happens in a league but no one seems to care, what does that say? We also answer the questions, can LaLiga close the gap with the Premier League, and what do the leagues Serie A, EFL, and Ligue 1 do about their next rights deals in the USA? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Has the soccer streaming bubble burst?

MLS tries to balance Messi's playing time and selling Apple TV subscriptions. We also discuss why FIFA chose New Jersey for the World Cup Final, how Arlington or Atlanta would have been a better choice, where the Women’s World Cup final could be if US/Mexico wins the bid, how Messi Mania is turning into a PR disaster for MLS and Inter Miami, Apple isn’t managing the expectations of fans by making everything about Messi, and why is MLS making so many sloppy PR mistakes lately,  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MLS and Messi's Balancing Act

Jonathan Wilson joins World Soccer Talk to discuss his new soccer newsletter that’s written specifically for the U.S. audience, the evolution of soccer managers, his thoughts about Marcelo Bielsa and what he can accomplish at Uruguay, how writing for a U.S. audience is different, whether he feels American soccer fans are informed or not about the world’s game, news about an updated edition of his book about Brian Clough, how he would write his Sunderland book differently now in hindsight, why Brian Clough doesn’t have as much of a legacy as other English football managers, comparing Klopp to Guardiola, and how Clough’s upbringing had an impact on his role as a manager.The newsletter 'Soccer With Jonathan Wilson' is available on The Guardian's website.Jonathan Wilson writes about football for The Guardian and Observer, including a weekly column for The Observer. He has written 11 books, including Inverting the Pyramid, and is the editor of The Blizzard. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jonathan Wilson interview about Bielsa, Klopp, Clough and USA

In a fascinating interview with Wrexham Director of Football Shaun Harvey, the executive discusses the crossroads the EFL finds itself in ahead of a new international rights deal. iFollow is ending, so what does the future of streaming EFL games look like for international viewers? Harvey shares his insight regarding the available options and the lessons learned from launching iFollow. We also discuss how soccer fans in the United States can watch every Wrexham game, why so few Wrexham league games are shown on ESPN+, what changed to normalize streaming of games in the United Kingdom, where Wrexham stands in popularity of EFL clubs worldwide, why iFollow was started in the first place, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Shaun Harvey interview: EFL's new deal would be rocket fuel for Wrexham

We can reveal that the Premier League has become the most popular soccer league in the United States for the first time, but how can the competing leagues fight back so they're still contenders? At the same time, we discuss why MLS fans will have to fork out more in 2024 to see the new Drive to Survive-like docuseries, how the new series may or may not be more successful than the docuseries that MLS has done in the past, what type of MLS subject material would drive interest for soccer fans, how MLS believes it can be more successful worldwide in 2024, how the timing of the MLS deal with Box to Box Productions may be too late. Plus we dive into your feedback about MLS' decision to quit the US Open Cup, and their subsequent U-turn. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How can leagues catch the Premier League in the USA?

Major League Soccer’s cold and calculated decision to quit the US Open Cup has had a dramatic impact on the credibility of the USA’s top-flight league. Many hardcore fans of Major League Soccer have criticized the league for its lack of respect for American soccer. As usual, we take a deep dive into the topic. We discuss whether US Open Cup can survive without MLS if NFL-owned MLS teams purposely want to hold soccer’s growth back in this country, and how Major League Soccer’s target demographic is a key driver in these decisions.Subsequently, what role has MLS rightsholder Apple had with team owners making this decision? Also, what do soccer fans need to do to get MLS to overturn its decision? Plus we discuss how US Open Cup plans on marketing the competition differently in 2024. Last but not least, is US Soccer capable of removing Major League Soccer’s D1 sanctioning? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MLS rips American soccer apart by quitting US Open Cup

Do you want MLS to rule all of professional club soccer in the United States? It’s heading that way. We dissect what MLS Commissioner Don Garber says on the topic, as well as what it means for soccer fans (and clubs) across the United States. We also share our analysis of the viewership numbers for the 2023 MLS Cup Final between Columbus Crew and LAFC, as well as discuss the risk that MLS admits it’s taking with MLS Season Pass. Last but not least, we explain why Kartik is in Jacksonville, and the new chapter of the SoccerWarz, as well as your excellent comments and feedback in the Listener Mailbag segment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MLS' plan to rule all of US pro soccer

A deep dive into whether the popularity of soccer is growing or shrinking in the United States at the same time that the English Premier League has cemented its place as THE soccer league in this country. What can LaLiga, MLS, Serie A, Ligue 1, and the Bundesliga do to catch up with the Premier League? We also discuss how the Premier League is close to surpassing the popularity of the most popular soccer league on US television.Why hasn’t soccer been able to make an impact on the mainstream? We pinpoint what is missing to make the sport more popular in this country, and what that means for the future of soccer in the United States with the 2026 World Cup around the corner.In addition to these topics, we share what the consensus is about Apple’s deal with Major League Soccer from key executives in the sport at the Soccerex Miami conference.As the Premier League continues to grow in popularity, does this hurt or help the popularity of the different national teams among soccer fans in the United States? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Is soccer growing or shrinking in the USA?

When it comes to watching soccer, if a league isn't on television, does it make a sound? We discuss this topic in light of the new media deals announced for NWSL and USL, which begs the question about other leagues who are struggling with the same question, namely Major League Soccer (with MLS Season Pass) and the Bundesliga (with ESPN+).On this week’s episode, we also discuss whether NWSL and USL going down the path of MLS 1.0 is going to help or hurt them, we share your feedback on VAR, plus we answer all of your questions in the Listener Mailbag segment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

If soccer isn’t on TV, does it make a sound?

In a game that is so simple, VAR has made the sport more complicated. It has removed a lot of enjoyment from the game and has made it more tedious to watch when VAR gets involved. As such, hosts Kartik Krishnaiyer and Christopher Harris discuss how VAR is ruining the Premier League, and what the solution is, as well as comparing it to how other leagues handle VAR. In an attempt to add a spectacle to the Premier League, it has had the reverse effect. The topic of discussion, of course, is the Newcastle-Arsenal game, as well as Fulham versus Man United. The podcast was recorded before the Tottenham-Chelsea match where VAR controversies raged on.Other than VAR, we discuss Matt Turner being dropped by Nottingham Forest and what it means for USMNT players in Europe, ESPN2's coverage of the USL League One final, who would have been a better USWNT coach - Emma Hayes or Sarina Wiegman, news about Kartik interviewing Guillem Balague about Lionel Messi, the joys of watching the FA Cup 1st Round, feedback on NBC and CBS soccer coverage, whether USWNT and USMNT games are available on-demand on Max, as well as plenty of other topics. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

VAR is ruining the Premier League

In this episode, we discuss whether CBS Sports could do a better job of covering the Premier League than NBC Sports does, Kartik discusses what he discovered about world soccer from traveling to Turkey, and what other soccer coverage we've been seeking out to fill the void. We also discuss what's missing from CBS Sports' Morning Footy show that would improve it. Plus, is there enough demand or interest in watching League Two games from viewers in the United States? And have the Premier League, Championship and League One become too boring and predictable?In the Listener Mailbag segment, we answer your questions about CBS Sports Golazo Network, Saudi Pro League, BBC’s ‘Everton: Nothing will be the Same’ series, MLS Cup Playoffs, Welcome to Wrexham, and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Could CBS improve USA Premier League coverage?

Hear our interview with Jon Champion, the legendary soccer commentator who now works for NBC Sports as well as ESPN, ITV, and other broadcasters. For fans of Premier League clubs around the world, Jon Champion is one of the most well-known voices. In the interview, Jon Champion discusses: – What he misses most about the United States – His history with Peter Drury – Working alongside Taylor Twellman – Whether VAR should have been implemented or not – Where he gets his wit from – Other sports he has called – His memories of supporting his favorite soccer club. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jon Champion Interview: Legendary Premier League commentator

In this week’s episode, we discuss why NBC Sports needs to step up the quality of its Premier League coverage, our thoughts on the new Messi documentary series from Apple, the trials and tribulations of Fantasy Premier League, and NWSL’s new TV deal. Plus we discuss:- Technical issues streaming games across Peacock, Paramount+ and ESPN+- Which soccer broadcaster is the most unformulaic- Could CBS Sports do a better job at broadcasting the Premier League to viewers in the USA? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Video Killed The Podcast Star

Much like the men's side, the Wrexham Women's team has undergone considerable change since American investors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney took over at the club. Not only has Wrexham Women earned promotion to its top flight, but it is growing in popularity.The brains behind that growth is Gemma Owen, who oversees the entire women's department at Wrexham AFC. Among her many hats, she is also an assistant manager of the U-19 Women's side with Wrexham. However, her responsibilities vary greatly. Owen joins World Soccer Talk ahead of 'Welcome to Wrexham' season two episode six, titled 'Ballers.' In this interview, Owen talks about her various responsibilities with the club as well as some of the players and fans of the side. Additionally, Owen goes into detail about the growing popularity of the women's team from abroad. Thousands of people had made the pilgrimage to Wrexham to watch the men's team. Now, some people are staying an extra day to watch the women. Could fans in the United States have the opportunity to see the Wrexham Women in a friendly against NWSL teams? Also, is there any chance fans could see Wrexham Women play in the Champions League? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

WREXHAM WOMEN: Interview with Gemma Owen

On this week’s episode, we discuss the return of Welcome to Wrexham, audio problems for Premier League and Bundesliga games, whether Apple’s plans for soccer are a good move or not, and where NWSL rights could go next season after this year's deal ends.In the Listener Mailbag segment, we answer your questions and feedback including why we feel business owners should stay clear of disrespecting the sport of soccer, why Peacock doesn't show every single Premier League game, Saudi Arabia versus MLS, the pros and cons of leagues having games streamed via Apple TV, and much more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Does Apple want to change soccer for the worse?

Our exclusive interview with Wrexham AFC Club Executive Director Humphrey Ker shines a light on several fascinating topics involving the global phenomenon that is Wrexham Association Football Club. Ker, who is responsible for turning Rob McElhenney into a soccer fan and ultimately into becoming co-owner of Wrexham alongside Ryan Reynolds, answers questions about who is responsible for creating the magic of Welcome to Wrexham (season 2 launched September 12, 2023 on FX).Take a journey with us through Welcome to Wrexham season 2 as Ker discusses whether the success of the series in the US surprised him, the decision behind not including spoilers in season two, his experiences running into people from around the world outside the Racecourse Ground, and what Wrexham's global plans are. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome to Wrexham, season 2: Humphrey Ker interview

In this episode, we discuss the pros and cons of Messi’s magical run in Major League Soccer, as well as catching listeners up on where we’ve been. That's just the start of the conversation as we also chat about the wonders of British motorway service stations, whether the Messi effect has been able to impact mainstream media, what the Messi effect is like in the United Kingdom, what the biggest benefit is of all after Messi's arrival in the United States of America.Other tidbits discussed are NBC's new Premier League set, what their coverage is lacking, whether Super Clubs in MLS are a good thing or not, your thoughts on ESPN's coverage of soccer, criticism for ESPN's inability to take advantage of a golden opportunity, and what we've enjoyed about this Premier League season so far. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Messi League Soccer: Pros and cons of his success in USA

Will Harry Kane's arrival in the Bundesliga move the needle with the popularity of the German league across the United States? We discuss, but we also dive into several related topics.For instance, is ESPN ready to promote the Bundesliga with as much attention that they've given to LaLiga? Does ESPN have the talent they need based in the United States who can share their expertise on German soccer? And we also share which league the Bundesliga is focused on overtaking internationally, and why it's important that social media is part of that strategy.As always, we also discuss a variety of other topics and answer your questions in the Listener Mailbag section. One of the topics is, if you’re not watching full games, can you call yourself a soccer fan? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kane to Bundesliga: Can ESPN move the needle?

Hot on the heels of Messi, would Neymar Jr moving to MLS be a smart move for the league or not? What does he offer that would make fans want to watch him, and what are any risks, if any? We also discuss how it could impact MLS Season Pass.Other topics discussed: • What we're most looking forward to seeing in the Premier League this season• Added time, and how it's going to be an issue for TV broadcasters and viewers• How US Soccer Federation is benefitting from Messi coming to America• Why the US went crashing out of the Women's World Cup• How many soccer fans are watching highlights but not watching soccer games• What this Women's World Cup has been like Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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