Chop Soccer

Leading into the start of the NWSL season we look at how Angel City FC has become the most valuable women’s soccer team in the world, signaling a major shift in the business of sports. We discuss how celebrity ownership, sponsorship growth, and rising fan support are driving new investment into the National Women's Soccer League. We also explore whether this surge in team valuations represents lon...

With the 2026 FIFA World Cup approaching, U.S. host cities are preparing for one of the largest global sporting events ever but delays in federal security funding are raising concerns. In this episode, we explore the balance between safety, cost, and coordination, and what it really takes to prepare for a modern mega-event.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup will be the largest tournament ever—and one of the most expensive for fans. With ticket prices in the thousands and resale listings reaching six figures, many supporters are questioning whether the sport’s biggest event is still accessible to everyday fans. In this episode, we explore: Why ticket demand is at historic levels How legal resale markets impact pricing FIFA’s ro...

In today’s episode, we break down three major stories shaking up the American soccer landscape. We start with the ongoing contract standoff between Trinity Rodman, the Washington Spirit, and the NWSL. We discuss a situation that puts a spotlight on the league’s salary cap, free agency rights, and whether the current CBA can actually support its biggest stars. From there, we shift breaking down the...

In this episode (our last before Thanksgiving and our first video-supported show in a long time) we break down the surprising news behind MLS and Apple restructuring their partnership and explore what comes next for the league. We cover: Why the deal is ending early What Apple is signaling by removing the Season Pass paywall How MLS’s move to a winter schedule changes everything The realistic best...

We’re back! After a little time away from the mics, we return with a packed episode breaking down all the chaos, dominance, and controversy from Round 1 of the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. This week, we sort through the biggest winners and losers from an opening round that went mostly chalk except for a few teams who made a statement and a few who completely fell apart. We break down: Inter Miami’s reve...

The soccer jersey game isn’t just about fabric and logos. It’s about money, prestige, and fan culture. In this episode, we dive into the changing landscape of kit manufacturers across Europe’s top five leagues. We break down Adidas’s surge to the top, Nike and Puma’s strategies to stay competitive, and the rise of challengers like Castore, Umbro, and Macron. From record-breaking sponsorship deals...

We've got questions about the MLS and Apple’s first big reveal on Season Pass viewership. Don Garber says it’s 120,000 unique viewers per match, up nearly 50% from last year… but we have thoughts...

Reuters published an article last week titled " Chicago Fire unveil plans for new $650m stadium in 2028 " so this episode we’re discussing why soccer-specific stadiums are the true game-changer for soccer in the United States.

Jeff Carlisle wrote an article last week about the USMNT titled " Gold Cup absences worst-case scenario for U.S. World Cup hopes " so this episode we’re diving into a question a lot of fans are wondering heading into 2026: What Are Realistic Expectations for the USMNT Heading into the 2026 World Cup?

Jeff Kassouf wrote an article last week about Angel City FC titled " Angel City's jump from Hollywood brand to good NWSL team " so this episode we’re diving into a question a lot of modern sports teams face: Do fans actually care if their team wins, as long as the brand looks good off the field? What are Angel City FC known for? Why Off-Field Branding Matters Why Winning Still Matters An Inflectio...

In this episode, Ken and Rox dive into the German Football Federation’s shocking decision to drop Adidas in favor of Nike starting in 2027. They explore the business and branding factors that could’ve led to the historic shift, as well as the deeper cultural impact of Germany’s most iconic sports brand losing ground at home. The conversation also touches on how fans might react to the move and wha...

Rox sits down with Santiago Muriel for a wide-ranging conversation that connects the dots between life on the field and life after it. Santi shares his soccer journey, and how those experiences shaped his passion for financial planning and community building. We dive into the business side of soccer: how athletes handle money, what fans don’t see behind big transfers and contracts, and how U.S. so...

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: KC Current April Fools USA the sole bidder on 2031 Women’s World Cup Tyler Adams says pro/rel would be good for MLS Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, or positions of the podcast's hosts, g...

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: Whats wrong with the USMNT Media questioning USL's push for Pro/Rel Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, or positions of the podcast's hosts, guests, sponsors, or any affiliated entities, inc...

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: USL adopting pro/rel for 2028 season Rochester Rhinos and Jamie Vardy? Des Moines Menace beat SKC II in Open Cup… but that’s not a surprise. Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, or positions...

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: FIFA looking to add Women's Club World Cup ‘28 & Champions Cup ‘26 TNT to show 24 Club World Cup Games 2026 World Cup Final will have a Half-Time show!? Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views, opinion...

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: Start of the 2025 MLS Season USWNT goes youth focused under Emma Hayes Greenland needs CONCACAF help to play Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, or positions of the podcast's hosts, guests,...

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: Which leagues are the biggest money makers? Apple TV is a gateway Olivier Giroud home invasion Denver NWSL wants fans to help pick the name Crystal Dunn on choosing PSG Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the vi...

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: A Letter from Gotham FC GM Hope Solo returning to play in TST Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, or positions of the podcast's hosts, guests, sponsors, or any affiliated entities, including...

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: NWSL Denver Crystal Dunn leaving Gotham Top 10 Most Valuable MLS Clubs Richmond Kickers joins the 21st Century Visa backlog might cause delays for fans & TEAMS? Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views,...

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: Neymar in talks with 3 MLS teams… Oakland Roots finna upgraaaaade! Inter Miami going on tour again. Naomi Girma to Chelsea? Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, or positions of the podcast's...

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: MLS makes mistake on player transfer Jameson becomes the official whiskey of MLS Apple TV Docuseries to air featuring Beckam, Messi, and MLS Trinity Rodman goes on Call Me Daddy and disses her daddy Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individual speakers and do no...

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: Angel City moves into new training facility, FC Cincinnati on the shortlist for new NWSL womens team, MLS Playoffs, NWSL Playoffs

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer: NWSL gives up draft All things league cup New England stadium hits political roadblock MLS resumes NWSL resumes