Sunil Gulati on American soccer past, present and future

Sunil Gulati on American soccer past, present and future

Author: Simon Evans October 3, 2025 Duration: 43:03
In this episode we welcome a true architect of American soccer - Sunil Gulati. Sunil is widely regarded as one of the most influential figure in the sport’s growth in the United States, having been involved in the administration of the game since the 1980’s and serving as president of the U.S. Soccer Federation from 2006 to 2018. With over 30 years of experience at every level of the game, Sunil continues to shape the future of soccer business. He is a senior lecturer in economics at Columbia University and Chairman of UEFA’s Club Financial Control Body. In this interview, Sunil looks at the growth of the game from the tough days of the 1980’s through the 1994 World Cup, the creation of Major League Soccer and the National Women’s Soccer League. He also gives us his thoughts on the prospects for USL and on the state of youth soccer.  It’s a wide-ranging interview and I am sure you’ll find many insights. Before we get down to this interview - if you enjoy this podcast make sure that you are subscribed to our weekly newsletter - The Soccer Business. You can sign up for free at thesoccerbusiness.com

Simon Evans brings his deep knowledge of the sports industry to The Soccer Business Podcast, a series dedicated to the intricate and rapidly evolving commercial landscape of soccer in North America. Each episode features conversations with prominent personalities and key players who are shaping the game off the pitch. You'll hear candid discussions that go beyond the headlines, delving into the real-world strategies of club-building, league expansion, and major infrastructure projects like new stadiums. The dialogue consistently explores the critical financial engines of the sport: sponsorship deals, marketing innovations, and the flow of investment that determines which clubs thrive. This isn't just about scores and transfers; it's a clear-eyed examination of how business decisions made in boardrooms directly impact the sport we watch on the field. For anyone curious about the economic forces and ambitious personalities driving soccer's growth across the continent, this podcast offers essential listening. Evans guides these complex topics with a journalist's insight, making each interview both informative and engaging for fans and professionals alike.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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