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Very interesting read by Kevin Baxter and Los Angeles Times . From the players stand point the question often is why not go the direct way to #Europe /UEFA when you are a free agent? I signed so many (former) players from United Soccer League (USL) , Major League Soccer and Canadian Premier League in Germany/with DFB clubs (by far the biggest market for North American players in Europe) over the years that the „career, age, quality factor“ and also the „financial factor“ (transfer fee, salary aspects in correlation to it, etc,) would be an interesting addition to this article. First and foremost the question for the player, his agent and family often is the career plan and strategy. Clubs in Germany are very interested in North American players and we get contacted by them a lot with their search requests so a direct signing with or without trial is a factor that should always be in the mind of a player as well. Perhaps that’s also a possible and more direct way to Europe instead of involving a „third party“ and loosing a bit of the control of your own career….😉

Read this. 

For this month's Fourth Economy blog, I wrote about major sporting events, their economic impacts, and how cities can, with the right priorities, leverage these events to drive long-term investment and community prosperity. These events don't happen without negative externalities, though, and can swiftly become burdens for host communities, their budgets, and local constituents. I'm excited to head to the USMNT game vs Panama in Atlanta tonight and get an early look at how the city will fare with massive World Cup crowds in 2 years time! "This year’s Copa America is equal parts competition and trial-run. The big event, 2026’s FIFA World Cup jointly-hosted by the United States, Mexico, and Canada, looms ahead just two years from now. Host cities are already making short and long-term investments in their infrastructure to maximize the tournament’s economic impact, which is estimated at over $5b across the 3 countries." https://lnkd.in/gxDNFCPC

In the heat of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where the world watched through a lens of tension and nationalism, a remarkable story of friendship and sportsmanship unfolded between two athletes who should have been rivals. Carl “Luz” Long, a German long jumper, was not only competing on home soil but under the watchful eye of the Nazi regime, which sought to showcase Aryan superiority. But what happened next would defy all expectations. During the long jump event, Jesse Owens, the African American athlete whose presence was a direct challenge to Nazi ideology, fouled his first two jumps. With just one chance left to qualify, the pressure was immense. It was in this critical moment that Luz Long, rather than standing by, offered Owens some advice on adjusting his takeoff mark. This small act of kindness from a supposed rival was nothing short of extraordinary. Owens took the advice, and the result? He not only qualified but went on to win the gold medal, setting an Olympic record in the process. Long, who had secured the silver medal, was the first to congratulate Owens, embracing him in full view of the spectators and Nazi officials. Their friendship didn’t end at the stadium; they corresponded for years after the Olympics, with Long’s letters to Owens expressing a deep respect and camaraderie that transcended borders and ideologies. Unfortunately, Luz Long would later be killed in World War II, but the legacy of his sportsmanship lives on, a powerful reminder that humanity and decency can thrive even in the darkest of times. This story isn't just about athletics; it's about the triumph of the human spirit over prejudice and the unexpected bonds that can form in the most unlikely of places. #JesseOwens #LuzLong #OlympicHistory #Sportsmanship #HumanSpirit

In the heat of the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where the world watched through a lens of tension and nationalism, a remarkable story of friendship and sportsmanship unfolded between two athletes who should have been rivals. Carl “Luz” Long, a German long jumper, was not only competing on home soil but under the watchful eye of the Nazi regime, which sought to showcase Aryan superiority. But what happened next would defy all expectations. During the long jump event, Jesse Owens, the African American athlete whose presence was a direct challenge to Nazi ideology, fouled his first two jumps. With just one chance left to qualify, the pressure was immense. It was in this critical moment that Luz Long, rather than standing by, offered Owens some advice on adjusting his takeoff mark. This small act of kindness from a supposed rival was nothing short of extraordinary. Owens took the advice, and the result? He not only qualified but went on to win the gold medal, setting an Olympic record in the process. Long, who had secured the silver medal, was the first to congratulate Owens, embracing him in full view of the spectators and Nazi officials. Their friendship didn’t end at the stadium; they corresponded for years after the Olympics, with Long’s letters to Owens expressing a deep respect and camaraderie that transcended borders and ideologies. Unfortunately, Luz Long would later be killed in World War II, but the legacy of his sportsmanship lives on, a powerful reminder that humanity and decency can thrive even in the darkest of times. This story isn't just about athletics; it's about the triumph of the human spirit over prejudice and the unexpected bonds that can form in the most unlikely of places. #JesseOwens #LuzLong #OlympicHistory #Sportsmanship #HumanSpirit

I really miss watching the Olympics. It's one of the few times the world comes together, united in cheering for athletes from every nation. As a life long wrestler, and American, my most anticipated event was watching a 42 year old Cuban wrestler, Mijain Lopez, compete and win his 5th (& final??) Greco-Roman heavyweight gold medal. But literally every performance my children and I watched were full of incredible moments. What stood out the most for me was the respect, kindness, and camaraderie between all competitors, regardless of their backgrounds. But just a week after the closing ceremonies, it hits me that there are over 50 countries currently in conflict (or over 90, if you include those involved outside their borders). That’s the highest number ever recorded. I can't help but think: what if some of these nations could channel that spirit of unity and competition we see at the Olympics into simply starting a conversation—just one meeting or call—to move toward peaceful resolution or compromise? One step might be all it takes to spark something bigger. The money spent on these conflicts, along with the interest paid by each country to the World Bank, could instead be used for education, healthcare, infrastructure, and so much more that would improve the lives of literally everyone on Earth. A wise person once told me that sometimes you just need to put an idea out there, and it can spark change. The universe works in mysterious ways. Now, I’ve never won the lottery, but I have seen my hopes for important issues come to fruition, sometimes in ways that defy explanation. My hope is that humanity can eventually evolve beyond war and conflict and look toward a brighter, more peaceful future for everyone. (I’m just sharing some thoughts. I know the politics—and sometimes the beliefs and histories—in each conflict are extremely different and complex. I'm also not taking sides, as I’m not educated enough to speak on these individual conflicts. I just believe that the sportsmanship and diplomacy we witness at the Olympics could inspire our governments to do better for all of us.)

Happy #WorldFootballDay ⚽️ to all who celebrate, and billions do! On May 7, the UN General Assembly declared May 25 World Football Day. In passing the resolution, it acknowledged the "beautiful game's" global reach, its impact in various spheres, including commerce, peace and diplomacy and recognized that the sport creates a "space for cooperation.” As noted by this Statista chart, there is room for growth in North America. We will likely see a major spike in popularity here in 2026, when the World Cup arrives. Additionally, the Relevent Sports Group case, which seeks to allow regulation games (not friendlies) of foreign pro leagues to be played on US soil, could be the catalyst for major changes in our domestic sport consumption habits - by consumers, consumer brands and broadcast outlets. #sportbusiness #futbol #soccer

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Some ideas seem unthinkable - until you think about them long enough 🤔 After a truly wonderful stint at Dizplai (thank you Ed Abis and team 🙌 ), I'm taking a mini-break before jumping back into the fray. And using the time to scratch a long-standing itch and do some writing. This essay is the first in a series called Unthinkable. Each one explores a big idea (sometimes a new one, sometimes a neglected or forgotten one) that I believe the time has come to take seriously. Football is getting more predictable with every passing season - at both national and European level. The top of the pyramid has narrowed to a small number of clubs and cities. In this essay, I argue that the only long term solution is to expand our national top leagues to create 8 regional Supra Leagues. For friends who work in or around the Premier League - don't take fright at the provocative headline, the 'Supra Leagues' proposal is about securing a bigger, brighter future for everyone involved in European football ⚽ All feedback much appreciated. Next one is about politics 😬

How often do you look back and let history & legacy influence your next move? This evening we watched a video that we've recently helped our local rugby club produce, to celebrate their centenary year. Our videographer has done a great job putting together an insightful documentary of the past 100 years of Banbury Rugby Club. With photos, videos, and press cuttings showing the history over the past 100 years. The black & white pictures from the 1920s, 30s, 40s & beyond. The changes that war brought about. The changes that each decade inevitably brought about. It's incredible to think that clubs held together by the local community can have such longevity. What a thing to celebrate and look back on! Since getting home my history focus continued having watched most of the Opening Ceremony of the Paris 2024 Olympics. Again, what a reminder of the power of sport. The power to bring people together. As a force for good. Over so many years, the history is incredible. It's so easy to forget to be influenced by history. To forget that you're carrying the torch for whoever came before you. To forget that what you do now is very much connected to the years, decades and centuries that have passed. To give your next move, your current & future decisions some gravitas, remember that people in the future will also be looking back. Looking back at you & your contribution. And it's no longer grainy, black & white footage they'll see, they'll get to see you in perfect HD clarity! Especially given the rarity that someone isn't taking photos or videos of you most days & weeks! I used to ask myself often, what would my Grandfather do? I looked up to him and loved the thought of keeping him alive somehow through my behaviour. Whether it was to refuse to wear a shirt without a collar, just like him, or to wake up ridiculously early and work 15 hour days, just like him, I was keen to keep his influence on me alive. Because history matters and deserves respect. Whatever you're up to this weekend, give a thought or two to history before you act. And remember, whatever you're doing, you're also creating history that others may look back on in the future. #everydays