The Business of Soccer Media: Creators, Brands, and a Culture of Belonging | Simon Evans

In Episode 93 of the Because Football Podcast, we chat with Simon Evans, an experienced journalist, content consultant, and co-founder of the Soccer Business - a news, information, data and analysis company focused on the North American soccer industry.Simon has had quite a ride, from traveling on trains and sleeping on couches while covering football in every corner of Europe (an adventure that led to “The Rough Guide to European Football” book) to 8 years in Italy reporting for Reuters on the glory days of Serie A in the 90s, to eventually covering a range of sports while based in Miami.In this episode, Simon explains the many ways that American soccer fans engage with the game and why the World Cup is a massive moment but isn’t a sure bet to catalyze a new wave of North American fans. We also discuss the current soccer media landscape, opportunities for new storytellers, and how brands play a pivotal role in giving talented creators the resources to reach their potential.For professionals working in clubs, leagues, and football marketing, this episode offers grounded insight into what drives fan engagement, brand alignment, and how storytelling draws attention, loyalty, and long-term growth.We also dance around the possibility of pro/rel in USL, why football is at its best when it emphasizes community and belonging, and the time Simon got to watch AC Milan legend Andriy Shevchenko practice volleys and headers.Listen to the full episode and step into a scintillating conversation that mixes passionate football banter with measured, experienced insights.Connect with Simon Evans here:https://www.linkedin.com/in/simon-evans-9440554/https://thesoccerbusiness.com/https://x.com/sgevans?lang=enSign up for The Soccer Business Newsletter:  https://newsletter.thesoccerbusiness.com/Connect with Because Football here:⁠https://www.youtube.com/@BecauseFootball_⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/becausefootball_/⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/baggaleyandrew/⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/company/because-football-media/⁠Want to start your own podcast? We can help.To get in contact with us, email becausefootballmedia [at] ⁠gmail.com⁠