Justin Papadakis - The United Soccer League’s Expansion Strategy with Stadium-Anchored Development

American investor-operator Jordan Gardner breaks down the real mechanics of buying and running European football clubs—what to diligence before you wire a euro, how to build a winning dressing-room culture, where undervalued leagues still exist, and why many multi-club ownership (MCO) plays fail in execution. In this episode, you’ll learn:Deal selection & diligence: stadium control/leases, geography, roster state, and whether your operating model is actually executable.MCO realities: where synergies are real vs. slide-deck fiction—talent pathways, commercial ops, and capital load.Data that creates an edge: what to build in-house, how clubs like Brighton/Brentford inspired the approach, and how to avoid “dashboard theater.”Women’s football opportunities: spin-offs, JVs, and why top brands still leave value on the table.Market map: Scandinavia, Scotland, Mexico—structures, language/culture fit, and European slots.US vs. Europe infrastructure: municipal constraints, permanent facilities, and what actually drives matchday revenue. First-time buyer pitfalls: timelines, governance, and the hidden costs of “learning on the job.” If this episode helped, subscribe and share with someone eyeing a club deal. ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. One Soccer Nation:Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneSoccerNation Twitter: https://x.com/osnationllc Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/osnationllc/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/onesoccernation/?ref=page_internal  ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

In this episode of the One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Justin Papadakis, Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer at the United Soccer League (USL), to discuss the league’s rapid growth and how it’s shaping the future of soccer in the United States. Justin shares how USL is building first-class stadiums, training centers, and community-focused clubs that will change the landscape of American soccer. With major global events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and 2028 Olympics on the horizon, USL is poised for an unprecedented inflection point. Key Topics Discussed:- Justin’s personal journey from player to USL executive- The role of stadium anchor developments and mixed-use projects- Why world-class training facilities are critical for player development- USL’s plans to grow men’s and women’s leagues across the country- The importance of player transfers and creating valuable assets- How local ownership and city partnerships drive long-term success- Advice for young professionals pursuing careers in the sports industry Justin also touches on the launch of the USL Super League, which aims to deliver a commercially viable, competitive, and sustainable women’s soccer league from day one. Whether you’re a player, investor, or fan, this episode provides an inside look at how USL is building the foundation for soccer’s future in the U.S. Like, comment, and subscribe to stay updated on how the game is growing on and off the pitch. ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC.One Soccer Nation: Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/   ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

In this episode of the One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Dan Rutstein, President of Business Operations at Orange County SC (OCSC), to unpack how a United Soccer League (USL) club is challenging the status quo—and building a bold new vision for American soccer. From leading the U.S. in player transfers to Europe to pioneering promotion and relegation, OCSC is creating a blueprint for what professional soccer in the U.S. could—and should—look like. What you'll learn in this episode:- Why USL’s move to promotion/relegation could reshape the entire U.S. soccer landscape- How Orange County SC built the most successful player pipeline to Europe in North America- What the 2026 FIFA World Cup, 2025 Club World Cup, and 2028 Olympics mean for the future of soccer in the US- The business model behind community ownership—and how it deepens loyalty and revenue- MLS vs. USL: contrasting strategies, long-term consequences Whether you’re a club owner, investor, executive, player, or serious fan, this is an insider look at the tectonic shifts happening in American soccer. Subscribe now for exclusive interviews with the leaders shaping the future of the global game. #USL #OrangeCountySC #PlayerDevelopment #PromotionRelegation #SoccerInvesting #MLSvsUSL #WorldCup2026 #OneSoccerNation #AmericanFutbol #FutureOfSoccer ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC.One Soccer Nation: Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@OneSoccerNation  ---------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Brandon Dowling, Principal at Johnson Consulting, a boutique advisory firm specializing in sports, entertainment, and mixed-use real estate development. With over 17 years of experience and deep involvement in stadium projects across the U.S., Brandon shares unmatched insights into what it takes to bring professional soccer venues to life. From working with USL expansion clubs to billion-dollar mixed-use projects, Brandon breaks down the strategic ingredients that make a soccer stadium development viable—real estate, financing models, public-private partnerships, and more. Key Topics Covered:What makes a soccer-specific stadium viable in today’s marketWhy clubs are integrating stadiums into mixed-use entertainment districtsHow public-private partnerships are structured for long-term successReal estate, economic development, and naming rights strategyLessons from projects like Rhode Island FC, Lexington, and Hudson YardsHow Johnson Consulting supports cities and clubs from concept to executionAdvice for aspiring professionals in sports development and real estate Brandon also shares his personal journey, how community and culture shape soccer’s future in the U.S., and what emerging trends are driving stadium projects forward as the sport continues to grow nationwide. Want to build a soccer stadium or professional club in your market? This episode is a must-listen. Like, comment, and subscribe to support the growth of professional soccer in North America. Johnson Consulting Website: https://www.chjc.com/  ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. One Soccer Nation Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/  ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

In this episode of the One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae speaks with Bassam Naim, Director at ANB Futbol Academy, to discuss the remarkable 16-year journey of the ANB International ID Camp and its impact on Canadian soccer.Since 2006, ANB has been a bridge for youth players in Canada to gain international exposure, especially in Europe. Bassam shares how the camp was built to provide continuity, development, and global scouting opportunities—without requiring young players to travel abroad. The result? Dozens of players have signed professional contracts in the Major League Soccer (MLS), Canadian Premier League (CPL), and even the English Premier League (EPL).Key Topics Covered:- The origin and growth of ANB’s International ID Camp- Why human connection—not just futbol—drives long-term scouting relationships- The importance of player development vs. game-day results- The path from youth soccer to signing pro contracts internationally- Player success stories including Daniel Jebison and Adonijah Reid- How ANB continues to attract top European coaches and scouts annually- Bassam’s message to parents and players on patience, growth, and mindsetWhether you're a young player, parent, coach, or scout, this episode offers a firsthand look at how Canadian talent is being discovered—and what it really takes to reach the next level.Like, comment, and subscribe to support youth soccer development and global access for undiscovered talent.ANB Futbol Academy Website: http://www.anbfutbol.com/

In this exclusive episode of the One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with renowned international sports lawyer Enric Ripoll to explore the legal engine driving the world’s most popular game. With over 20 years of experience spanning Spain, Europe, and now the U.S., Enric shares his personal journey from the mountains of Spain to Miami’s legal scene, his role in the historic €222M Neymar-PSG deal, and why sports law is far more than just contracts and transfers. Key Topics Covered:Enric's transition from Spanish courts to international arbitrationInsights from high-profile cases, including Neymar’s transferBuilding ER Sports Law Firm and launching a practice in the U.S.Legal blind spots in football: image rights, betting, financial fair playMulti-club ownership: opportunities, loopholes, and conflicts of interest Advice for aspiring sports lawyers: mastering curiosity, compliance, and culture How AI, media rights, and globalization will impact the legal side of football Enric also opens up about the personal sacrifices behind building a transatlantic legal career, navigating U.S. immigration and bar exams, and starting a law firm while raising three kids. Whether you're an athlete, investor, sports executive, or aspiring lawyer, this conversation gives rare, practical insight into the world of global football governance. ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. One Soccer Nation: Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/  ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

In this high-impact episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae connects with Jaime Domínguez, Director of Content and Communications at World Football Summit (WFS) — one of the premier global platforms for football business networking and thought leadership. Jaime shares his inspiring journey from cosmetics marketing to global football, detailing how a passion for the beautiful game led him to shaping the speaker lineups and programming at major events across Madrid, Hong Kong, New York, Rabat, Riyadh, and more. What You’ll Learn:How Jaime broke into the football industry from outside the sportThe mission behind World Football Summit and what sets it apartWhy WFS is investing in new markets like Saudi Arabia and Hong KongUnique differences in football culture and structure around the worldPractical advice for athletes and students transitioning into football business How patience, relationship-building, and media storytelling fuel long-term success Jaime also offers insights into the future of football business: broadcasting disruption, private equity investment, multi-club ownership, and the growing cultural footprint of the game in the U.S. He and Kareem explore whether global super leagues are on the horizon, the power of media presence, and what Messi’s move to Inter Miami really means for American soccer. This episode is packed with deep perspective, personal stories, and strategic foresight — whether you’re an entrepreneur, executive, athlete, or aspiring professional in the global football landscape. ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. One Soccer Nation: Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com/ ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

Welcome back to The One Soccer Nation Podcast, sponsored by ConFut USA! In this powerful episode, host Kareem Rae sits down with Nathan Krum, Vice President of Marketing and Sales at Miami FC (USL Championship), to explore the future of soccer in the U.S. and the club’s bold $272 million mixed-use development project in Homestead, Florida. Nathan shares:His 20+ year journey in sports, from internships to NASCAR to USLInsights on Miami FC’s $272M multi-sport performance hubThe club’s strategy to coexist with Inter Miami in the same marketHow major events like the 2026 FIFA World Cup and Lionel Messi’s arrival are reshaping the U.S. soccer landscapeSustainability in club development and USL’s evolving modelAdvice for young professionals looking to break into the soccer businessWhat it takes to lead and build revenue in modern football Whether you're an investor, soccer fan, or aspiring sports executive, this episode is packed with firsthand insights on club development, strategic planning, and long-term vision in U.S. soccer. #OneSoccerNation #MiamiFC #USLChampionship #SoccerInvestments #NathanKrum #FIFAWorldCup2026 #LionelMessi #SoccerBusiness #StadiumDevelopment #USLSuperLeague #PromotionRelegation #SoccerPodcast ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. One Soccer Nation Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

In this episode of The One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Rodrigo Grillo, a rising sports legal professional from Brazil, to explore how passion, persistence, and purpose led him from Brazil, São Paulo to the University of Miami School of Law.Rodrigo shares his journey of transitioning from estate planning in Brazil to pursuing his dream of working in global sports law.He discusses why Miami is uniquely positioned as a growing international hub for sports, the difference between sports culture in Brazil and the U.S., and how emerging trends—like multi-club ownership and sport-focused real estate development—are transforming the global football industry. Key Topics Discussed:Why Rodrigo left Brazil to study law in the U.S.The cultural divide between sports fans in Brazil and North AmericaThe rising influence of private equity and multi-club ownership in soccer - Lessons from COVID-19: Why sports are economically resilientYouth engagement, community development, and the future of the gameThe growth of U.S. soccer and opportunities for investors and professionalsInnovations like Kings League and how they’re shaping soccer’s future Rodrigo also shares advice for young people interested in sports law, and his belief that being part of the game doesn’t require playing professionally. Whether you’re an aspiring sports professional, an investor, or just a football fan—this episode offers unique insight into where the game is heading and how to be a part of it. Tune in for rapid-fire questions, including Rodrigo’s favorite team, player, food, and why he believes Ronaldo’s obsession outshines Messi’s natural talent. ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. One Soccer Nation Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com  ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.

In this episode of the One Soccer Nation Podcast, host Kareem Rae sits down with Antonio Paz, Vice President of Business Development at Absolute Sport, a global soccer travel company specializing in unforgettable fan experiences across the world's biggest football events. Antonio shares:His incredible journey attending 10 consecutive FIFA World CupsFrom Maradona’s iconic 1986 win to Messi’s historic 2022 triumphWhat it’s really like to attend a World Cup match vs. club matches like MLS or EPLThe unique fan culture, passion, and atmosphere that define the World Cup - How Absolute Sport offers seamless travel packages for fans—including match tickets, hotel stays, and game-day transport - Insights on the upcoming 2025 FIFA Club World Cup and the 2026 FIFA World Cup in the U.S., Canada, and MexicoA candid take on the new 48-team format, logistical challenges, and what fans can expectWhether you're planning to attend the 2026 World Cup or curious about the fan travel business behind the scenes, this episode is packed with insider stories and expert insights. ------------------------------------------------- © 2025 One Soccer Nation, under exclusive license to One Soccer Nation LLC. One Soccer Nation Website: https://www.onesoccernation.com  ------------------------------------------------- DISCLAIMER: Kareem Rae runs One Soccer Nation (OSN) all views expressed by him and the guests on his podcast are solely their opinions and do not reflect the views of One Soccer Nation. You should not treat any opinion expressed by Kareem or his guests as a specific inducement to make a particular investment or follow a particular strategy, but only as an expression of his personal opinion. This podcast is for informational purposes only. Investment opportunities are offered through One Soccer Nation LLC. The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not intended to be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. Any investment opportunities and/or products or services shown here will only be completed pursuant to formal offering materials, a letter of intent, and/or any other agreements as determined by One Soccer Nation containing full details regarding risks, minimum investment, fees, and expenses of such transaction. The terms of any product, service, or particular investment opportunity, including size, costs, and other characteristics, are set forth in the applicable constituent documents for such product, service or particular investment opportunity and may differ materially from those presented in this presentation. Such terms are subject to change without notice. Quotes included in these materials related to One Soccer Nation’s services should not be construed in any way as an endorsement of One Soccer Nation's advice, analysis, or other service rendered to its clients/investors.