The Sports Business Leaders Podcast

021 The Business of Soccer: USL’s Rise with Justin Papadakis


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In this episode of Sports Business Leaders, Justin and Jake sit down with Justin Papadakis, Deputy CEO and Chief Real Estate Officer of the United Soccer League (USL) — the largest professional soccer organization in North America.


Papadakis unpacks the USL’s massive growth strategy, including its expansion to 54 professional teams, billions in infrastructure investments, and its bold push to reshape American soccer through stadium development, player development pathways, and fan engagement. From the USL Championship to the W League and USL Academy, the league is building a complete soccer ecosystem that’s transforming communities across the U.S. and Canada.


Key topics include:

  • Why real estate and infrastructure are the backbone of league growth

  • The USL’s commitment to women’s soccer and building full development pipelines

  • Opportunities for young professionals to grow their careers within the USL

Whether you’re in sports, real estate, or just love the business of the game, this episode offers a front-row seat to one of the most exciting growth stories in sports.

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The Sports Business Leaders PodcastBy Sports Business Leaders