Jean Manuel Jimenez has helped grow soccer in one of the toughest U.S. markets without a stadium, a team legacy, or a roster of stars. As SVP of Commercial Partnerships at Mediapro, he shares how he’s brought bold ideas to life at the intersection of tech, culture, and sports, from launching Inter Miami CF to redefining how fans engage with emerging leagues.

Mediapro is transforming soundstages into next-gen sports venues, including for Unrivaled, a 3v3 women’s basketball league, and the rapidly growing sport of padel. These aren’t massive stadiums, but they’re engineered for intimacy, intensity, and innovation.

You’ll also hear why reaching the US Hispanic market isn’t about language - it’s about cultural fluency. Jean breaks down how food, music, values, and storytelling play a much bigger role in driving connection than translation alone.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• How Mediapro is powering padel and women’s 3v3 basketball with immersive studio venues that rival traditional arenas
• Jean’s journey launching Inter Miami CF from the ground up as Employee #4, without a stadium, AND still winning a Telly Award 
• Jean’s perspective on why reaching US Hispanics in sports is more about culture than language
• Behind the scenes of building the Wayfair Arena and the Pro Padel tour logistics
• How to time partnerships with up-and-coming leagues and why the future of sports broadcasting might not be inside traditional stadiums

Resources and Links:

Connect with Jean Jimenez on LinkedIn and learn more about Mediapro on their website.

Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.

Next League is partnering with Sports Business Journal for the Rising Woman of the Year Award. Nominations are now open! Learn more here.