From ticket sales intern to helping launch an MLS franchise to leading at the University of Maryland, Joe LaBue has seen nearly every angle of the sports business.

In this episode of Side Story Sports, Joe joins us to share his journey across two decades in the industry — from the Washington Commanders and Carolina Panthers to being part of Charlotte FC’s historic debut and now shaping the future of college athletics.

We dive into:

* What ticketing really means for revenue and fan engagement

* How NIL and revenue sharing are reshaping college sports

* The story behind Charlotte FC’s opening night and breaking the MLS attendance record

* Why leadership is about managing both up and down

* The risks and lessons learned from tough business decisions

* The personal rituals that keep Joe grounded in a high-pressure industry

Whether you’re a sports business professional, a fan of behind-the-scenes stories, or just curious how big decisions get made in athletics, this conversation delivers real insight with plenty of memorable moments.

🎙️ Listen now and discover what it takes to build teams, lead organizations, and leave a lasting impact in sports.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sidestorysports.substack.com

On this episode of Side Story Sports, we sit down with Favian Renkel — bilingual sports journalist, creative director, and founder of Futwrk — to talk about the evolving landscape of soccer media, storytelling outside the box score, and what it takes to survive (and thrive) as a multipurpose creator in today’s connected media world.

Favian opens up about what it’s like to juggle press conferences at 3 a.m. with family life, the tension between journalistic integrity and content marketing demands, and the ways in which digital platforms (newsletters, podcasts, social media, newsletters) have reshaped what “covering soccer” even means. Along the way, we discuss Leagues Cup as a case study in American soccer’s identity shift, the pitfalls of algorithm-driven journalism, and why Favian believes “wearing many hats” is no longer optional — it’s essential.

Whether you’re a sports fan, a media watcher, or someone trying to tell stories in a world where every channel demands its own version, this episode digs into the practical reality and the philosophical trade-offs of modern sports journalism.

Key moments:

* Favian’s early career and founding Futwrk

* The Japan press conference marathon: what it taught him about family, ambition, and time zones

* Why modern journalists must also be content strategists

* Coverage of Leagues Cup and what it reveals about soccer’s changing culture in the U.S.

* Lightning-round reflections on creativity, burnout, and storytelling in a digital world

Links & resources:

* Favian Renkel on Urban Pitch / Leagues Cup

* Favian on X / Instagram: @FavianRenkel / @iamfavianrenkel

* Subscribe to Futwrk and follow his side projects

* Join us next time as we unpack another side story from the world of sports, where the real action is happening off the field.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sidestorysports.substack.com

On today’s episode, we’re pulling back the curtain on the creative minds who bring soccer’s biggest moments to life—not on the field, but behind the camera. Galina Plutova is the Manager of Feature Production at Major League Soccer, where she crafts compelling stories about players, clubs, and fans across platforms like Apple TV and YouTube. With a background in competitive ballroom dance and a passion for storytelling, Galina has spent nearly a decade shaping the way soccer stories are told in America. From coordinating interviews with stars like Wilfred Zaha to capturing the magic of Messi’s debut, she’s at the heart of the action, making sure every story resonates with fans.

This is the side story of how soccer’s most memorable moments are captured, and the woman whose vision helps bring them to the world.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sidestorysports.substack.com

On this episode of Side Story Sports, host Nic Finelli sits down with Skye Reymond, the Senior Director of Data Science at U.S. Soccer, to explore how data is shaping the future of the sport in America — from the stadiums we fill to the communities still waiting for their first touch on the ball.

A former college soccer player and mathematician, Skye now leads the team responsible for turning raw numbers into strategy, using analytics to guide everything from ticketing and digital engagement to outreach in underserved soccer markets. We unpack how her models drive decisions in real time, how she's preparing for the 2026 World Cup, and how growing up with a love for the game shaped the way she approaches her work today.

You’ll hear about her unexpected path from the pitch to programming, how synthetic data can simulate fan behavior, and why mapping a person’s soccer identity might be one of the sport’s most powerful new tools.

Plus, in our rapid-fire Stoppage Time segment, Skye reveals her favorite unplugged ritual, which player she'd be most like on the field today, and what truly recharges her when the data never sleeps.

This is the side story of how numbers are not just informing the game — but growing it — one insight at a time.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sidestorysports.substack.com

On this episode I have a conversation with Chris Rivett, Director of Communications for PRO Referees, the organization that provides referees for a number of professional soccer leagues in North America.In this episode, we go behind the scenes of professional soccer officiating with Chris Rivet, the Manager of Communications and External Relations for PRO Referees—the organization responsible for providing referees for professional leagues across North America.

Our conversation dives deep into the world of refereeing, covering:

🔹 The Structure of PRO Referees – How the organization operates, from different referee tiers to the support staff, including coaches, analysts, and sports performance specialists.

🔹 Referee Training & Development – The rigorous training camps, ongoing coaching, and the emphasis on teamwork among officials.

🔹 Public & Media Relations – The challenges of communicating about refereeing, addressing misconceptions, and educating fans on the complexities of the job.

🔹 Diversity & Inclusion – The rise of women referees and the broader efforts to promote diversity in the profession.

🔹 The Future of Refereeing – The role of technology, the evolution of the game, and what’s next for officiating in North America.

Chris also shares his personal journey, including his career path and his experience moving from England to the U.S.

This episode offers a fascinating inside look at the world of professional referees—highlighting the dedication, expertise, and behind-the-scenes efforts that keep the game fair and flowing.

🎧 Tune in now to gain a new appreciation for the officials who help make soccer possible!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sidestorysports.substack.com

Alex was an attorney before his current role. We talk about how that has helped him in his role at MLS as well as his management of the relationships with partners such as RBC Wealth Management for example, and overseeing and executing hundreds of initiatives. Alex and I discuss contract management, the appeal of Major League Soccer to corporate partners, the culture at MLS, and his background transition to sports and the work he continues to do to improve and himself and those around him as a leader.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit sidestorysports.substack.com