This is an audible-style blog post on the rise of soccer in the United States. Welcome to the Sports Backdrop podcast. This episode focuses on the factors propelling soccer’s growing popularity in the US especially with the World Cup coming to North America in 2026!

Soccer will be a top 3 sport in the US because of the following:

Efficient Game Duration:

Accessibility and Affordability:

International Appeal:

Growing Media Coverage:

CONNECT:

Host: Eric Kasimov: X | LinkedIn

SportsE Media: website | X | Instagram | TikTok

Related content to “Audible Style | Soccer Will Be a Top 3 Sport in the US Thanks to the 2026 World Cup”: Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports | Audible Style | Amazon Prime Regional Sports Streaming

This episode was produced by the team at KazCM

Main point: Soccer is the biggest sport in the world. We know that. However, soccer in the US typically falls outside of the top four sports: football, basketball, baseball, and hockey. That is changing fast. Add in the World Cup in 2026 and we have a recipe for soccer becoming a top 3 sport in the US. It will go: football, basketball, soccer…wait for it…

Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.

The post Audible Style | Soccer Will Be a Top 3 Sport in the US Thanks to the 2026 World Cup appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

The Ohio State University impact — it is significant. We’re not talking about endowments or alumni, although they play a part. We’re talking about something way bigger—a shared passion. In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, Jerald Kasimov tells the story of his Ohio State roots and how we all have shared passions and excitement in something.

Jerry graduated from Ohio State’s college and dental school. He is a retired dentist, entrepreneur, and now a two-time author (Altered State of Affairs and Reach for the Stars). He is also a husband, father, and grandfather, all of whom make up his Buckeye Eleven. Jerald shares how Ohio State is more than just a school or football program—it’s a shared passion.

Now, for all you non-Buckeyes, this applies to you, too. We’re sure you are excited about something! And perhaps that excitement is shared by another or many others. That’s what this episode is about. The Buckeyes are simply a backdrop to help tell the bigger story. If anything, as the author says, “GET EXCITED!”

Buy Jerald’s books: Altered State of Affairs | Reach for the Stars

Connect with Jerald: author website | X

Connect with us:

Related content to “Ohio State University Impact and Shared Passions with Altered State of Affairs Author”:

Wrapping up: want to create impactful content: KazCM

Credits for Ohio State University Impact and Shared Passions with Altered State of Affairs Author:

Music credits: Pandemia and Victory by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/

The post Ohio State University Impact and Shared Passions with Altered State of Affairs Author appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this episode of The Sports Backdrop, we focus on the innovative world of the TGL Golf League, Tiger Woods’ and Rory McIlroy’s latest venture aimed at revolutionizing how we experience golf. With high-tech simulations and fast-paced competition, TGL seeks to attract a new generation of fans by making the sport more entertaining and accessible. We’ll explore how TGL fits into the broader evolution of professional sports, catering to the digital habits of Millennials and Gen Z, and whether it can successfully bridge the gap between traditional golf and the demands of modern viewership.

The full transcription for this episode can be found at the bottom of this episode page.

Main Topics Discussed:

Wrapping up:

Social media:

Related content to “TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports”:

Resources for the episode: “TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports”

Credits:

Music credits: Pandemia and Victory by MaxKoMusic | https://maxkomusic.com/

Full Transcription for TGL and The Evolution of Professional Sports:

In today’s episode, we’re looking ahead, into the future of how we consume sports, with a special focus on the groundbreaking TGL Golf League. 

The way we watch sports has taken a sharp turn over the last decade. It’s not just about catching the game on TV anymore. Streaming, social media, and smartphones have thrown the playbook out the window. Today’s fans, especially Millennials and Gen Z generations, want their sports fast, engaging, and on their terms. I don’t always watch sports live…I’ll stream it on my own time. 

When we dive into the numbers, the story gets even clear...

An Athlete Mindset special episode featuring Lisa Bonta Summi’s thoughts on the importance of therapy.

In this episode, Lisa Bonta Sumii discusses the following topics:

Thank you for being part of the Athlete Mindset show!

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By supporting the Athlete Mindset community, you will contribute directly to the mental health of athletes. With your amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted. Thank You for making a difference!

Connect:

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Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.

The post Lisa Bonta Sumii on the Importance of Therapy appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

This is an audible-style blog post on embracing the now in sports — on the SportsE Media platform. The original article is titled “Championship or Bust.” And it focuses on why the moment matters.

Read The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports on SportsE Media.

CONNECT:

Host: Eric Kasimov: X | LinkedIn

SportsE Media: website | X | Instagram | TikTok

Related content: Until Summer | Enjoy the Journey | The Wonder of Sports and Entrepreneurialism

Your new favorite podcast is ready for your ears: Saviors of the Metaverse

This episode was produced by the team at KazCM

Main point: It’s not about the championships. It’s truly about the moments. My moment lying in bed feeling bad but enjoying the game. All those other moments I’ve spent watching games, exchanging texts with others, or watching with family and friends. It’s about the connections. It’s about witnessing something. It’s about entertainment. It’s about fun. It’s about coming together as a group. It’s about the discussions and the debates. It’s about life. It’s about this article. And all of those things are moments.

Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.

The post Audible Style | The Moment Matters: Embracing the Now in Sports appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

In this empowering episode of Athlete Mindset, we’re honored to host Danita Johnson, a trailblazer in the world of sports. As the President of Business Operations for D.C. United, Danita brings a wealth of experience, innovation, and leadership to the forefront. We discuss the core themes of consistency, communication, and commitment. And then explore how these principles have shaped her career and success. Danita shares her unique perspective on the process over outcome, the importance of being a “professional friend,” her addiction to building and growing in her field, and how confidence, pressure, and purpose intertwine in her journey.

SUBSCRIBE to Athlete Mindset for $10/month

As a subscriber, you will receive exclusive content and consistent updates on athlete mental health. With your support and amplification, we can ensure more voices are heard and more individuals are impacted.

About this Episode | Danita Johnson, D.C. United | Consistency, Communication, Commitment

About Danita:

This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of sports, leadership, and personal growth, offering invaluable insights from one of the industry’s most influential figures.

Production Team for “Danita Johnson, D.C. United | Consistency, Communication, Commitment”:

Social Media:

Related episodes to “Danita Johnson, D.C. United | Consistency, Communication, Commitment”:

Music credit:

Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW | CEO & Founder of AthMindset® 

Lisa brings a high level of expertise to the athlete mental health space, from both a clinical and performance focus. She works with elite youth athletes, collegiate student-athletes, Olympians/Olympic hopefuls, professional athletes, coaches, teams, and the entire sport ecosystem.  

Lisa is the first-ever Mental Performance Coach for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, a men’s professional soccer team, in the USL, working alongside other coaches on the Technical Team, as well as the Sports Medicine staff.  

Lisa is listed in the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Mental Health Registry, the NFL Player Association’s Clinician Directory, and the Major League Rugby Mental Health and Wellness Directory. 

As a direct response to need, Lisa founded AthMindset® – a diverse team of athlete-centered, licensed mental health clinicians and mental performance consultants, serving across several states.   

Lisa is a professional podcast host and podcast guest. She hosts the Athlete Mindset Podcast and co-hosts Roots Radio. She is a keynote speaker, an accomplished TEDx Speaker, speaks nationally and internationally, and is often invited to s...

This is an audible-style blog post on Amazon Prime regional sports streaming — on the SportsE Media platform. The original article is titled “Amazon Prime Saves Bally Sports and Sports Fans Everywhere.”

This episode explains Amazon Prime’s transformative role in sports media and its impact on fans and blackout restrictions.

Topics touched on in Amazon Prime Regional Sports Streaming audible style episode:

Read the full Amazon Prime Regional Sports Streaming article on SportsE Media

CONNECT:

Host: Eric Kasimov: X | LinkedIn

SportsE Media: website | X | Instagram | TikTok

Related content: Sports Media Wants Your Clicks | Streamlining Name, Image, Likeness with Basepath

Your new favorite podcast is ready for your ears: Saviors of the Metaverse

This episode was produced by the team at KazCM

Main point: In a groundbreaking sports media development, Amazon has rescued Diamond Sports, the owner of Bally Sports. Diamond Sports operates 18 networks under the Bally Sports brand, holding the rights to 37 professional teams across baseball, the NBA, and the NHL.

Takeaway: Amazon Prime is not the only streaming service going for live sports. Netflix and WWE scored a huge deal. Netflix and Tennis are bringing Netflix Slam to your Netflix streaming service. Apple TV+ and the MLS started their run last year and added Messi to the programming. Amazon Prime already hit it big with Thursday Night Football. Of course, YouTube TV won the day with their NFL Sunday Ticket deal. Peacock and the NFL have aired exclusive games as well. Live sports plus streaming is where we will all be watching our sports. At this moment, it’s a race to which streaming service can gain access and media rights to the best and most-watched sports content.

Eric Kasimov is the founder of SportsEpreneur, part of the KazSource media network. Since launching the platform in 2015, he has hosted over 500 podcast episodes, written and published more than 1,500 articles, and advised business leaders, founders, and creators on building authority through media strategy.

Through his brands — KazSource, KazCM, SportsEpreneur, and QuietLoud Studios — Eric leads teams that produce podcasts, develop brand platforms, and help companies grow through modern content ecosystems. He also scaled KazSource Insurance into a seven-figure boutique agency, providing the foundation for the broader media network he operates today.

His work has been featured in Forbes, Axios, and Front Office Sports, and his podcasts have included conversations with top founders, investors, and athletes turned entrepreneurs.

The post Audible Style | Amazon Prime Regional Sports Streaming appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Saviors & Sports… a mashup of sorts! A special edition of The Sports Backdrop brings you the ridiculous yet super-insightful sports segments from the latest Saviors of the Metaverse podcast. This is all for your amusement and enlightenment.

Get ready to laugh, facepalm, and maybe even learn a thing or two as the Saviors’ co-hosts rage about the following topics:

When your team loses! Nothing fun about that, right? Or maybe that’s the point… how else can a Cleveland Browns or Buffalo Bills fan handle the end of a season?

The Carolina Panthers. From bad draft picks to firing coaches ten games into their contract. The Panthers seem to be a franchise without an identity matched with an owner the fans despise. Is the owner not up to the task or, maybe, just maybe is he doing everything he can to win and not giving a darn what anyone else says, least of all the fans and the local media?! Oh, the suspense!

Listen to all the Saviors of the Metaverse episodes: Apple | Spotify

Let’s work together:

Social media:

Related episodes to “When Your Team Loses”

Three current projects:

Credits:

The post Saviors & Sports | When Your Team Loses appeared first on SportsEpreneur.

Meet Duke University’s Dr. Aaron Goodson, the driving force behind Duke University’s Mental Health and Performance Department. In this episode of Athlete Mindset, we explore the vital significance of embedding clinical mental health and mental performance consultation services within athletic departments, the importance of racial and ethnic representation among practitioners, and much more. Join us for a game-changing conversation that’s reshaping athlete well-being.

Now Available: The AthMindset® Workbook: Training Your Mind for Optimal Mental Health in Sport and in Life by Dr Tiana Woolridge MD MPH and Lisa Bonta Sumii LCSW

Here’s what you can’t afford to miss:

About Dr. Aaron Goodson:

Production team:

Social media and more:

Related episodes to “Duke University’s Approach to Athlete Mental Health with Dr. Aaron Goodson”:

Music credit:

Lisa Bonta Sumii, LCSW | CEO & Founder of AthMindset® 

Lisa brings a high level of expertise to the athlete mental health space, from both a clinical and performance focus. She works with elite youth athletes, collegiate student-athletes, Olympians/Olympic hopefuls, professional athletes, coaches, teams, and the entire sport ecosystem.  

Lisa is the first-ever Mental Performance Coach for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, a men’s professional soccer team, in the USL, working alongside other coaches on the Technical Team, as well as the Sports Medicine staff.  

Lisa is listed in the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee’s Mental Health Registry, the NFL Player Association’s Clinician Directory, and the Major League Rugby Mental Health and Wellness Directory. 

As a direct response to need, Lisa founded AthMindset® – a diverse team of athlete-centered, licensed mental health clinicians and mental performance consultants, serving across several states.   

Lisa is a professional podcast host and podcast guest. She hosts the Athlete Mindset Podcast and co-hosts Roots Radio. She is a keynote speaker, an accomplished TEDx Speaker, speaks nationally and internationally, and is often invited to speak at conferences and contribute to expert panels. 

Lisa has been quoted in Time Magazine, Teen Vogue, Women’s Health Magazine, as well as being interviewed on the BBC World News and Radio Bliss, in Jordan. Her first book, The AthMindset® Workbook: Training your mind for optimal mental health in sport and in life is now available. 

Lisa received her Master’s in Clinical Social Work from Smith College School for Social Work and attended the University of California at Santa Barbara as an undergraduate. She is a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.