Sports Management Podcast

Release Date: 02-12-2026 00:30

Welcome to episode 231 of Sports Management Podcast.

Today's guest is one of the most ambitious football investors in the world.
Brett Johnson is the founder of Benevolent Capital, owner of multiple football clubs including Phoenix Rising, Rhode Island FC, and part of the Ipswich Town ownership group.


In this episode:

  • Promotion and relegation in US soccer
  • Why stadiums are the real asset
  • How youth sports is the next big opportunity
  • What it actually takes to build a sports empire from scratch.

And much more!

SPONSOR:

Listeners of the Sports Management Podcast get an exclusive 20% off on SportsPro+ with the code SMPOD20. All you need to do is head to sportspro.com/membership and start exploring today.

Time stamps:

00:00 From Analyst to Football Owner
00:20 Why Phoenix Needed a Team
01:17 The 1994 World Cup Thesis
02:06 Why the US Must Perform
03:39 Ipswich's Back-to-Back Promotions
04:43 How to Run a Club Properly
05:26 Why Multi-Club Ownership Wins
06:44 Promotion/Relegation in the U.S.
09:02 Building a $140M Stadium
11:20 Creating a Fan Base from Scratch
14:01 Inside Benevolent Capital
15:32 Why Youth Sports Is the Next Goldmine
22:39 Advice for Sports Entrepreneurs
26:25 The Dark Days in Phoenix
28:13 Almost Losing Rhode Island

Follow Sports Management Podcast on social media

Instagram
Twitter
LinkedIn
YouTube

www.sportsmanagementpodcast.com