Shawn Francis
@theoffsiderules.bsky.social
đ€ 648
đ„ 302
đ 359
Twitter refugee. Soccer, music, pop culture + travel. Creative agency guy. Ideas for sale.
Don Garber Q&A: World Cup, media rights and succession
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202...
[via
@sportsbizjournal.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
Don Garber Q&A: World Cup, media rights and succession
Taking full advantage of the World Cup is just one of the pivotal moments in view for Garber, who must also prepare for a seismic calendar change, expedited media rights negotiations and his own succe...
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/02/16/don-garber-qa-world-cup-media-rights-and-succession/
2 days ago
0
1
1
A year of accountability: How FC Dallasâ head coach rebuilt himself while rebuilding a club
www.dallasnews.com/sports/fc-da...
[via
@dallasnews.com
]
loading . . .
A year of accountability: How FC Dallasâ head coach rebuilt himself while rebuilding a club
Eric Quill begins his second season as FC Dallasâ head coach, and he feels he now has the tools to execute his vision.
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/fc-dallas/2026/02/16/a-year-of-accountability-how-fc-dallas-head-coach-rebuilt-himself-while-rebuilding-a-club/
2 days ago
0
0
0
âWait, heâs the GM?!?â - Issa Tall on leading the Columbus Crew and navigating race and perception across France and the U.S.
www.goal.com/en-us/lists/...
loading . . .
âWait, heâs the GM?!?â - Issa Tall on leading the Columbus Crew and navigating race and perception across France and the U.S. | Goal.com US
The 38-year-old general manager is one of the few Black executives in American soccer, and he feels that responsibility after growing up with few others to look up to
https://www.goal.com/en-us/lists/wait-he-s-the-gm-issa-tall-on-leading-the-columbus-crew-and-navigating-race-and-perception-across-france-and-the-u-s/bltc7c4723e460743ca
2 days ago
1
9
2
No more Rivalry Week? Here's why MLS changed its 2026 calendar.
www.espn.com/soccer/story...
[via
@espn.com
]
loading . . .
No more Rivalry Week? Here's why MLS changed its 2026 calendar
The new MLS season for 2026 is about to begin, and with it comes changes to the league's schedule. So what exactly is the plan?
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/47942997/no-more-rivalry-week-here-why-mls-changed-2026-calendar
2 days ago
0
5
2
Not 'much chance' for Indianapolis MLS stadium, Senate leader says
www.indystar.com/story/news/l...
[via
@indystar.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
Not 'much chance' for Indianapolis MLS stadium, Senate leader says
The Senate Republican leader said Feb. 12 that it seems the math isn't working for a Major League Soccer stadium in Indianapolis.
https://www.indystar.com/story/news/local/2026/02/12/not-much-chance-for-indianapolis-mls-stadium-senate-leader-says/88649346007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z114139p116550c116550u003739v114139&gca-ft=43&gca-ds=sophi
5 days ago
0
3
0
Baltimore, D.C. United discuss pro soccer teams, new stadium
www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/ne...
[via
@cbsnews.com
]
loading . . .
Baltimore, D.C. United discuss pro soccer teams, new stadium
Major League Soccer's D.C. United is working to bring a professional team and a youth academy to Baltimore, with a planned multi-team soccer campus.
https://www.cbsnews.com/baltimore/news/baltimore-d-c-united-mayor-scott-maryland-new-stadium-professional-soccer/
5 days ago
0
2
0
The Most Valuable MLS Teams 2026
www.forbes.com/sites/justin...
[via @forbes]
loading . . .
Forbes MLS Valuations 2026 List: Most Valuable Major League Soccer Teams
See Forbes' 2026 list of the most valuable MLS teams, with Lionel Messi producing a change at the top of the ranking and five clubs now worth at least $1 billion.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/justinbirnbaum/2026/02/13/the-most-valuable-mls-teams-2026/
5 days ago
0
3
0
âThe right place for himâ: why James RodrĂguez signed in Minnesota amid a federal occupation
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
[via
@theguardian.com
]
loading . . .
Why James RodrĂguez signed in Minnesota amid a federal occupation
The Colombian icon joined the MLS side in a short-term deal with an eye toward fitness for the 2026 World Cup
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/feb/13/james-rodriguez-minnesota-united-colombia-world-cup-2026
5 days ago
0
2
2
MLS Clubs Express Interest in Cristiano Ronaldo: Four Potential DestinationsâRanked
www.si.com/soccer/mls-c...
[via
@sisoccer.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
MLS Clubs Express Interest in Cristiano Ronaldo: Four Potential DestinationsâRanked
Turmoil at Al Nassr could result in Cristiano Ronaldo looking for a new club in the near future.
https://www.si.com/soccer/mls-clubs-express-interest-cristiano-ronaldo-four-potential-destinations-ranked
11 days ago
3
1
0
The LA Olympics: now available in Queens!
www.kvue.com/article/synd...
loading . . .
6 US cities including New York picked to host soccer at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics
Six cities across the United States have been named as hosts of soccer games at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. Organizers of the next Summer Games say group stage...
https://www.kvue.com/article/syndication/associatedpress/6-us-cities-including-new-york-picked-to-host-soccer-at-2028-los-angeles-olympics/616-2cb5b427-2cce-469e-8100-d90780a71387
15 days ago
0
1
0
Goalkeeper Marteen Paes transfers from FC Dallas to AFC Ajax
www.dallasnews.com/sports/fc-da...
[via
@dallasnews.com
]
loading . . .
Goalkeeper Marteen Paes transfers from FC Dallas to AFC Ajax
The Maarten Paes era at FC Dallas has officially come to a close.
https://www.dallasnews.com/sports/fc-dallas/2026/02/02/goalkeeper-marteen-paes-transfers-from-fc-dallas-to-afc-ajax/
16 days ago
0
2
0
âNot Giving UpââThomas Mullerâs Vancouver Whitecaps Inch Closer to Nightmare Scenario
www.si.com/soccer/thoma...
[via
@sisoccer.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
âNot Giving UpââThomas Mullerâs Vancouver Whitecaps Inch Closer to Nightmare Scenario
The Vancouver Whitecaps situation in their market has reached concerning levels ahead of the 2026 season.
https://www.si.com/soccer/thomas-muller-vancouver-whitecaps-closer-nightmare-scenario
16 days ago
0
2
0
Inter Miami have reloaded for 2026 in a way no other MLS team could have
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
[via
@jeffrueter.bsky.social
for
@theguardian.com
]
loading . . .
Inter Miami have reloaded for 2026 in a way no other MLS team could have
Lionel Messiâs presence has been crucial to the defending championsâ excellent offseason
https://www.theguardian.com/football/2026/feb/02/inter-miami-offseason-lionel-messi-dayne-st-clair
16 days ago
0
2
0
MLS âstill sees Apple opportunityâ despite early end to broadcast deal
www.sportspro.com/news/broadca...
[via
@sportspro.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
MLS âstill sees Apple opportunityâ despite early end to broadcast deal - SportsPro
EVP of media Seth Bacon says league will prioritise âgrowing reach and accessibilityâ in final years of global streaming partnership.
https://www.sportspro.com/news/broadcast-ott/mls-apple-tv-broadcast-deal-conctract-season-pass-january-2026/
23 days ago
0
2
0
reposted by
Shawn Francis
The Cooligans
26 days ago
"This is a wild time to be inviting the world to America..."
@theoffsiderules.bsky.social
of Copa 90 on the pod today! APPLE:
tinyurl.com/29xcdtn7
SPOTIFY:
tinyurl.com/4t88fzjy
YOUTUBE:
youtu.be/YylK_Kml5k0
loading . . .
1
13
3
Denis Bounga shares cryptic message after rejected bid to join Lionel Messi's team
www.usatoday.com/story/sports...
[via
@usatoday.com
]
loading . . .
MLS star shares cryptic message after rejected bid to join Lionel Messi's team
Bouanga scored 24 goals in 31 league games for LAFC in 2025, his third consecutive year with at least 20 goals.
https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/mls/2026/01/23/denis-bouanga-lafc-inter-miami-mls/88319315007/
26 days ago
0
1
0
Casemiro âAttracting MLS Interestâ After Sudden Man Utd Bombshell
www.si.com/soccer/casem...
[via
@sisoccer.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
Casemiro âAttracting MLS Interestâ After Sudden Man Utd Bombshell
The announcement of the Brazilianâs impending departure caught many by surprise.
https://www.si.com/soccer/casemiro-mls-interest-sudden-man-utd-bombshell
26 days ago
0
2
0
The extraordinary story of a soccer coach, a kidnapping and a Saudi job that didnât exist
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
[via
@nytimes.com
]
loading . . .
The extraordinary story of a soccer coach, a kidnapping and a Saudi job that didnât exist
Adrian Heath was duped into thinking he was on the verge of a new job â only to be held at knifepoint in Morocco. Turns out he's not alone
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6985628/2026/01/21/adrian-heath-kidnapped-morocco-manager-saudi-arabia-scam/?source=athletic_user_shared_article_bluesky&smid=bsky-share-ta
28 days ago
0
2
1
Inaugural FIFA Womenâs Club World Cup could be âcatastrophicâ for WSL
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
[via
@nytimes.com
]
loading . . .
Inaugural FIFA Womenâs Club World Cup could be âcatastrophicâ for WSL
WSL Football fears the timing of FIFAâs new competition could be detrimental to English football's competitions.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6988245/2026/01/21/womens-club-world-cup-wsl-fifa/?source=athletic_user_shared_article_bluesky&smid=bsky-share-ta
28 days ago
0
1
0
Manchester United agree deal to create âThe Crownâ-style TV series
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
[via
@nytimes.com
]
loading . . .
Manchester United agree deal to create âThe Crownâ-style TV series
Club are developing plans with North American production company Lionsgate for a drama chronicling their history
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6987789/2026/01/21/manchester-united-tv-series-crown-lionsgate/?source=athletic_user_shared_article_bluesky&smid=bsky-share-ta
28 days ago
1
1
1
reposted by
Shawn Francis
Soccer America
29 days ago
"In a moment where big structures are falling a little bit, it's good to look at the roots and look at the culture and recognize what's the most valuable thing: the people." COPA90
#BestJobInTheWorld
finalist Pedro GonzĂĄlez Moctezuma, talks with SA's Zach Lowy.
www.socceramerica.com/a-window-int...
loading . . .
A window into Mexicoâs soccer culture ahead of the World Cup's return: Pedro GonzĂĄlez Moctezuma - Soccer America
"Itâs super important how Mexicans live soccer, even compared to Americans and Canadians, because they learn a lot from how Latinos connect with the game."
https://www.socceramerica.com/a-window-into-mexicos-soccer-culture-ahead-of-the-world-cups-return-pedro-gonzalez-moctezuma/
0
1
1
Houston Dynamo finalizing deal to bring Mateusz Bogusz back to MLS: Sources
www.nytimes.com/athletic/698...
[via
@nytimes.com
]
loading . . .
Houston Dynamo finalizing deal to bring Mateusz Bogusz back to MLS: Sources
Houston's remake continues, with Mateusz Bogusz returning to the U.S. after a previous stint with LAFC
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6983443/2026/01/19/mateusz-bogusz-transfer-houston-dynamo-cruz-azul-mls/?source=athletic_user_shared_article_twitter&smid=tw-share-ta
29 days ago
0
3
1
Sporting Kansas City reportedly set to change majority ownership in record-setting $700 million MLS deal
www.foxsports.com/articles/soc...
[via
@foxsports.com.web.brid.gy
]
loading . . .
Sporting Kansas City reportedly set to change majority ownership in record-setting $700 million MLS deal
Sporting Kansas City is entering a new chapter. The Illig family, owners of the club since 2006, have agreed to sell a 71% stake to current limited partner Peter Mallouk in a deal that values the fran...
https://www.foxsports.com/articles/soccer/sporting-kansas-city-reportedly-set-to-change-majority-ownership-in-record-setting-700-million-mls-deal
30 days ago
0
3
0
Changes to Americaâs first soccer-specific stadiums reflect the sport and MLSâs different realities
www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/202...
[via
@sportsbizjournal.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
Changes to Americaâs first soccer-specific stadiums reflect the sport and MLSâs different realities
Early American soccer-specific stadiums like FC Dallas' Toyota Stadium in Frisco, Texas, are ripe for renovation because of their barebones design at a time when Major League Soccer's future was shaky...
https://www.sportsbusinessjournal.com/Articles/2026/01/19/changes-to-americas-first-soccer-specific-stadiums-reflect-the-sport-and-mlss-different-realities/
30 days ago
0
2
1
Timo Werner Nearing Move to Surprise MLS TeamâReport
www.si.com/soccer/timo-...
[via
@sisoccer.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
Timo Werner Nearing Move to Surprise MLS TeamâReport
Inter Miami had been touted as Wernerâs preferred destination.
https://www.si.com/soccer/timo-werner-nearing-move-surprise-mls-team-report
about 1 month ago
0
1
0
Inter Miami closing on deal to keep playoff star Tadeo Allende: Sources
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
[via
@nytimes.com
]
loading . . .
Reloading Inter Miami closing on deal to keep playoff star Allende: Sources
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6948112/2026/01/06/inter-miami-tadeo-allende-deal/?source=athletic_user_shared_article_bluesky&smid=bsky-share-ta
about 1 month ago
0
2
0
Lionel Messi says on post-playing career plans: âI want to have my own clubâ
www.nytimes.com/athletic/694...
[via
@nytimes.com
]
loading . . .
Lionel Messi says on post-playing career plans: âI want to have my own clubâ
In October, the 38-year-old Argentina international signed a new three-year contract at Inter Miami through to 2028.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6948987/2026/01/07/lionel-messi-news-club-owner/?source=athletic_user_shared_article_bluesky&smid=bsky-share-ta
about 1 month ago
0
0
0
Can the Galaxy successfully navigate another season without Riqui Puig?
www.latimes.com/sports/socce...
[via
@latimes.com
]
loading . . .
Can the Galaxy successfully navigate another season without Riqui Puig?
Riqui Puig is about the closest thing MLS has to an irreplaceable player. And with training camp starting in a couple of weeks, the Galaxy have precious little time to try to replace him.
https://www.latimes.com/sports/soccer/galaxy/story/2026-01-06/what-do-galaxy-look-like-without-riqui-puig-for-another-season
about 1 month ago
0
3
0
âMost LikelyââIllustrious Man Utd Star Tipped to Make MLS Switch
www.si.com/soccer/man-u...
[via
@sisoccer.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
âMost LikelyââIllustrious Man Utd Star Tipped to Make MLS Switch
Man Utd are reportedly on the verge of a midfield exodus in 2026.
https://www.si.com/soccer/man-utd-star-tipped-mls-switch
2 months ago
1
2
0
OMG how the price has gone up on Allende since the playoffs began.
2 months ago
0
1
0
MLS viewership soars during Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs
www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/202...
[via
@mls.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
MLS viewership soars during Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs | MLSSoccer.com
The stars have come out in full force during the Audi 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs. And so have viewers at home.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/playoffs/2025/news/mls-viewership-soars-during-audi-2025-mls-cup-playoffs
3 months ago
0
2
0
reposted by
Shawn Francis
Dutch Pendergrass
3 months ago
Mikeâs Hard Cranberry Sauce
1
16
5
San Diego FC owner Mansour on early nerves and making MLS expansion history
www.nytimes.com/athletic/682...
[via
@theathletic.com
]
loading . . .
The owner of MLS's record-setting expansion team weighs in on a historic season
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6826502/2025/11/24/san-diego-fc-mohamed-mansour-mls-playoffs/
3 months ago
0
4
0
reposted by
Shawn Francis
NBC News
3 months ago
Jimmy Cliff, a Jamaican music icon who helped expand the popularity of reggae around the world, dies at 81.
loading . . .
Jimmy Cliff, reggae legend and Jamaican icon, dies at 81
"Itâs with profound sadness that I share that my husband, Jimmy Cliff, has crossed over due to a seizure followed by pneumonia," his wife, Latifa Chambers, wrote on Instagram.
https://nbcnews.to/3KbTZjZ
2
55
23
reposted by
Shawn Francis
BUM CHILLUPS AKA SPENCER HALL AKA PRESIDENT FOOTBALL
3 months ago
Man this is delightful
add a skeleton here at some point
8
864
86
Carlos Coronel to leave New York Red Bulls as no agreement reached over new deal
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
[via
@theathletic.com
]
loading . . .
Carlos Coronel to leave New York Red Bulls as no agreement reached over new deal
Coronel is out of contract at the end of December and is eligible for MLS free agency.
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6814438/2025/11/17/carlos-coronel-rbny-contract-transfer/
3 months ago
0
3
1
No more
Lower.com
Field, Columbus Crew will have new stadium naming rights deal for 2026
www.dispatch.com/story/sports...
loading . . .
No more Lower.com Field, Columbus Crew will have new stadium naming rights deal for 2026
Columbus Crew announced they mutually agreed to conclude their stadium naming rights deal with Lower.com, announcing a new partnership for 2026.
https://www.dispatch.com/story/sports/mls/columbus-crew/2025/11/17/columbus-crew-lower-com-field-new-name-mls-soccer/87317213007/?gnt-cfr=1&gca-cat=p&gca-uir=false&gca-epti=z114805p115350c115350d00----v114805&gca-ft=36&gca-ds=sophi
3 months ago
0
2
0
Former Major League Soccer Chairman Says MLS Pro-Rel âInevitableâ
www.forbes.com/sites/stevep...
[via
@forbes.com
]
loading . . .
Former Major League Soccer Chairman Says MLS Pro-Rel âInevitableâ
Former US Soccer Federation President Alan Rothenberg says the Major League Soccer calendar change was "inevitable." He says the same of promotion and relegation in MLS.
https://www.forbes.com/sites/steveprice/2025/11/17/former-major-league-soccer-chairman-says-mls-pro-rel-inevitable/
3 months ago
0
3
0
How Cold Climate Markets Have Reacted to Seismic MLS Change
www.si.com/soccer/how-c...
[via
@sisoccer.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
How Cold Climate Markets Have Reacted to Seismic MLS Change
CF Montréal is the lone MLS club in a cold market that has mentioned playing in another stadium as an option.
https://www.si.com/soccer/how-cold-climate-markets-reacted-seismic-mls-change
3 months ago
0
2
0
MLS club officials agree that calendar shift will boost power in transfer windows
www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...
[via
@nytimes.com
]
loading . . .
MLS club officials agree that calendar shift will boost power in transfer windows
Chief soccer officers across MLS clubs believe the switch to the European calendar will strengthen their position in the transfer market
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6812320/2025/11/17/mls-calendar-shift-transfer-window-impact/
3 months ago
0
2
0
MLS, Apple rework terms of media rights deal for earlier ending, in 2029
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
[via
@nytimes.com
]
loading . . .
MLS, Apple rework terms of media rights deal for earlier ending, in 2029
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6808440/2025/11/14/mls-apple-tv-broadcast-rights-deal-2029/
3 months ago
0
2
0
Can Soccer Stadiums Revitalize American Cities?
www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/r...
[via
@nytimes.com
]
loading . . .
Can Soccer Stadiums Revitalize American Cities?
https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/10/realestate/soccer-specific-stadium-pawtucket.html?smid=nytcore-ios-share&referringSource=articleShare
3 months ago
0
1
0
Apple TV Abandons Extra Paywall for Major League Soccer Games
www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/dig...
loading . . .
Apple TV Abandons Extra Paywall for Major League Soccer Games
The standalone subscription offering, MLS Season Pass, is shuttering, with all games becoming available to all Apple TV users.
https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/digital/apple-mls-games-free-apple-tv-1236426472/
3 months ago
0
1
0
reposted by
Shawn Francis
Parker Molloy
3 months ago
There's something really funny about a graphic that just reads "GREW UP PRIVILEGED"
22
641
70
MLS owners expected to vote on fall-spring calendar and season format changes: Sources
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
[via
@theathletic.com
]
loading . . .
MLS owners expected to vote on fall-spring calendar and season format changes: Sources
Substantial change could be coming to MLS's structure and operations following a Thursday vote, sources tell The Athletic
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6801193/2025/11/12/mls-fall-spring-calendar-season-format-change-owners-vote/
3 months ago
0
3
1
reposted by
Shawn Francis
Tom Bogert
3 months ago
đșđž BREAKING: Club legend Walker Zimmerman will depart Nashville SC this winter when his contract expires, per sources. Zimmerman is a two-time MLS Defender of the Year winner. Joined ahead of inaugural season. Lifted U.S. Open Cup this year.
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...
loading . . .
Sources: USMNT's Zimmerman to leave Nashville SC, become free agent
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6801280/2025/11/12/walker-zimmerman-nashville-sc-usmnt-free-agent-mls/
6
75
32
America is now the biggest market for international football
www.economist.com/the-world-ah...
[via
@economist.com
]
loading . . .
America is now the biggest market for international football
As well as co-hosting the World Cup in 2026, more and more people in America are watching soccer, and spending on football media rights is rising
https://www.economist.com/the-world-ahead/2025/11/12/america-is-now-the-biggest-market-for-international-football?utm_campaign=shared_article
3 months ago
0
2
0
The USL: US soccer league bringing promotion-relegation stateside to capitalise on World Cup fever
www.skysports.com/football/new...
[via
@skysportspl.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
The USL: US soccer league bringing promotion-relegation stateside to capitalise on World Cup fever
The USL plans to implement a new first division in 2028 at the same level as MLS that - once promotion-relegation is introduced - will sit at the top of an interconnected three-tier professional pyram...
https://www.skysports.com/football/news/11095/13463782/the-usl-us-soccer-league-bringing-promotion-relegation-stateside-to-capitalise-on-world-cup-fever
3 months ago
0
1
0
MLS deputy commissioner, SUM president Gary Stevenson to retire
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
[via
@nytimes.com
]
loading . . .
MLS deputy commissioner, SUM president Gary Stevenson to retire
https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6797779/2025/11/11/gary-stevenson-mls-retiring/
3 months ago
0
3
0
MLS Commissioner Rules on MLS Cup Favoriteâs Stadium Relocation Plans
www.si.com/soccer/mls-c...
[via
@sisoccer.bsky.social
]
loading . . .
MLS Commissioner Rules on MLS Cup Favorite's Stadium Relocation Plans
The Vancouver Whitecaps have not confirmed where they will play in the 2026 season.
https://www.si.com/soccer/mls-commissioner-rules-on-mls-cup-favorite-stadium-relocation-plans
3 months ago
0
0
0
Load more
feeds!
log in
