I went GLOBAL. Globalization means learning best practices around the world.

Experiencing the business of soccer across 3 major soccer leagues:

Over the past ten days, I had the incredible opportunity to attend three men’s soccer games in three major leagues: Major League Soccer (MLS), the English Premier League (EPL), and the German Bundesliga (DFL). I watched the Portland Timbers at Providence Park in Portland, Oregon; Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium in London; and FC Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena in Munich. Each stadium and league offered a unique experience shaped by distinctive approaches to fan culture, stadium atmosphere, league structure, and broadcasting. The business of soccer is booming on all parts of the world. Go Global or GO Home! And yes, I even compare the beer!

My motto: "Dont pay to go to a game, get paid to be in the game"

Stadium Capacities and Atmosphere

Starting with MLS at Providence Park, home to the Portland Timbers, the stadium seats around 25,000 fans, smaller than many European venues but bursting with energy. Timbers fans, known for their passion and community spirit, create an intimate atmosphere that defines MLS. In London, Arsenal’s Emirates Stadium seats over 60,000, creating a grandiose experience reflective of the EPL's scale and global fanbase. The Allianz Arena in Munich, Bayern Munich’s impressive 75,000-seat home, brings a massive, meticulously organized crowd, capturing the Bundesliga’s unique blend of local fan ownership and engagement. And yes, I enjoyed a beer at all three stadiums!

Fan Engagement

Each league has its own approach to fan engagement. MLS emphasizes building a local soccer culture, and the Timbers Army exemplifies this with team-specific chants and displays. The EPL, on the other hand, has a deep-rooted fan culture stretching back generations, with global support. Arsenal fans bring tradition and a worldwide presence to every game. The Bundesliga’s “50+1” rule, which mandates that clubs be majority-owned by their members, gives Bayern's fans a significant say in club decisions. Bayern’s fans bring an unmatched level of organization and inclusivity to games, with traditional chants and displays (“Mia San Mia”) deeply tied to German soccer’s fan-centered model. All three games overflowed with passion, complete with flags, drums, chants, and songs.

Salary Cap and Financial Parity

A key difference between these leagues lies in their salary structures. MLS operates with a strict salary cap, promoting parity across teams but limiting top player salaries compared to the EPL and Bundesliga. The EPL, with no salary cap, attracts global superstars with some of the highest wages in soccer. The Bundesliga also lacks a salary cap, but enforces financial regulations that ensure sustainable spending, keeping clubs competitive without overspending. These differences impact each league’s balance of competition and the star power they can attract.

FIFA Agent Earnings by League - show me the money!

FIFA-certified agents typically earn a 3-5% commission on player salaries. Here’s a look at average agent earnings by league. These are very “rough” averages:

        • EPL: With an average player salary of $4 million, agents make roughly $200,000 per player.
        • DFL: An average salary of $2 million yields an agent commission of around $100,000 per player.
        • MLS: The average salary of $475,000 means an agent commission of about $24,000 per player.

If you want to learn how to pass the FIFA Agent Exam, you can take our Prep Course here!

Team Staff in Each League

The number of full-time employees per club varies significantly: (Yes, these people get paid to go to the game!)

        • EPL Clubs: Between 200–800 full-time staff
        • DFL Clubs: Between 150–600 full-time staff
        • MLS Clubs: Between 100–300 full-time staff

If you want to work for your favorite club, you can take one of our soccer courses that will prepare you for your dream job! Check them out here.

Staff includes: (Get paid for your passion)

        • Operations: Overseeing daily operations, HR, finance, and executive roles.
        • Coaching & Analytics: Coaches, analysts, scouts, trainers, sports directors, and player personnel.
        • Stadium & Matchday: Event coordination, matchday operations, and fan engagement.
        • Marketing & Media: Roles in branding, sponsorship, media relations, content, and digital outreach.
        • Academy & Youth: Supporting the development of young players.

Different styles of play by league:

• DFL: Fast transitions, intense pressing, and youth-oriented, with a fan-driven atmosphere.
• MLS: Physical, direct, and diverse in style due to international influences, with a focus on athleticism and evolving tactical depth.
• EPL: High tempo, physical, tactically varied, with an emphasis on wide play and elite individual talent.

Broadcasting Rights

Broadcasting deals vary widely. The EPL has lucrative global television agreements, and broadcasting matches to over 200 countries, which increases revenue and international exposure. The Bundesliga, while also widely televised, emphasizes affordability and fan access, especially in Europe and parts of Asia. MLS has been expanding its reach through partnerships with platforms like Apple TV, aiming to grow soccer’s popularity in the U.S. and internationally.

For those who are interested in starting a career in broadcasting or in social media, you should check out our Sports Broadcasting and our Sports Media courses!

Mascots

Mascots are BIG business. They’re more than entertainment; they drive brand engagement and revenue. Successful mascots boost brand recognition, loyalty, and sales, with some earning six-figure salaries. Mascots can generate significant ROI through increased merchandise sales, ticket purchases, and sponsorships. My wife Liz loves finding mascots at each game for photos, which have become popular on SMWW social media. Timber Joey (chainsaw in hand) is easy to spot at Timbers games, Gunnersaurus greets Arsenal fans at the Emirates, and Bayern’s Berni the Bear only made an appearance on the pitch.

Beer

Beer offerings also differ between leagues. At Arsenal, two types of beer were served in reusable cups, filled from the bottom, though they could only be enjoyed on the concourse. At Bayern, the cups featured the Paulaner Beer logo alongside FC Bayern’s logo, with one beer option offered. The Timbers’ stadium in Portland, however, has over 36 types of beer, including IPAs, porters, stouts, wine, and spirits. Unfortunately, long lines at all three venues meant missing parts of the game—missed business opportunities.

Wrap Up:

I had a blast! Each league offers a distinct experience. MLS is rooted in community and parity, combining financial constraints with a rapidly growing U.S. fanbase. The EPL’s global appeal, high-stakes competition, and unrestricted salaries creates an unparalleled atmosphere, driven by huge TV deals. Meanwhile, the Bundesliga’s fan-centered approach with financial regulations fosters a strong local identity alongside global appeal. Experiencing these leagues firsthand showcased their unique balances of tradition, innovation, and market focus, all connected by a shared passion for the game.