Soccer in the US is exploding - and Major League Soccer is finding new ways for fans to be part of the action. On this episode of The Speakeasy, Chris Blivin, VP of Consumer Products at MLS, shares how gaming, collectibles and emerging technologies are bringing fans closer to the game, how they're growing and commercialising their IP, the strategy for the 2026 World Cup, and much more!
Soccer’s booming in the US - and with the World Cup on the horizon and momentum building toward the 2028 Olympics, Major League Soccer is right at the heart of it.
On this episode of The Speakeasy, we’re joined by Chris Blivin, VP of Consumer Products at MLS, to talk about the league's approach to technology, innovation & gaming.
Chris takes us through:
- MLS’ world first with Apple & EA – live-streaming matches straight into EAFC mobile
- How the MLS is taking its IP beyond soccer and into pop culture
- Their partnerships across gaming, collectibles & web3
- Their fan engagement strategy for the 2026 World Cup
- What tech businesses really need to know to succeed in the sports industry
- His career journey from Sportfive to PGA Tour to Major League Soccer
- And plenty more along the way…
So if you’ve ever wondered how sports, culture and gaming intersect, or how a league builds global fandom without copying legacy models, this is the episode for you!