Investing in Soccer as a Family Legacy and Community Asset with Justin Papadakis

Today, I'm excited to speak with Justin Papadakis, Deputy Chief Executive Officer and Chief Real Estate Officer at the United Soccer League (USL). Justin joined the USL in 2014 and has held various roles including President of Commercial Ventures and Chief Operating Officer and has led its expansion efforts across the USL Championship, League One, and Super League, and most recently, the announcement of USL's plans to launch a Division One men's professional league in 2027-2028.

Prior to the USL, Justin served as leasing director, and later business development director, at DDR Corp, now called SITE Centers. While earning his dual degree in Public Policy and Economics at Duke University, Justin also played four seasons for the Blue Devils' Men's Soccer program. He has been recognized on America's Power List and Florida Trend's Florida 500, a list of 500 most influential business leaders in Florida.

With Justin's help we delve into the world of soccer. He describes how the sport – and the business of soccer – has evolved in recent years and points out what sets soccer apart from other major sports. He also paints a picture for our audience of the soccer landscape today and how the USL fits in that landscape.

We then take a look at soccer as an asset class in the broader category of sports and entertainment investment properties. Justin provides an educational overview of the unique investment attributes of soccer and soccer teams, highlighting how they are distinct from other major-league sports and what makes soccer franchises particularly attractive right now.

Justin talks about the purpose and the mission of the United Soccer League (or USL) and explains how his organization helps UHNW clients and their family offices invest in and operate soccer franchises. Finally, he shares some practical considerations and risks family offices need to consider when they contemplate investing in sports in general and in soccer in particular. He offers valuable tips on how families and family offices should educate themselves and what resources exist for them to lean on in this growing and specialized segment of sports investing.

Don't miss this educational conversation with a leading expert and experienced practitioner in sports franchise investing and operations.