Men in Blazers Network raises $15m to expand U.S. soccer coverage ahead of 2026 World Cup

Men in Blazers Media Network, a trusted voice in U.S. soccer media, has raised $15 million in Series A funding as it gears up to expand its reach and deliver comprehensive coverage for the 2026 FIFA World Cup. This significant investment, led by Avenue Sports Fund, signals a pivotal moment for soccer media in the United States, as the network seeks to cater to the fast-growing and diverse soccer fanbase in the country.

Why is Men in Blazers Expanding Ahead of the 2026 World Cup?

The 2026 FIFA World Cup, set to be hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico, promises to be the largest sporting event in history, presenting an unprecedented opportunity for soccer media. Men in Blazers Media Network plans to leverage this global stage to amplify its coverage and connect with millions of fans.

According to Roger Bennett, Founder and CEO of Men in Blazers, the timing is critical. “The World Cup presents a unique opportunity to super-serve the fastest-growing soccer community in the world. This funding ensures we can deliver premium content to fans wherever they are.”

Who Are the Key Investors in Men in Blazers’ $15M Fundraise?

The $15 million funding round is spearheaded by Avenue Sports Fund, led by Marc Lasry, Co-Founder and CEO of Avenue Capital Group, a global investment firm. Lasry emphasized the network’s proven ability to engage with fans and build meaningful partnerships. “Men in Blazers has become the most trusted voice in U.S. soccer. We are excited to support their growth as they innovate to meet the demand of millions of soccer enthusiasts.”

The round includes notable participants such as:

• Bolt Ventures, led by David Blitzer.
• RR McReynolds, co-founded by actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney.
• The Chernin Group, founded by Peter Chernin.
• Ryan Sports Ventures, the sports investment arm of the Ryan family.
• Wheelhouse, an entertainment company led by Brent Montgomery.

Additionally, Avenue Capital Group’s Sports Fund boasts investments from prominent athletes like Stephen Curry, Harry Kane, and Candace Parker, highlighting the widespread confidence in Men in Blazers’ mission.

What Are Men in Blazers’ Expansion Plans?

The new funding will support a multi-faceted expansion strategy to position Men in Blazers as the go-to source for soccer coverage across all demographics. The network aims to enhance its offerings in the following areas:

Elevated Programming for Fans

Men in Blazers plans to produce ambitious new content, including short-form and long-form programming that resonates with fans. This approach is tailored to satisfy the growing appetite for soccer content in the U.S. across digital, podcast, and television platforms.

Focus on Women’s Soccer

The network’s women’s soccer vertical, The Women’s Game, will receive significant investment to further establish itself as a leader in covering women’s soccer. Helmed by Sam Mewis, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Lynn Williams, the vertical recently partnered with the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to expand its reach and influence.

Hispanic Content Platform Launch

Recognizing the diversity of the U.S. soccer fanbase, Men in Blazers will launch Vamos, a dedicated Hispanic content platform led by former U.S. Men’s National Team player Herculez Gomez. This initiative underscores the network’s commitment to inclusivity and cultural representation.

Strengthened Live Events

Men in Blazers’ live events, a cornerstone of fan engagement, will be scaled to provide immersive experiences leading up to and during the World Cup.

How Has Men in Blazers Built a Trusted Soccer Media Brand?

Since its inception in 2010, Men in Blazers has evolved from a podcast to a full-fledged media network covering soccer from all corners of the globe. Known for its passion and fan-first approach, the network produces original content that highlights both men’s and women’s soccer, domestic leagues, and international tournaments.

Its talent roster features prominent soccer figures such as:

• Fabrizio Romano, a globally recognized soccer journalist.
• Tyler Adams, captain of the U.S. Men’s National Team.
• Sam Mewis, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Lynn Williams, legends of U.S. women’s soccer.
• Brendan Hunt, famed for his role as Coach Beard in Ted Lasso.
• Herculez Gomez, a former player turned commentator.

Men in Blazers also collaborates with major brands and organizations, including Anheuser-Busch InBev, Danone, NWSL, and AFC Wrexham, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in soccer storytelling.

What Does This Mean for U.S. Soccer Fans?

The $15 million investment ensures that U.S. soccer fans will have access to a wealth of high-quality content as excitement builds for the 2026 World Cup. With its expanded programming and focus on inclusivity, Men in Blazers is poised to shape the future of soccer media in America.