Men in Blazers, the soccer media company co-founded by Roger Bennett, has raised a $15 million Series A round to fuel expansion ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The network, which began as a podcast on ESPN in 2010, now operates under an independent banner with 97 full-time employees and 15 additional podcasts.
The Series A, announced in 2025, positions the company to scale its coverage as the World Cup will be hosted across 16 cities in North America. Bennett, a Liverpool native and U.S. citizen, has built the brand from a niche podcast into a multimedia operation spanning a TV show on NBC, documentaries, live events, and partnerships with major brands.
Despite soccer's growing popularity in the U.S., the market remains fragmented, with legacy broadcasters like Fox Sports and NBC competing against digital-native outlets like The Athletic and CBS Sports' Golazo network. Men in Blazers differentiates through its distinct voice—equal parts fan passion and analytical depth—but faces the challenge of converting podcast listeners into a broader, subscription-driven audience.
The funding signals investor confidence in soccer's trajectory in America, particularly as the 2026 World Cup approaches. However, the company must prove it can capture mainstream attention beyond its existing cult following, especially as tech giants like Apple and Amazon invest heavily in sports rights. Bennett's approach—blending British soccer knowledge with American cultural irreverence—may not resonate with every segment of the growing fanbase.
Bennett, who published a memoir titled (Re)born in the USA, has become a central figure in American soccer media. His journey from a lifelong Everton supporter in Liverpool to a U.S. citizen and media entrepreneur underscores the cross-cultural appeal that Men in Blazers aims to monetize.