• Loading stock data...
Sunday, August 31, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Get your ticket now!

Ted Segal Foresees Big Future for Houston Soccer

  • Houston Dynamo and Dash owner Ted Segal anticipates the 2026 World Cup bringing a new level of enthusiasm for U.S. soccer.
  • Segal is part of Houston’s bid to host the World Cup.
MLS/Design: Alex Brooks

With the World Cup coming to the U.S. in 2026, Houston Dynamo and Dash owner Ted Segal told Front Office Sports he foresees a “step change in enthusiasm [for U.S. soccer] that accrues to the benefit of MLS and NWSL.”

Segal bought the teams in June for an estimated $400 million.

MLS hopes to leverage that expected enthusiasm in its upcoming media rights negotiations.

  • Segal praised MLS for requiring all local media deals to sunset at the same time, so that the league could package rights to broadcasters.
  • The current eight-year media rights package with ESPN and FOX has an estimated total value of $600 million, plus another $120 million from Univision.

Segal is contributing to Houston’s bid to be one of 10 U.S. cities that host the World Cup, along with three each in Canada and Mexico. He added that “there could be up to $1 billion worth of benefits to the city of Houston,” from related tourism and economic activity.

Segal got more good news from the recently released 2020 census: The Houston population grew nearly 10% to 2.3 million over the last decade.

“If you’re a long-term believer in the sport, you want to be in as large of a city as possible,” he said.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

A general view as athletes compete in the women’s 10,000m final during the Paris 2024 Olympic Summer Games at Stade de France in Saint-Deanis, France, Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.

Trump Order Leads to Visa Ban for Trans Athletes in Women’s Sports

“Men do not belong in women’s sports,” a USCIS spokesperson said.
Nov 7, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; General overhead view of the Atlanta United and the Columbus Crew match at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Will MLS Switch Its Seasons to Fall? Owners Near a Defining Vote

A long-discussed and historic schedule shift could at last gain approval.
exclusive

Clint Dempsey on New Job, USA’s ‘Once in a Lifetime’ World Cup

Dempsey said the World Cup is an enormous opportunity for the U.S.

Featured Today

Ohio State Buckeyes wide receiver Jeremiah Smith (4) celebrates with offensive lineman Donovan Jackson (74) after a touchdown catch against Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff National Championship at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta on January 20, 2025.

The Most Expensive Roster Year in College Football History

The House settlement created revenue-sharing—and a big NIL loophole.
August 26, 2025

‘You’re Going to Get Beat Up’: The Liberty’s All-Male Practice Squad

A select group suits up weekly to take on the defending champs.
August 24, 2025

The Honey Deuce Effect: How Tennis Perfected the Signature Cocktail

Sold every 1.5 seconds, they total more than $12 million in sales.
Dec 21, 2024; Austin, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Arch Manning (16) warms up as the Texas Longhorns prepare to play the Clemson Tigers in the first round of the College Football Playoffs at Darrell K Royal Texas Memorial Stadium.
August 23, 2025

Schools Are Hesitant to Allow PE Into Their Athletic Departments

Regardless of budget, schools don’t believe the risk is worth the reward.

Cowboys Can’t Bank on Mavericks’ Lottery Luck After Parsons Trade

The Mavericks lucked into Cooper Flagg through the 2025 NBA draft lottery.
August 28, 2025

Connor McDavid: ‘All Options on Table’ As Historic Free Agency Looms

The Oilers superstar remains largely mum on his long-term plans.
August 28, 2025

Rhyne Howard Calls Out Dream Fans for A’Ja Wilson ‘MVP’ Chants

The Las Vegas Aces overtook the Atlanta Dream in the standings.
Sponsored

Gareth Bale on MLS vs EPL, Retirement & Buying Cardiff City

Gareth Bale shares his post-soccer business playbook.
United
August 28, 2025

Manchester United Knocked Out of Cup by Team With $2.6 Million Payroll

United’s team payroll is almost 100 times larger than Grimsby’s.
Monica Wright
August 26, 2025

WNBA Expansion Teams Still in Dark As CBA Fight Drags On

Portland and Toronto won’t know the draft rules until a CBA is signed.
August 25, 2025

Trey Hendrickson Ends Stalemate for $14 Million Bengals Raise

The defensive end will make $30 million this season.
August 22, 2025

$2B A’s Vegas Stadium Hits Milestones, on Track for 2028

Construction progress and costs pick up in the Las Vegas project.