Episode 47: $100M+ Stadium, Premier League Dreams, and the 2026 World Cup with Brett M. Johnson

The Insider's Lounge

In Episode 47, join us for an in-depth conversation with Brett M. Johnson, the visionary CEO of Benevolent Capital. Discover how Brett's passion for soccer has fueled his ambitious projects, from the creation of $100M+ soccer-specific stadiums as Chairman of Rhode Island FC to his pursuit of Premier League promotions with Ipswich Town FC. Hear about his transformative impact on Phoenix Rising FC, where he shares the captivating story behind the idea to bring a team to Phoenix and the inspiration behind its name. Dive into his strategic insights into the American and European soccer markets, and his thoughts on the 2026 World Cup. Brett also covers some of the other companies he's invested in, such as Oura, famous for the Oura Ring, and Athletic Brewing. We also discuss markets and products he is interested in for the future. This episode is a must-listen for anyone fascinated by the intersection of sports, business, and innovation.
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00:00 Intro
00:36 Childhood
03:38 Education + College Experience
07:07 Finding Your First Job Out Of College
10:03 Learing From Different Cultures
11:52 Getting Into The Soccer Industry
13:57 Europe vs North America
15:34 Benevolent Capital
18:47 Brett’s Twin Brother
21:06 Fortuitous Partners
23:45 Phoenix Rising Founding Story
26:12 Rhode Island Stadium Project
30:52 Work-Life Balance
33:45 Overcoming Setbacks
36:20 Brett’s Most Valuable Asset
37:35 Advice
39:18 Future Aspirations
40:35 Brett’s Investments + Other Ventures
41:57 Finding New Opportunities
43:25 Quick-Fire Questions
47:10 Outro

Chapitres

1. Intro (00:00:00)

2. Childhood (00:00:36)

3. Education + College Experience (00:03:38)

4. Finding Your First Job Out Of College (00:07:07)

5. Learing From Different Cultures (00:10:03)

6. Getting Into The Soccer Industry (00:11:52)

7. Europe vs North America (00:13:57)

8. Benevolent Capital (00:15:34)

9. Brett’s Twin Brother (00:18:47)

10. Fortuitous Partners (00:21:06)

11. Phoenix Rising Founding Story (00:23:45)

12. Rhode Island Stadium Project (00:26:12)

13. Work-Life Balance (00:30:52)

14. Overcoming Setbacks (00:33:45)

15. Brett’s Most Valuable Asset (00:36:20)

16. Advice (00:37:35)

17. Future Aspirations (00:39:18)

18. Brett’s Investments + Other Ventures (00:40:35)

19. Finding New Opportunities (00:41:57)

20. Quick-Fire Questions (00:43:25)

21. Outro (00:47:10)