Kickback Soccer Media announced the launch of a national media network after closing a $1M seed round, aiming to financially support independent outlets that cover MLS clubs and distribute leaguewide audio content through their podcasts.
Kickback’s Soccerwise Media Collective and MLS Minute
The initiative, branded the Soccerwise Media Collective and sponsored by Continental Tire, centers on the Soccerwise MLS Minute — a weekly MLS-focused audio segment produced by Kickback that each partner will insert into its full-length podcast. The seven founding members are Sounder at Heart, 615Soccer (Nashville SC), TopBin90 (Charlotte FC), Happy Foot Sad Foot (LAFC), Blazing Musket (Revolution), SanDiego Futbol (San Diego FC) and Five Stripe Final (Atlanta United).
“We believe we are and are going to cement ourselves as the platform for national coverage of MLS, NWSL and U.S. soccer,” said Kickback Soccer Media co-founder & CEO John Parker. He said the company aims to reach fans where they consume MLS media, which Parker described as largely at the local level.
Parker said Kickback will provide each partner with monthly financial support without taking an equity stake, but he did not disclose the size or duration of those payments or the terms of Continental’s sponsorship.
Kickback launched last year as a digital soccer media platform focused primarily on podcasts and other audiovisual content under its Soccerwise and First Touch brands. Parker, who previously oversaw the Soccer Champions Tour for Legends, said the company completed its first outside funding round by raising $1M through simple agreements for future equity (SAFEs), which give investors the right to receive equity upon a future financing round.
Parker described the financing as valuing Kickback at $5M. Investors in the seed round include MLS player Alejandro Bedoya, South African film producer and IOC member Anant Singh and Soccer House owner and former U.S. Soccer staffer Garret Drexler, alongside several undisclosed individuals.
Kickback plans to launch an equity crowdfunding round for fans in October and said it is considering using Wefunder to facilitate the offering, which would allow supporters to make smaller investments in exchange for equity.
