When the US Men’s National Team crashed out of the Copa América 2024, the fallout wasn’t just measured in bruised egos. It was measured in hedge fund dollars.
Ken Griffin, the billionaire founder and CEO of Citadel, made what US Soccer described as a “significant” philanthropic donation to bankroll the hiring of Mauricio Pochettino as the new USMNT head coach. Scott Goodwin, co-founder of Diameter Capital Partners, chipped in as well. The result: a two-year deal reportedly valued at approximately $6 million annually, making Pochettino the highest-paid coach in US Soccer history.
This isn’t how national teams typically operate. And that’s precisely the point.
The Copa América catalyst
The US is co-hosting the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which means the pressure to field a competitive squad isn’t abstract. It’s existential for the sport’s growth in America.
