Tuesday, May 23, 2023 – Introducing the North American Soccer Business and Media Awards (SBMAs), a continental, annual awards program dedicated to celebrating excellence exclusively in North American Soccer. With a distinguished panel of industry-leading judges from across Canada, the United States, and Mexico, the SBMAs will showcase the achievements by outstanding professionals, people and services that contribute to the advancement and continued growth of soccer in our region, providing a platform for well-deserved recognition and celebration.

The platform was created independently by Founder Chris Glidden, a seasoned communications and marketing professional with a decade of experience and award-winning work across the Philadelphia Union, LA Galaxy and Major League Soccer.

"Having worked in the professional soccer industry for many years, I've seen firsthand how much talent and hard work off the field goes into making the sport a success in North America,” said Chris Glidden, Founder of the North American Soccer Business and Media Awards. “Unfortunately, that talent, innovation and excellence goes too easily unrecognized by broader categorial industry awards opportunities that quickly overlook North American soccer teams, professionals, content, business innovation and continued investment. These are the only awards specific to North American soccer and are backed by some of the industry’s most talented, experienced and respected leaders as judges, many whom I have been fortunate enough to call my colleagues.”

“They have the potential to not only recognize and celebrate the best and brightest in the industry, but also to elevate the entire field by setting a high standard for what success looks like. I can't wait to see the amazing work that comes out of this program at a time where the attention, engagement and investment surrounding North American soccer media and business are at an all-time high and will only continue to grow, especially as the world gathers in our continent in 2026 as we host the globe’s most prominent event. I look forward to the growth of the North American Soccer Business and Media Awards and its impact in showcasing those setting the standard in our sport.”

The launch of SBMAs marks a significant milestone in the soccer landscape, as this new, industry-specific platform serves as the only awards program for remarkable achievements and continuous progress exclusively within North American Soccer. By highlighting and acknowledging exceptional individuals, organizations, and initiatives, the SBMAs seek to not only honor excellence but also inspire further advancements in North American Soccer business and media. 

Categories:

With comprehensive categories spanning various aspects of soccer business and media, the SBMAs will recognize exceptional achievements in areas such as venue operations, marketing campaigns, media programming, sponsorship activations, and much more. By providing a platform solely dedicated to the soccer industry, the SBMAs will shed light on the innovative strategies, creative storytelling, and unparalleled contributions that shape the future of North American Soccer.

LINK: 2023 SBMA Categories

Judges Panel:

The North American Soccer Business and Media Awards (SBMAs) proudly announces its esteemed panel of judges, comprising a diverse group of industry experts and visionary leaders from Canada, the United States, and Mexico. This distinguished panel encompasses current and former professional soccer players renowned for their on-and-off-field success, seasoned industry veterans and distinguished media personalities. Their collective knowledge and discernment will guide the SBMAs, ensuring that the highest standards of excellence are upheld and deserving individuals and organizations are honored for their remarkable contributions to the vibrant world of North American soccer.

LINK: 2023 SBMA Judges

Submissions for the awards are open now and will be accepted from teams, organizations, and individuals across the North American soccer industry through December 2023, with finalists and all nominations being announced in January, before winners are revealed in February. 

Judges – 2023 North American Soccer Business and Media Awards

LINK: All judges here. 

*Ordered alphabetically by last name:

Sirena Amarikwa,

Director of Branding + Digital Media Strategy,

Black Players for Change (BPC)

Yael Averbuch-West

General Manager, Head of Soccer Operations,

NJ/NY Gotham FC (NWSL)

Shaw Brown

Coordinating Producer/Producer,

WarnerMedia/Major League Soccer

Neil Buethe

Chief Communications Officer,

U.S. Soccer Federation

Katia Castorena

Lead Reporter, ESPN Deportes

Jimmy Conrad

Founder/CEO, Analyst/Host,

Radical Creative Group, CBS Sports

Maurice Edu

Analyst,

AppleTV

Janelly Farias

Player, Commentator,

Club Pachuca (Liga MX Femenil), CBS

Dan Gargan

Executive Vice President & Managing Director,

Lou Fusz Athletic

Brendan Hannan

Managing Partner,

Skylark

Ana Caty Hernandez

Lead Anchor, TUDN MEXICO,

TUDN USA

Rodolfo Landeros

Lead Anchor,

FOX Deportes

Pablo Maurer

Writer,

The Athletic

Marisabel Munoz

Senior Vice President, Communications,

Major League Soccer

Amobi Okugo

CEO, Founder,

A Frugal Athlete

Leslie Osborne

Co-Founder, Broadcaster, Influencer,

NWSL to the Bay

Megan Reyes

Social Media Marketer, Host, Content Creator

Fernando Schwartz

Reporter, Anchor, Analyst,

FOX Sports

Kyle Sheldon

Founder & CEO,

Name and Number

Dennis Sprenkle

Chief Administrative Officer,

Quantum

Taylor Twellman

Lead MLS Analyst,

AppleTV

The recipients of the North American Soccer Business and Media Awards can look forward to both recognition and tangible rewards that highlight their achievements. In addition to receiving a custom-engraved trophy, winners will be provided with dedicated graphics, a dedicated landing page on the awards website to showcase their accomplishment, ongoing usage of a branded logo for marketing and promotional purposes, and other valuable privileges that contribute to their esteemed status.

The North American Soccer Business and Media Awards are more than just an awards ceremony; they are a celebration of the creativity, dedication, and passion of those who have contributed to the growth and success of the North American soccer industry. By acknowledging the most groundbreaking and inspiring work across various categories, the North American Soccer Business and Media Awards not only rewards excellence but also encourages progress and innovation. 

For all information, please visit our website at www.NASoccerAwards.com or follow us on @NASoccerAwards.

About the North American Soccer Business and Media Awards:

The North American Soccer Business and Media Awards recognize excellence and innovation in the business and media functions of the soccer industry in North America. These awards celebrate outstanding achievements across various categories, including sponsorship, community, programming, marketing, broadcast, business, digital media and more. The awards program aims to elevate the standards of the soccer industry and provide a platform for talented individuals and organizations to showcase their work. For more information, visit www.NASoccerAwards.com.