Why are Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea touring the USA?

Full Time with Meg Linehan: A show about women's soccer

This week, a trio of top European clubs toured the United States. But why?

Meg Linehan and Steph Yang unpack why Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea's women's teams are making sure to have pre-season friendlies across the Atlantic, and what the trend might be a sign of bigger things to come.

What can we learn from analyzing both the on-pitch and off-pitch strategy? Should we be talking more about player load and fixture congestion? Is the NWSL a threat or an inspiration to the WSL's commercial targets?

Having been in Washington D.C. to cover Arsenal and Chelsea's co-tour, Steph expands on what she learned from spending time with the WSL coaches. She also shares some of the details of cross-club business growth from her sit down with Washington Spirit owner Michelle Kang.

One of The Athletic's Arsenal writers, Are de Roché then joined the podcast to compare and contrast previous U.S. tours involving the Gunners' men's team.

In addition to all that, there's also time to talk about the Abby Dahlkemper trade, Megan Rapinoe's jersey retirement, and so much more NWSL action.

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HOST: Meg Linehan

GUEST: Steph Yang, Art de Roché

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Articles mentioned on the podcast:

Michele Kang’s global investment in women’s soccer on display with Arsenal, Chelsea friendlies

NWSLPA announces initial list of players eligible for league’s first free agency under new CBA

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