The Dallas World Cup Playbook: How Texas Sports Became a Billion-Dollar Industry

DALLAS, TX — August 18, 2025 — In this episode of the Business Decoded podcast, Ronnie Spellman interviews Monica Paul, the Executive Director for the Dallas Sports Commission. The discussion centers on the business side of sports, moving beyond the spectator experience to explore the economic impact and collaborative efforts required to host major events like the World Cup. Monica shares her personal journey from a collegiate athlete to a leader in sports management, highlighting the evolution of the sports industry and the diverse career paths available. She emphasizes the significant economic benefits that sporting events, from youth tournaments to professional championships, bring to a region. The interview also sheds light on the unique collaborative ecosystem in Dallas and the importance of investing in sports technology and youth sports development.