SBJ On Stage: Fireside Chat Will Ferrell and Larry Freedman · 46:03

In this special episode of On Stage, actor, comedian, and LAFC co-owner Will Ferrell joins Larry Freedman, the club’s co-president, for a fireside chat moderated by SBJ’s Abe Madkour. Recorded on February 27, 2023, at the National Sports Forum in Los Angeles, this session offers a rare glimpse into how one of Hollywood’s most recognizable figures became a driving force behind one of Major League Soccer’s most dynamic franchises. Ferrell shares his origin story with LAFC—from being recruited as an owner to embracing the culture of the club—while Freedman pulls back the curtain on how the team has built one of the most passionate fan bases in American sports. Together, they discuss: - Why Will joined the ownership group and what he’s learned about sports business. - The rise of LAFC as both a soccer powerhouse and a cultural brand. - The mix of humor and humility that Ferrell brings to the boardroom and the locker room. - What other franchises can learn from LAFC’s community-driven growth model. As Abe Madkour later noted in his SBJ column, the session blended humor with real insight—a conversation that was equal parts entertaining and illuminating. 🔔Subscribe to SBJ on YouTube: https://bit.ly/41bbXaV #mls #willferrell #lafc #soccer 0:00 - Introduction 2:15 - On LAFC Winning MLS Cup 3:00 - Will Ferrell's college experience and career aspirations 5:00 - How Ferrell found his way to acting/comedy 6:00 - Larry Freedman on Will Ferrell as an owner 8:00 - Will Ferrell on his expectations of being an owner 10:30 - Creating fan experience at soccer match in home venue 15:15 - Rivalry with LA Galaxy 18:00 - Attracting players to MLS 19:00 - Apple/MLS deal 21:15 - Will Ferrell's ownership ideas 22:00 - LAFC Ownership team strategy 27:15 - NWSL's Angel City FC success in LA market 28:15 - Sports franchise impact in the community 31:35 - How LAFC views corporate partnerships 35:30 - Advice for Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney on soccer ownership 38:20 - Will Ferrell on what the sports industry can do better 41:30 - Will Ferrell on officiating youth soccer 42:45 - What's next for Will Ferrell? 43:45 - Biggest story in sports business to watch 45:00 - Outro

September 3, 2025