The head coaches of the Los Angeles Rams and Arsenal have cultivated a partnership that has significantly benefited both teams, making them strong contenders for titles this season. This relationship took shape a year ago, when Rams head coach Sean McVay was struggling after a tough home loss that jeopardized their playoff chances. During this challenging time, he had an insightful conversation with Mikel Arteta, the manager of Arsenal, who was visiting the Rams” training facility during an international football break.
According to Rams president Kevin Demoff, the two coaches spent over two hours discussing leadership, player connections, and successful strategies. McVay, who was feeling the pressure from a recent defeat, found renewed energy in their discussion, which contributed to the Rams” turnaround that season. Following this meeting, McVay guided the Rams to six victories in their next seven games, ultimately clinching the NFC West title before being eliminated by the Philadelphia Eagles, the eventual Super Bowl champions.
The friendship between McVay and Arteta has proven beneficial for both teams, showcasing how Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), valued at $21.2 billion, is leveraging cross-sport collaboration to strengthen its franchises. KSE”s ownership includes the NBA“s Denver Nuggets, the NHL“s Colorado Avalanche, and the Major League Soccer team, Colorado Rapids, in addition to Arsenal and the Rams.
Both coaches, appointed at relatively young ages—McVay at 30 in 2017 and Arteta at 37 in 2019—have discovered a shared dedication to improvement, constantly seeking ways to enhance their coaching methods and player management. McVay became particularly interested in Arteta”s approach after viewing Arsenal”s “All or Nothing” documentary, where he admired how Arteta managed player adversity.
Arteta noted that their discussions extend beyond just the sport; they encompass cultural and managerial insights. “There is always that willingness to learn, that curiosity to learn,” he explained before a Rams game at Wembley. KSE”s chief executive Richard Garlick echoed this sentiment, highlighting the shared energy and passion between the coaches. They both embrace feedback from their players, fostering an environment of reflection and growth.
The relationship between McVay and Arteta also reflects KSE”s ethos of developing young talent and rewarding success. McVay and Arteta were given their first senior roles by KSE, which has a track record of promoting youth within its ranks. Arsenal”s rising stars like Bukayo Saka and Myles Lewis-Skelly exemplify this commitment, while the Rams have successfully incorporated recent draft picks into their lineup.
As KSE aims to synchronize its teams further, they are exploring ways to enhance branding and outreach, particularly as the Rams take their games internationally. This effort includes the recent establishment of Kroenke Signature Properties, designed to streamline resource-sharing among their franchises.
Ultimately, the collaboration between Arteta and McVay not only reflects their individual competitive natures but also embodies KSE”s vision for a cohesive, successful sports empire. Their connection is a model for how cross-sport partnerships can yield mutual benefits, driving both teams toward championship aspirations.
