Cross-Sport Collaboration: The Bond Between Sean McVay and Mikel Arteta
A year ago today, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay found himself in a challenging position.
After a disappointing home loss that jeopardized their NFL playoff aspirations, McVay engaged in a pivotal conversation with Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta. Both coaches are part of the Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) group.
Arteta was visiting the Rams' training facility during football's international break, and the two spent two hours discussing leadership, player connections, and strategies that had proven successful for Arteta.
“Mikel went into Sean’s office, and they spent two hours talking about player connections, ideas, and things that Mikel had done,” said Rams president Kevin Demoff in an interview with BBC Sport. “Sean took a step back from the immediate disappointment of losing to Miami and focused on what makes a great leader and how to achieve it.”
This conversation marked a turning point for McVay, who subsequently led the Rams to victory in six of their next seven games, securing the NFC West divisional title before their playoff run ended against the Philadelphia Eagles, the eventual Super Bowl champions.
The relationship between Arteta and McVay has blossomed into a mutually beneficial partnership, contributing to both Arsenal and the Rams' status as title contenders in their respective leagues this season.
This collaboration exemplifies KSE's strategy of leveraging cross-sport relationships to strengthen its overall sports empire, valued at $21.2 billion (£16.3 billion).
Coaches as Kindred Spirits
Stan Kroenke, the owner of KSE, has built a diverse portfolio that includes the NBA's Denver Nuggets, the NHL's Colorado Avalanche, and Major League Soccer's Colorado Rapids. He became the full owner of the Rams in 2010 and acquired a majority stake in Arsenal in 2011.
McVay, who was hired by the Rams at the age of 30 in 2017, and Arteta, appointed as Arsenal's manager in 2019 at 37, have discovered a shared commitment to improvement and maximizing their potential as leaders.
McVay, a talented high school football player, found inspiration in Arteta’s leadership style as showcased in Arsenal's documentary, "All Or Nothing: Arsenal," from 2021-22. “Sean watched it and remarked, ‘I don’t know if I would have handled [Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang] the way Mikel did,’” Demoff recalled. “He drew strength from how Mikel managed challenges, thinking, ‘That’s something I want to improve upon.’”
The two coaches have cultivated their friendship through numerous meetings across the Atlantic, during off-seasons, international breaks, or when their teams play abroad. They have expressed mutual admiration and a willingness to learn from one another, despite coaching different sports.
“It’s not just about the sport; it’s about the culture and management,” Arteta stated before the Rams' recent NFL game in Wembley. “There’s always a desire to learn and a curiosity to grow.”
Arsenal's chief executive Richard Garlick noted the shared energy and passion between the two coaches: “They are like sponges—absorbing information and encouraging reflection. They bravely engage players in discussions.”
Demoff added, “Their relationship centers on player connectivity and how that translates into performance.”
KSE's Ethos and DNA
According to Demoff, Stan Kroenke and his son Josh maintain a relatively hands-off approach with KSE, clearly defining the brand values and ethos while trusting their teams to execute effectively.
“There’s a DNA that links all these franchises: the goal is to develop young talent into stars and reward them,” Demoff explained. “This mindset is consistent across the organization, particularly in coaching.”
KSE provided McVay and Arteta with their initial senior roles, while Arsenal women's coach Renee Slegers and Nuggets head coach David Adelman were both promoted from within at young ages.
Arsenal's Bukayo Saka is a product of their academy, and Arteta has successfully integrated young talents like Myles Lewis-Skelly, Ethan Nwaneri, and Max Dowman into the first team. Similarly, the Rams have seen rookies like Puka Nacua, Kobie Turner, and Jared Verse make significant contributions after being drafted in recent years, while the Nuggets have cultivated Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray into NBA champions.
Garlick noted that when he joined Arsenal in 2021, there was a clear plan for team development that has positioned them to compete on multiple fronts.
Competitive spirit is another core value of KSE, and under their ownership, all major league teams have won championships, except Arsenal, who currently leads the Premier League by four points.
Arteta emphasized the importance of shared vision and ambition, stating, “We are here to win major trophies. Every indication from the Kroenkes, every conversation, reflects this primary goal. They possess immense experience in sports and are accustomed to winning, and we aspire to achieve that here.”
Potential Revenue Boost for Arsenal
Demoff remarked that the competitive nature of Arteta and McVay drives not only their teams but the entire organization, embodying KSE's expectations for all staff.
While KSE hosts an annual team summit, the cross-sport connections are often organic. When opportunities arise, such as the Rams' recent London game, staff are encouraged to exchange ideas and insights, thinking beyond their specific roles.
Before the Rams’ first London game in 2012, they trained at Arsenal's facility and observed their players using tracking devices. The Rams adopted this technology in 2013, which has helped them maintain the lowest injury rate in the NFL. During one of Arsenal's training sessions at the Rams' facility, Arteta noted the extensive use of cameras and suggested, “This is the kind of innovation we need to implement.”
Demoff, who has close ties with industry peers at the San Francisco 49ers—who also own Leeds United and Rangers—acknowledged the competitive nature of the industry. However, he emphasized that KSE fosters an environment of openness, where sharing knowledge ultimately benefits everyone involved.
In recent years, Stan and Josh Kroenke have aimed to strengthen the connections between KSE’s teams and entities, enhancing collaboration across sports.