18th and Prairie

Founded in 2025 and named after the Chicago intersection where American soccer leadership took shape, 18th and Prairie is a boutique communications, media, and content agency built from the inside of the sport. The agency was created by veterans who have spent more than 25 years working within the U.S. soccer ecosystem—across federations, leagues, clubs, media, broadcasters, brands, and government agencies. Rather than offering generic public relations services, 18th and Prairie brings a deep, lived understanding of how soccer in America operates, from the boardroom to the pitch to the press box. The agency’s founding reflects a recognition that the sport’s growth in the United States demands specialized communications expertise, not just traditional PR tactics.

Core Focus and Capabilities

Based in Chicago, United States, 18th and Prairie focuses exclusively on the people and organizations moving the world’s game forward. The agency offers a level of access and understanding that generalist firms cannot replicate, having built deeper and more meaningful relationships across the sport—with journalists, creators, executives, and decision-makers. The team’s hands-on approach ensures that stories land with impact, whether through earned media placements, crisis response, or long-term brand positioning. The agency’s expertise spans communications, media relations, public relations, and storytelling, helping clients build visibility, credibility, and connection in the uniquely complex U.S. soccer landscape. Because they have lived the game from the inside, 18th and Prairie doesn’t just get messages out—they get them heard by the right people, in the right way, and at the right time.

Services and Specialties

While the agency’s services are tailored to the soccer industry, they cover the full spectrum of strategic communications. Typical offerings include:

• Media relations and press placement for leagues, clubs, and players
• Crisis communications and sensitive issue management
• Executive, coach, and player media training
• Narrative development and brand storytelling
• Long-term media and brand positioning strategies
• Short-term campaign moments and event execution
• Planning and executing major announcements
• Content creation for digital and traditional channels
• Influencer and creator relationship management
• Strategic counsel for federations, broadcasters, and brands

These services are delivered with a creative approach that combines deep industry knowledge with practical execution, from handling sensitive issues to developing campaigns that drive awareness, commercial growth, fan loyalty, and cultural relevance.

Who Benefits from Working with 18th and Prairie

18th and Prairie is a strong fit for organizations and individuals who need more than a standard PR agency—they need a partner that understands the nuances of American soccer’s ecosystem. This includes professional leagues and clubs seeking to strengthen their media presence, federations navigating complex stakeholder relationships, broadcasters and media companies looking to deepen their coverage, and brands aiming to connect authentically with soccer fans. The agency is also well-suited for influencers, players, and coaches who require media training or strategic counsel on their public profiles. Government agencies and event organizers working on soccer-related initiatives can also benefit from the agency’s insider perspective and established network. Ultimately, 18th and Prairie is ideal for anyone who wants to earn credibility, shape perception, and build real, measurable connection in the most competitive soccer market in the world—all from a boutique agency rooted in Chicago, United States, with a global view of the game.