ATLANTA — With the 2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon and Atlanta firmly positioned as the epicenter of American soccer, some of the sport’s most influential powerbrokers are heading to the city for a landmark event. AMB Sports & Entertainment Chairman Arthur Blank, MLS Commissioner Don Garber, U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone, and Concacaf President and FIFA Vice President Victor Montagliani will headline the second annual Business of Soccer Conference, set for March 25–26 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
For Atlanta United fans, youth soccer families, sports business professionals, and local leaders, this conference underscores what many already believe: Atlanta is no longer just a soccer market — it’s a global soccer hub.
Business of Soccer Conference Brings Soccer Power to Atlanta
Hosted by Sports Business Journal (SBJ) and Leaders in Sport, and presented in partnership with Concacaf, Major League Soccer, and U.S. Soccer, the Business of Soccer Conference will bring executives, investors, league officials, and innovators together for two days of conversations focused on the sport’s rapid growth in North America.
The setting couldn’t be more fitting. Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home of Atlanta United and future host of eight World Cup matches in 2026, will serve as the backdrop for discussions on:
- Professional league growth
- Club ownership and investment
- Soccer infrastructure and facilities
- Media, sponsorship, and fan engagement
- The long-term impact of the World Cup in the U.S.
Arthur Blank, Don Garber and Soccer’s Decision-Makers Take Center Stage
The headline speaker list reads like a who’s who of North American soccer leadership.
Arthur Blank: Atlanta’s Soccer Architect
As chairman of AMB Sports & Entertainment, Arthur Blank has been one of the most influential figures in the modern growth of soccer in the U.S. From launching Atlanta United FC to helping relocate U.S. Soccer’s headquarters to Georgia and securing an NWSL expansion team, Blank’s vision has reshaped Atlanta’s sports landscape.
Don Garber: The MLS Expansion Era
Since becoming MLS Commissioner in 1999, Don Garber has overseen the league’s transformation from survival mode to a global player. Under his leadership, MLS expansion franchises like Atlanta United have shattered attendance records and driven soccer culture forward.
Cindy Parlow Cone & Victor Montagliani
- Cindy Parlow Cone, U.S. Soccer President, brings a player-first and federation-wide perspective as the sport prepares for its biggest moment in 2026.
- Victor Montagliani, Concacaf President and FIFA VP, offers insight into the international implications of hosting the World Cup across North America.
Together, these voices will shape conversations that directly impact Atlanta United, youth soccer systems, and the future of the game locally and nationally.
Why This Conference Matters for Atlanta Soccer Fans
While the Business of Soccer Conference is designed for industry professionals, its implications reach far beyond the boardroom.
Atlanta United supporters will hear how league and federation leaders envision MLS growth over the next decade. Youth soccer families gain insight into how investments, facilities, and development pathways are evolving. Local business owners and entrepreneurs will learn how soccer-driven events like the World Cup can create long-term economic opportunity.
What This Means for Atlanta:
- More investment in soccer infrastructure
- Stronger pathways from youth soccer to the pro level
- Increased global exposure for the city
- Continued positioning of Atlanta as a soccer innovation hub
Mercedes-Benz Stadium: More Than a Venue
The decision to host the conference at Mercedes-Benz Stadium highlights the venue’s growing role as a global soccer landmark. Already home to MLS Cup matches, international friendlies, and record-breaking crowds, the stadium will soon welcome the world in 2026.
By holding the Business of Soccer Conference in Atlanta, organizers are sending a clear message: this city is central to the sport’s future in North America.
How to Attend the Business of Soccer Conference
The two-day event takes place March 25–26, 2026, and registration is now open.
Location: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta
Dates: March 25–26
Register: www.BIZofSOCCER.com
Attendance is expected to include league executives, club owners, sponsors, media members, and leaders from across the soccer ecosystem.
Final Whistle: Atlanta’s Soccer Moment Keeps Growing
From sold-out Atlanta United matches to World Cup preparations and now a marquee soccer business conference, Atlanta continues to prove it belongs on the global stage.
As Arthur Blank, Don Garber, and other leaders gather in the city, one thing is clear: the business of soccer is booming — and Atlanta is right at the center of it.
Call to Action
Do you think Atlanta is officially the soccer capital of the U.S.?
What questions would you ask MLS or U.S. Soccer leaders at this conference?
Drop your thoughts in the comments, share this story with fellow soccer fans, and follow AtlantaSoccer.News for complete coverage of Atlanta United, World Cup news, and Georgia soccer.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.