Uploaded May 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
In this episode of On Stage, Arthur M. Blank, Chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment, joins Abe Madkour, Publisher and Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, ownership, and the continued growth of soccer in the United States. Recorded on March 26, 2026, at SBJ’s Business of Soccer conference in Atlanta, the discussion offers a window into Blank’s philosophy as an owner across multiple properties, including the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, and how he approaches building organizations rooted in culture, community, and long-term vision.
Key themes include:
- Ownership with Purpose: Blank’s approach to leadership, culture, and empowering people across his organizations.
- The Rise of Soccer in the U.S.: How Atlanta United became a model for fan engagement and what it signals about the sport’s future.
- Fan-First Philosophy: Why experience, accessibility, and trust are central to sustained success.
- Community Impact: The role sports organizations play beyond the field in driving civic pride and connection.
- Leadership Lessons: Insights from a career spanning entrepreneurship, retail, and professional sports ownership.
It’s a thoughtful, values-driven conversation with one of the most respected figures in sports business—offering lessons that extend far beyond the game.
🔔Subscribe to SBJ on YouTube: bit.ly/41bbXaV
🔔Sign up for our FREE newsletter, SBJ 360. Get a concise, high-level overview of the most important stories shaping the sports industry—delivered to your inbox each weekday: bit.ly/4eCzx8C
#atlantafalcons #atlantaunitedfc #nwsl #mls #worldcup #fifa #soccer
00:00 – Atlanta’s Rapid Growth & Rise as a Global Sports City
01:30 – How Arthur M. Blank Discovered Soccer & Fell in Love With the Game
03:06 – Designing Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for World‑Class Soccer
05:11 – Launching Atlanta United & Building an MLS Powerhouse
06:01 – Investing in Women’s Soccer: Why Arthur M. Blank Backed the NWSL
08:20 – Record‑Breaking Attendance & Redefining Soccer Crowds in America
10:03 – Building a World‑Class NWSL Training Facility in Atlanta
12:08 – Inside U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center Vision
16:55 – Hiring One Leader for Men’s & Women’s Teams: The Strategy Explained
18:50 – The Future of Soccer in America: Growth, Challenges & Opportunity
22:10 – Fan‑First Leadership: How Arthur M. Blank Builds Loyalty at Scale
25:25 – Core Values, Culture & Long‑Term Sports Leadership
28:19 – Innovation vs. Patience: Leading Through Rapid Change
33:24 – Community Impact vs. Profit: Building Sustainable Sports Teams
41:02 – Atlanta as a Sports Capital & Don Garber’s Legacy in U.S. Soccer
In this episode of On Stage, Arthur M. Blank, Chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment, joins Abe Madkour, Publisher and Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, ownership, and the continued growth of soccer in the United States. Recorded on March 26, 2026, at SBJ’s Business of Soccer conference in Atlanta, the discussion offers a window into Blank’s philosophy as an owner across multiple properties, including the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, and how he approaches building organizations rooted in culture, community, and long-term vision.
Key themes include:
- Ownership with Purpose: Blank’s approach to leadership, culture, and empowering people across his organizations.
- The Rise of Soccer in the U.S.: How Atlanta United became a model for fan engagement and what it signals about the sport’s future.
- Fan-First Philosophy: Why experience, accessibility, and trust are central to sustained success.
- Community Impact: The role sports organizations play beyond the field in driving civic pride and connection.
- Leadership Lessons: Insights from a career spanning entrepreneurship, retail, and professional sports ownership.
It’s a thoughtful, values-driven conversation with one of the most respected figures in sports business—offering lessons that extend far beyond the game.
🔔Subscribe to SBJ on YouTube: bit.ly/41bbXaV
🔔Sign up for our FREE newsletter, SBJ 360. Get a concise, high-level overview of the most important stories shaping the sports industry—delivered to your inbox each weekday: bit.ly/4eCzx8C
#atlantafalcons #atlantaunitedfc #nwsl #mls #worldcup #fifa #soccer
00:00 – Atlanta’s Rapid Growth & Rise as a Global Sports City
01:30 – How Arthur M. Blank Discovered Soccer & Fell in Love With the Game
03:06 – Designing Mercedes‑Benz Stadium for World‑Class Soccer
05:11 – Launching Atlanta United & Building an MLS Powerhouse
06:01 – Investing in Women’s Soccer: Why Arthur M. Blank Backed the NWSL
08:20 – Record‑Breaking Attendance & Redefining Soccer Crowds in America
10:03 – Building a World‑Class NWSL Training Facility in Atlanta
12:08 – Inside U.S. Soccer’s National Training Center Vision
16:55 – Hiring One Leader for Men’s & Women’s Teams: The Strategy Explained
18:50 – The Future of Soccer in America: Growth, Challenges & Opportunity
22:10 – Fan‑First Leadership: How Arthur M. Blank Builds Loyalty at Scale
25:25 – Core Values, Culture & Long‑Term Sports Leadership
28:19 – Innovation vs. Patience: Leading Through Rapid Change
33:24 – Community Impact vs. Profit: Building Sustainable Sports Teams
41:02 – Atlanta as a Sports Capital & Don Garber’s Legacy in U.S. Soccer
