In this episode of On Stage, Arthur M. Blank, Chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment, joins Abe Madkour, Publisher & Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, ownership, and the continued growth of soccer in the U.S.
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 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.
