Arthur M. Blank: Building Culture, Community, and the Future of Soccer · 47:39

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: https://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: https://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

May 5, 2026