World Cup is a springboard, US Soccer CEO says

JT Batson compares the FIFA World Cup to an IPO, saying the event brings a single, high-profile moment but the real test is what happens afterward. As the US prepares to co-host the World Cup starting Thursday, he is focused on building an organization that can capitalize on the attention.

"This summer is a springboard," Batson said. "This summer is not the destination." Batson came to US Soccer from the business world after co-founding and running an advertising technology company and became CEO in late 2022 following a tumultuous period for the federation that included a settlement earlier that year with the US women's national team over a pay-equity lawsuit.

He played growing up in Georgia and later worked as a referee, and he often looks to business for lessons that can be adapted to the nonprofit.

United States

world cup, us soccer, jt batson, ceo, co-host, springboard, ipo, pay equity, women's team, advertising technology