U.S. Soccer Extends CEO and Secretary General JT Batson’s Contract
JT Batson, who joined U.S. Soccer in 2022, will continue to lead the organization’s transformation and realization of the In Service to Soccer strategy.
ATLANTA (June 11, 2026) – U.S. Soccer today announced a long-term contract extension for CEO and Secretary General JT Batson as the federation builds on years of momentum and positions itself for long term growth and success. Batson, who joined U.S. Soccer in 2022, will continue to lead the organization’s transformation and realization of the In Service to Soccer strategy.
“JT has been an outstanding leader for U.S. Soccer during a truly transformational time for our Federation and our sport,” said U.S. Soccer President Cindy Parlow Cone. “Over the past few years, JT has been a tremendous teammate and partner to me as we have worked together to strengthen the Federation and serve the game. Since joining U.S. Soccer, he has helped bring greater focus, alignment and ambition to the organization, while always keeping our members, players, coaches, referees, staff and fans at the center of our work. He has built a strong leadership team, driven real progress across the Federation, and positioned U.S. Soccer to make a lasting impact for everyone who cares about soccer in this country. I am excited that JT will continue leading our staff and helping move U.S. Soccer forward.”
The extension follows a period of momentum for U.S. Soccer: significant growth in investment in our soccer strategies while delivering three consecutive operating surpluses, the opening of the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, the development of the In Service to Soccer Strategy, growth of men’s and women’s professional leagues, record levels of soccer participation, significant scaling of U.S. Soccer’s overall organization and team — including the hiring of Emma Hayes and Mauricio Pochetino, the launch of the U.S. Soccer commercial business and first ever capital campaign.
“I firmly believe the best days of soccer in America are ahead of us,” says Batson. “I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished so far together — and we are just getting started. I fully embrace we have lots to do, but I am more bullish than ever. Thank you to everyone who has supported in this journey and who will play a critical role in achieving our dreams for what soccer can be in the United States.”
A Leader for a Defining Era
Batson’s renewed tenure comes as the United States prepares to co‑host the 2026 FIFA World Cup, the 2028 Olympic Games, and the bid for the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup.
Looking beyond the World Cup, Batson will continue leading the Federation’s long-term initiatives to strengthen the soccer ecosystem and accelerate the sport's growth for decades to come, including:
- Soccer Forward, U.S. Soccer’s long‑term effort to ensure soccer is accessible in every community
- The U.S. Way, U.S. Soccer's player-first vision for the future of the game, aligning development, coaching, infrastructure, and pathways around a shared approach to how soccer is played, taught, and experienced
- The Pathways Strategy, designed to bring the soccer landscape together around a single connected system for players, coaches, referees, and communities
- Continued modernization of operations, governance, and commercial and philanthropic partnerships
Rooted in Grassroots Soccer
A lifelong member of the American soccer community, Batson grew up playing for Augusta Arsenal in Georgia, later serving as a referee, referee assignor, coach, and club volunteer. His early experiences mowing fields, lining pitches, supporting coaches, and helping run tournaments shaped his belief in the power of service, teamwork, and community.
Professionally, he has spent his career at the intersection of media, technology, and innovation, leading large-scale organizations and building solutions that help complex systems operate more effectively.
A graduate of Stanford University, Batson worked with the Stanford men’s and women’s soccer programs and continued refereeing during college.