The U.S. Soccer Federation (USSF) is set to lay off up to 30 employees. This decision comes on the heels of a record-breaking year in revenue and amid preparations for the organization’s relocation from Chicago to a new headquarters in the Atlanta metro area.
The USSF, which currently employs approximately 340 people, is looking at a reduction of nearly 10% of its workforce. These cuts are expected to impact several key departments, including marketing, sales, sporting, refereeing, and coaching. The news, first reported by The Athletic on Wednesday, has left many in the soccer world questioning the timing and necessity of such measures.
John Thompson, a sports economist at the University of Chicago, expressed his surprise at the move. “It’s unusual to see an organization making such significant cuts immediately after reporting record revenues. This suggests there may be other factors at play beyond simple financial considerations.”
The impetus for these layoffs appears to be the USSF’s upcoming move to Atlanta. This relocation, slated for completion in 2025, will see the organization settle into the new Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center.
“We pretty much knew that some of us would be ‘invited’ to Atlanta,” an anonymous USSF employee told The Athletic. “And some of us wouldn’t make the cut, so to speak. This was basically weighing on all of us for over a month already, and then the invite stuff happened – it was very, very hard to deal with.”
The human cost of this transition is palpable, with many long-time employees facing an uncertain future.
Paradoxically, these layoffs come at a time when U.S. Soccer is experiencing unprecedented financial success. The organization recently reported earning $32 million in commercial revenue, with projections for the current financial year (ending March 31) reaching a staggering $110 million – a 243% increase over two years.
Moreover, the USSF recently flexed its financial muscle by hiring high-profile men’s national team manager Mauricio Pochettino, a move partially funded by a donation from billionaire Ken Griffin.
Sarah Martinez, a sports marketing analyst, commented on this dichotomy: “On one hand, we see U.S. Soccer making big-name hires and touting record revenues. On the other, we’re witnessing significant staff cuts. It’s a complex situation that raises questions about the organization’s long-term strategy.”
In response to the reports, the USSF issued a statement to The Athletic, emphasizing the strategic importance of the move to Atlanta:
“The transition to the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in metro Atlanta will enhance our ability to support our 27 national teams and drive the continued growth of the sport in the U.S. As part of this transition, the Chicago office will close in 2025, and while not all staff will relocate, we deeply appreciate the invaluable contributions of those who won’t be making the move. Our new Training Center will allow us to operate more efficiently, positioning U.S. Soccer for long-term success in the ever-evolving landscape of global soccer.”
As the USSF navigates this transitional period, both the men’s and women’s national teams are gearing up for important matches. New manager Pochettino is currently running his first-ever camp for the USMNT, with a match against Panama scheduled for October 12. Meanwhile, the USWNT has a pair of friendlies against Iceland later this month, followed by a match against Argentina.
David Rodriguez, a former USSF coach, shared his perspective on the situation: “While the organizational changes are concerning, it’s crucial that they don’t distract from the on-field objectives. The success of our national teams must remain the top priority.”
As U.S. Soccer moves forward with its relocation and restructuring plans, the organization faces the challenge of balancing operational efficiency with the retention of valuable expertise. The loss of up to 30 experienced staff members could potentially impact various aspects of the federation’s operations, from grassroots development to high-level strategic planning.
Dr. Emily Chen, a sports management professor at Northwestern University, offered her analysis: “While streamlining operations can lead to cost savings, it’s important to consider the intangible value of institutional knowledge and experience. U.S. Soccer will need to carefully manage this transition to ensure they don’t lose critical expertise in their pursuit of efficiency.”
As the dust settles on this announcement, the soccer community will be watching closely to see how these changes impact the USSF’s operations and, ultimately, the performance of the national teams. The move to Atlanta presents both challenges and opportunities, and the true measure of its success will likely be seen in the years to come.
In the meantime, U.S. Soccer faces the immediate task of maintaining morale among remaining staff while ensuring a smooth transition to its new headquarters. The organization’s ability to navigate these choppy waters will be crucial in determining its long-term success and the continued growth of soccer in the United States.
