American soccer is entering the most significant era in its history. As the United States hosts the FIFA World Cup in 2026, the Olympic Games in 2028, and the FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2031, the country has a unique opportunity to redefine what soccer can become in America.

As Chief Executive Officer and Secretary General of the U.S. Soccer Federation, JT Batson believes this moment can inspire a generation, strengthen communities, and accelerate the growth of the world’s game across the United States. Working with U.S. Soccer’s President, Board of Directors, members, and leadership team, he has helped define a bold vision for the future of the game while leading the transformation of the Federation into a world-class soccer organization capable of delivering it.

Since joining U.S. Soccer in 2022, the Federation has launched its long-term In Service to Soccer strategy, opened the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, expanded investment in player development and national teams, launched Soccer Forward to increase access to the game in communities across the country, strengthened its commercial and philanthropic foundation, and assembled a world-class leadership and technical team. Together, these efforts are helping position U.S. Soccer to better serve players, coaches, referees, clubs, leagues, fans, and communities for generations to come.

Before joining U.S. Soccer, JT built his career as an entrepreneur and technology and media executive, leading and scaling high-growth businesses.

A lifelong participant in the game, JT grew up playing youth soccer in Georgia and has served as a player, coach, referee, referee assignor, and volunteer. Those experiences continue to shape his belief that lasting success begins by strengthening every level of the game.

JT serves on the boards of the National Soccer Hall of Fame, the New York City Ballet, the Doris Duke Foundation, the Atlanta Metro Chamber of Commerce, and the Stanford Undergraduate Cabinet, and is a member of FIFA’s Commercial & Marketing Advisory Committee. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Stanford University.

JT believes this generation has the opportunity to leave soccer in America stronger than it found it. His ambition is to help build a future where every community has access to the game, every talented player has the opportunity toreach their potential, and soccer becomes an enduring part of American life.