On Tuesday, U.S. Soccer made headlines by laying off up to 30 employees as part of a significant reorganization ahead of its planned relocation from Chicago to a new headquarters in the Atlanta metro region. This decision has sent ripples through the organization, affecting various departments including marketing, sales, sporting, refereeing, and coaching. With the federation currently employing around 340 people, these layoffs represent nearly nine percent of its workforce, marking a substantial shift in the organization’s structure.
### Immediate Impact of Layoffs
The layoffs were not uniform; while some employees were let go immediately, others received a termination date set for April 2025, allowing them to remain employed until then. Additionally, many employees were offered relocation packages to continue their roles at the new headquarters in Fayetteville, Georgia, which is expected to open in 2026. Those offered relocation were given a 60-day window to decide whether to accept the move or not, adding to the uncertainty and anxiety surrounding the transition.
### Financial Context
Interestingly, these layoffs come at a time when U.S. Soccer is experiencing a surge in revenue. The federation, which operates as a non-profit, reported earning $32 million in commercial revenue in the last year of its deal with Soccer United Marketing. Projections for the current financial year, ending March 31, indicate a staggering $110 million in revenue, reflecting a remarkable 243 percent increase over two years. This financial growth raises questions about the rationale behind the layoffs, especially as the federation recently appointed Mauricio Pochettino as the highest-earning head coach for the Men’s National Team, thanks to a generous donation from billionaire businessman Ken Griffin.
### The Build-Up to Layoffs
The lead-up to the layoffs was marked by a sense of foreboding among staff. An email from U.S. Soccer CEO JT Batson on August 27 hinted at discussions regarding relocation packages and the transition process. However, as the date approached, employees began to suspect that the meeting would involve more than just relocation discussions. Calendar invites for one-on-one meetings with supervisors, often accompanied by human resources representatives, heightened the anxiety, leading many to anticipate the worst.
### The Atmosphere During Layoffs
When the day of the layoffs arrived, the atmosphere was tense. An outside human resources agency was brought in to manage the process, and the setup of the meeting rooms—complete with blacked-out windows, tissues, and water bottles—suggested that difficult conversations were imminent. Employees who were terminated immediately were escorted out of the building, with their belongings packed up by HR associates, a common practice during large-scale layoffs to maintain security and order.
### Communication from Leadership
In a subsequent meeting with remaining staff, Batson addressed the layoffs, acknowledging the difficulty of the day for those affected. He emphasized the value of the departing employees and encouraged the remaining staff to continue supporting their colleagues. Batson also highlighted the federation’s strong financial health, assuring employees that U.S. Soccer was on track to achieve record revenue.
### Relocation Packages and Future Plans
Details of the relocation packages were shared later in the day, with offerings varying based on employee rank. The “red package” for Vice Presidents and above included a $3,000 allowance, five days of moving leave, and various forms of assistance for relocating. Other packages offered to senior management and coordinators/managers provided different benefits, reflecting the federation’s attempt to accommodate its workforce during this transition.
While the new headquarters in Fayetteville will not be ready until 2026, U.S. Soccer has established a temporary facility in Atlanta, repurposing a former elementary school. Approximately 60 to 70 employees have already made the move, with additional staff working remotely from locations in California and Kansas City.
### Acknowledgment of Contributions
In a statement to The Athletic, U.S. Soccer expressed gratitude for the contributions of employees who would not be relocating. The federation emphasized that the transition to the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in Atlanta is aimed at enhancing support for its 27 national teams and fostering the growth of soccer in the United States. The organization is positioning itself for long-term success in an evolving global soccer landscape, even as it navigates the challenges of workforce reductions and relocations.