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 new headquarters in the Atlanta metro region. This decision, which affects nearly nine percent of the federation’s workforce of approximately 340 employees, has sent ripples through various departments, including marketing, sales, sporting, refereeing, and coaching.
### The Layoff Announcement
The layoffs were first hinted at in an email sent to staff by U.S. Soccer’s CEO, JT Batson, on August 27. In this communication, Batson indicated that a meeting would be held to discuss relocation packages and the transition process. However, as the date approached, anxiety among employees grew, particularly when calendar invites for one-on-one meetings with supervisors began circulating. Many staff members quickly deduced that these meetings were likely to involve termination discussions, leading to a tense atmosphere at the federation’s Chicago headquarters.
### Immediate and Future Impacts
While some employees were let go immediately, others were informed that their termination would take effect in April 2025, allowing them to remain employed for a limited time. Additionally, many were offered relocation packages to continue their work at the new headquarters in Fayetteville, Georgia, which is set to open in 2026. Employees were given a 60-day window to decide whether to accept the relocation offer, adding another layer of uncertainty to an already challenging situation.
### 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, marking a remarkable 243 percent increase over two years. This financial growth raises questions about the necessity of the layoffs, especially given the recent appointment of Mauricio Pochettino as the highest-earning head coach of the Men’s National Team, funded by a donation from billionaire Ken Griffin.
### The Layoff Process
The layoff process itself was handled with a degree of formality that many employees found unsettling. An outside human resources agency was brought in to assist with the layoffs, and the atmosphere during the meetings was described as somber. Employees who were terminated immediately were escorted out of the building, with security present—a common practice during large-scale layoffs. Those affected received separation letters outlining their severance pay, which ranged from two to four months, depending on their tenure and position.
### Communication with Remaining Staff
Following the layoffs, Batson addressed the remaining staff in a meeting, acknowledging the difficulty of the day for those who lost their jobs. He emphasized the importance of supporting their former colleagues and highlighted the federation’s strong financial health, reassuring employees that U.S. Soccer was on track to achieve record revenue.
### Relocation Packages and Future Plans
Details of the relocation packages offered to employees varied based on rank. For instance, the “red package” for Vice Presidents and above included a $3,000 allowance, five days of moving leave, and assistance with the shipment of household goods. Other packages offered to senior management and coordinators provided different levels of support. Employees who choose not to relocate will receive 60 days of severance pay, and some will have the option to work remotely.
While the new headquarters will not be ready until 2026, U.S. Soccer has set up a temporary facility in Atlanta, repurposing a former elementary school. Approximately 60 to 70 employees have already made the move, with additional staff working in various locations across the country.
### U.S. Soccer’s Vision for the Future
In a statement to The Athletic, U.S. Soccer expressed optimism about the transition to the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center in metro Atlanta. The federation believes that this move will enhance its ability to support its 27 national teams and contribute to the growth of soccer in the United States. The Chicago office is scheduled to close in 2025, and while not all staff will relocate, U.S. Soccer has acknowledged the invaluable contributions of those who will not be making the move.
As U.S. Soccer navigates this challenging transition, the impact of these layoffs will be felt not only by those directly affected but also by the broader organization as it seeks to redefine its structure and operations in a new location.