Arthur Blank: Building Culture, Community and the Future of Soccer

In this episode of On Stage, Arthur M. Blank, Chairman of AMB Sports and Entertainment, joins Abe Madkour, Publisher and Executive Editor of Sports Business Journal, for a wide-ranging conversation on leadership, ownership, and the continued growth of soccer in the United States.  Recorded on March 26, 2026, at SBJ’s Business of Soccer conference in Atlanta, the discussion offers a window into Blank’s philosophy as an owner across multiple properties, including the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, and how he approaches building organizations rooted in culture, community, and long-term vision.  Key themes include:  Ownership with Purpose: Blank’s approach to leadership, culture, and empowering people across his organizations. The Rise of Soccer in the U.S.: How Atlanta United became a model for fan engagement and what it signals about the sport’s future. Fan-First Philosophy: Why experience, accessibility, and trust are central to sustained success. Community Impact: The role sports organizations play beyond the field in driving civic pride and connection. Leadership Lessons: Insights from a career spanning entrepreneurship, retail, and professional sports ownership. It’s a thoughtful, values-driven conversation with one of the most respected figures in sports business—offering lessons that extend far beyond the game.  Sign up for SBJ 360, our free, daily newsletter. SBJ 360 delivers a concise, high-level overview of the most important stories shaping the sports industry. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.