US Soccer CEO Tours Seattle Facilities, Discusses Future

US Soccer CEO JT Batson visited Seattle in March to tour the Sounders’ new Longacres practice and office facilities, meet with local soccer officials and media, and even catch the Ballard FC US Open Cup match at Memorial Stadium, where he praised the city’s “knowledgeable fans.”  

The governing body of the sport in the United States– US Soccer is expanding their own practice and administration facilities at their Georgia headquarters, providing additional support for the Men’s and Women’s National Teams as well as professional, semi-pro, and amateur teams through competitions such as the Open Cup, won four times by the Sounders.  

In a press event alongside Seattle FIFA World Cup 26 Chief Strategy Officer April Putney, Batson shared the local organizing committee’s enthusiasm for the USMNT game scheduled for Seattle on June 19, 2026. “We will be ready to host the US Men’s team– and all six games scheduled for Seattle,” said Putney. “This will be an amazing opportunity for Seattle’s legendary fanbase to cheer on our national team on a global stage.”