US Soccer is heading into a defining stretch, and David Wright is helping shape what comes next. As Chief Commercial Officer, he sits at the center of it all, from partnerships and media to events, marketing, and business ventures. 

In this conversation, he breaks down how US Soccer has grown its business more than 300% in a short period of time and why its nonprofit structure has become a real differentiator in the market.

David also shares how they’re preparing for the 2026 World Cup, the commercial strategy behind US Soccer’s partner roster, the evolving media landscape, and the kind of leadership and risk-taking that has defined his own career path.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• Why the 2026 World Cup represents a structural inflection point for fan growth and market expansion
• How US Soccer built a partner portfolio of 23 major brands by thinking long term and saying no more often
• Why David believes the future of sports leadership belongs to people who can embrace risk and develop intangible skills AI can’t replace
• How one national training center could change the way players, coaches, and referees are developed in the US

Resources and Links:

Connect with David Wright on LinkedIn.

Learn more about Next League on our website and LinkedIn. We are leading sports organizations into the digital future.

Dave’s book is available now! Get your copy of The Business of Sports Technology: How To Make Smart Decisions That Drive Your Organization Forward.