Sports

Future of U.S. Soccer: What Story Can Be Told by 2026?

July 13, 2021  • Sports & Society Program

The women’s national team is the best in the world. The men’s national team has some of the best young talent in the world. Now imagine what’s possible if the players fully supported each other, and everyone in soccer committed to grow the game at all levels and in all communities. That’s the challenge of U.S. Soccer Federation President Cindy Parlow Cone, who joins us on the eve of the Tokyo Olympics to explore ways to resolve the equal pay dispute and foster collaboration. What story can be told about U.S. Soccer by the 2026 World Cup co-hosted in the U.S.? Join the Aspen Institute’s Sports & Society Program for our next Future of Sports conversation July 13 from 2-3 p.m. ET as we explore that question.

Speakers include:

  • Cindy Parlow Cone, U.S. Soccer Foundation President, Olympic- and World Cup-winning U.S. women’s national team player, champion National Women’s Soccer League head coach
  • Kendall Baker, Axios Sports (moderator)

Future of Sports returned in 2021 as a virtual, bimonthly conversation series by the Sports & Society Program that helps stakeholders think through key questions shaping the future of our games, the sports industry and its impact on society. Past events examined the future of football, a series on college athlete pay including the government’s role and the future of name, image and likeness rights, sports betting, athlete activism, coaching, the U.S. Olympic movement and women’s pro sports. Contact Sports & Society Program Editorial Director Jon Solomon at jon.solomon@aspeninstitute.org with questions or inquiries.

Thank you to Axios Sports for its support as media partner of the Future of Sports series.