U.S. Soccer Federation CFO Chelle Adams Named Game Changer in Sports and Soccer
Adams and the rest of the Game Changers Class of 2025 will be featured in the September 15 issue of Sports Business Journal
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Chelle Adams, Chief Financial Officer of U.S. Soccer, grew up in a time and place where girls didn’t have access to soccer. Now, she’s playing an instrumental role in bringing the game closer to millions of Americans. And she’s getting recognized for her commitment in service to soccer.
On Monday, the Sports Business Journal announced Adams was named to the 15th class of “Game Changers: Women in Sports Business.” The list is a unique honor that annually highlights women in the industry who have played key roles in their respective fields.
“I am honored to receive this award and to represent the many women who are working in service to soccer at the U.S. Soccer Federation,” Adams said. “I hope my work paves the way for more women to look at careers in both sports and finance.”
Adams joins this year’s class as a pioneer in sports and soccer. She’s just the second female CFO in the history of the U.S. Soccer Federation. Since joining the Federation in November 2023, she’s been a transformative force and visionary leader. She’s not only breaking glass ceilings – she’s building lasting institutions.
One of her biggest projects for U.S. Soccer is spearheading the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center, due to open in spring 2026. The $250 million project will serve U.S. Soccer’s 118 member organizations, 27 National Teams, referees, coaches and youth players. The National Training Center will be the new home of U.S. Soccer and is an integral reason why the city of Atlanta is quickly becoming the epicenter of soccer in North America.
The site of the new National Training Center is in Fayette County, and Adams has worked extensively to build a partnership with the local government. Her leadership has brought the community into the heart of the Federation as U.S. Soccer has enhanced local soccer fields, upgraded facilities and equipment at Fayette County’s McCurry Fields and plans to root itself into the community as the area’s newest neighbors.
Over her 30-year career, she’s worked in a variety of sectors, but no matter where her career has taken her, she’s always held a focus on transformation and fiscal responsibility. Prior to joining U.S. Soccer, Adams held executive leadership roles at SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment and the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, where she oversaw multimillion-dollar growth initiatives, led business transformations and managed financial operations at scale.
Look out for Adams and the rest of the Game Changers Class of 2025 in the September 15 issue of Sports Business Journal.