Alan Rothenberg

Alan Rothenberg is a lawyer, businessman, and sports executive recognized for his significant influence on the development of soccer in the United States. As a partner in major law firms in Los Angeles for more than 35 years, Rothenberg specialized in representing financial institutions, sports teams, leagues, facilities, and entertainment clients. His involvement in soccer began when Peter Ueberroth, organizer of the Los Angeles Summer Olympics, appointed him commissioner of soccer for the Olympic Games. The popularity of soccer during the Olympics, including multiple sell-outs at the Rose Bowl, demonstrated the existence of an American audience for the sport and contributed to FIFA awarding the United States the right to host the World Cup.

With FIFA's support, Rothenberg was elected president of the United States Soccer Federation, succeeding Werner Fricker. His leadership marked a shift toward a more business-oriented approach within the federation, expanding its annual budget from less than $5 million to more than $30 million and increasing staff from fewer than 20 to over 75 employees. As chairman, president, and CEO of the FIFA World Cup, Rothenberg built an organization that grew to 350 full-time employees and nearly 20,000 volunteers, operating out of nine venues. The tournament set attendance records with 2.5 million attendees and generated a surplus exceeding $50 million for U.S. Soccer. He also oversaw entertainment programs associated with the World Cup, including the Three Tenors concert at Dodger Stadium, performances at the Hollywood Bowl, and ceremonies featuring Whitney Houston and Diana Ross.

Rothenberg played a central role in establishing Major League Soccer, the first fully professional U.S. outdoor league since the NASL. He secured approximately $100 million in investments, negotiated a national television contract with ABC and ESPN, and attracted major sponsors such as Nike, adidas, and Anheuser-Busch. Rothenberg also served as chairman of the board for the FIFA Women's World Cup, advocating for matches in major stadiums and cities and contributing to the marketing strategy in collaboration with the U.S. Women's National Team.

Rothenberg has received the FIFA Order of Merit and has been inducted into the U.S. National Soccer Hall of Fame for his contributions as a builder of the sport in the United States. He is also a recipient of the USOC Foundation's Steinbrenner Award for Lifetime Achievement and the MLS Legacy Award. Outside of soccer, Rothenberg is chairman of Premier Partnerships, a sales, consulting, and marketing firm representing clients in sports, entertainment, public facilities, and events, with offices in Santa Monica and New York City. Clients include NBA, NFL International, the Atlanta Falcons, the Rose Bowl, and Grand Central Terminal. Rothenberg is the author of the memoir "The Big Bounce: The Surge That Shaped The Future Of U.S. Soccer," which details his efforts to bring the World Cup to the United States and the subsequent creation and growth of Major League Soccer.