94-26 Building A Soccer Nation

94-26 Building a Soccer Nation takes its lead from the simple premise that the decision by FIFA to grant the USA the rights to host the 1994 World Cup set in motion an explosion in interest that over the next 30 years has turned the USA into a true "Soccer Nation," and its return in 2026 will change the face of American sports forever

Gary Hopkins holds an MBA from Warwick Business School, a BA in Sports Science and History, and a postgraduate Teaching Degree from Loughborough University, England.

This is Gary's second book on soccer's growth in the USA, following the publication of Star-Spangled Soccer in 2010. He has been integrally involved in the sport's commercial explosion since 1990. As President of API Soccer and a Managing Director at global sports marketing agency Octagon, he represented the United States Soccer Federation's and US Youth Soccer's commercial rights. API was also a founding member of Major League Soccer, owning DC United.

As a consultant to many soccer properties, Gary was responsible for Manchester City's international development in the USA, staging two successful tours and building eight soccer fields in underserved communities in partnership with the Embassy of the UAE in Washington, DC.

Gary also launched America's first-ever full-color soccer magazine, Soccer International, and once "amazingly" held the US TV rights to the English Premier League.

He is married to Paula, has three wonderful kids, David, Lindsay, and Veronica, and lives in Newtown, PA.

You can reach Gary at: gary@gary-hopkins.com

"94:26 Building a Soccer Nation" is a fascinating account of the United States' journey to establish soccer as a serious contender for broadcast, sponsorship and fan dollars. Gary's knowledge of the business of soccer in the United States and of the game worldwide more than qualifies him to tell the story. There's every chance the best chapters for US soccer are yet to come."
- Paul Barber OBE- CEO and Deputy Chairman: Brighton and Hove Albion
Former CEO" Vancouver Whitecaps: Major League Soccer.

"Gary Hopkins has written the definitive account of soccer's rise in the United States. With rare insider
perspective and sharp analysis, Building a Soccer Nation traces how bold decisions, commercial innovation, and cultural shifts turned a marginal sport into a major force. As the World Cup returns in 2026, this book is both a timely history and a compelling roadmap for the future of American sports."
-- Charles H. Baker, Co-Chair, Entertainment, Sports Media, Sidley Austin

Few people can connect the dots of the last 30 years as clearly as Gary Hopkins. This book is less about the games and more about the transformation of a culture. If you want to understand how the game grew from grassroots in '94 to the massive global spectacle of 2026, this is the definitive guide.
-Robbie Earle: Host: NBC Sports Premier League Soccer.

Full praise for Gary Hopkins! His insights and experience in soccer from the boardroom to the pitch has given him the unique opportunity to express his knowledge, opinions and thoughtful approach in his new book! A definite must-read!
-John Harkes
Former Captain: US Men's National Team
Former Captain: DC United, Major League Soccer