Jillian Sakovits on 2026, the NWSL’s Next Era, and the Pressure of Tata Martino’s Return

Jillian Sakovits joins Jason Longshore for a wide-ranging conversation about where the game is heading in 2026 and why this year is a beginning, not a finish line. Sakovits discusses her expanding role across MLS and the women’s game, the momentum building toward the 2026 World Cup, and what that moment means for cities like Atlanta as global soccer culture comes into sharper focus. The conversation dives deep into the NWSL’s growth, the significance of Trinity Rodman’s landmark contract, and why star power, sustainability, and equal investment are essential to the league’s next phase. The discussion also turns to MLS, where Sakovits offers a league-wide perspective on roster moves, rising pressure points, and what the return of Tata Martino means for Atlanta United as the club enters its 10th season with expectations fully reset. From preseason storylines to the unique weight Martino carries in Atlanta, this is a conversation about leadership, timing, and what happens when nostalgia meets reality. A thoughtful, forward-looking episode connecting MLS, the NWSL, and the long arc of the sport in North America, featuring one of the game’s most trusted voices, Jillian Sakovits.