Business is flourishing in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. No one may know that better than Dan Hunt, president and co-owner of FC Dallas, who has been helping grow soccer and other sports in the region.
During the State of American Business 2025 program, Hunt spoke with U.S. Chamber of Commerce President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark about the pro-growth business environment in North Texas.
“From Governor Abbott on down you have all these officials that understand what’s driving business—a tax-friendly environment, incentives—are the things that lure business, lure companies, lure sports franchises,” Hunt said. “And these sports franchises are really assets of the community. We’re fortunate to have so many great teams here in Dallas-Fort Worth.”
Hunt said leaders in both the Texas state government and the Dallas-Fort Worth region enacted policies specifically to spur investment and opportunity.
The message of State of American Business 2025 is "all business is local," and the program featured North Texas businesses and leaders to spotlight the vibrancy and growth in one of the nation's fastest-growing regions.
"We’re here, not just to celebrate this region’s success, but to spotlight what makes that success possible and how it can be replicated in other parts of the country," she said as she called for a pro-growth federal policy agenda that will enable communities across the country to achieve greater growth and more opportunity for people everywhere.
Economic Impact of Sports and the World Cup
Hunt, also a co-owner of the Kansas City Chiefs, highlighted how sports franchises and stadiums drive business and consumer activity, noting the $140 million annual economic impact of FC Dallas' stadium. Toyota Stadium is currently under a multi-year renovation, with a plan to finish before the 2028 season.
He also notes the World Cup coming to the U.S. in 2026—with games being played in NFL stadiums around the country—will also drive economic activity.
“The reason the World Cup is coming back in 2026 is the true economic driver that is the United States,” Hunt said. “These games are going to be played in the NFL stadiums like here in Dallas at the AT&T Stadium or at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City, and the revenue that can be generated is like nothing you see anywhere else in any major soccer stadium because it’s luxury suites, it’s club seats. If anything, we know how to monetize professional sports in the United States.”
About the authors
Sean Ludwig
Sean Ludwig is a Senior Editorial Director for the U.S. Chamber of Commerce.