Garth Lagerwey, president of Atlanta United, has taken a leave of absence to undergo cancer treatment and focus on recovery, the club confirmed in a statement to the press. The announcement, first reported by AP News, came without details about his diagnosis or treatment timeline, reflecting the privacy that many public figures and organizations maintain in medical matters.

Lagerwey is a widely recognized executive in American soccer, and his absence removes a central figure from Atlanta United’s leadership during a competitive period for the club. As president, he has been responsible for overseeing many aspects of team operations, strategy and organizational direction. The pause in his day-to-day involvement will require the club’s senior staff and ownership to manage responsibilities and maintain continuity across sporting and business functions.

The decision to disclose a medical leave underscores the balancing act sports franchises face between transparency with supporters and respect for personal privacy. Teams today operate as complex businesses with high public profiles, and changes in leadership—even temporary ones—can have ripple effects across squad morale, transfers, sponsorships and the fan base. Supporters and partners will be watching how the club structures interim leadership and communicates updates.

From a human perspective, Lagerwey’s leave is a reminder that executives, like players and coaches, are vulnerable to serious health challenges and that professional sport organizations must have plans to accommodate recovery and long-term wellness. The logistics of handing off duties without disrupting competitive performance will test Atlanta United’s organizational resilience. It also raises questions about succession planning and the resources clubs dedicate to leadership depth, particularly as Major League Soccer continues to grow in complexity and global profile.

Medical leaves by high-ranking sports executives are not uncommon, but each instance draws attention because of the high stakes involved in modern professional teams. For fans, the immediate concerns are practical: who will take on matchmaking decisions, how will transfer negotiations proceed, and what assurances will the club provide about operational stability? For the organization, leaders must balance rapid decision-making with thoughtful delegation, maintaining both competitive ambitions and supportive workplace culture.

Atlanta United’s statement emphasized support for Lagerwey during his treatment and recovery. The club has not provided a timetable for his return or detailed which executives will assume his full responsibilities in the interim. As the situation develops, transparency about progress and the management plan will be important for calming uncertainty and preserving trust among supporters, partners and players.

Beyond the club, the announcement contributes to broader conversations about workplace accommodations for serious illness, the role of public disclosure for leaders in the spotlight, and how large organizations can sustain performance while prioritizing human health. Supporters of Atlanta United and observers of Major League Soccer will be closely monitoring updates, hoping for a full recovery and a smooth operational transition.