Atlanta Awarded NWSL Expansion Team

The National Women’s Soccer League has awarded Atlanta as its next expansion franchise, with play expected to begin in 2028. The club — which will be the league’s 17th team — will be owned by Arthur M. Blank and operated by AMB Sports and Entertainment, joining the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons, MLS Atlanta United and Atlanta Drive Golf Club in TGL as teams in Blank’s sports portfolio.

“We are thrilled to bring a National Women’s Soccer League franchise to Atlanta and Georgia and the passionate soccer fans here,” Blank said. “We look forward to working with the NWSL and other club owners to continue building the best women’s soccer league in the world and are committed to creating a world-class organization on and off the pitch. Our clear goal is to compete for championships beginning in 2028 and serve as a source of pride for fans in Atlanta, Georgia and the league for decades to come. Our city and state have a deep passion for the game of soccer, and I know our fans will embrace this club as they have Atlanta United.”

Atlanta becomes the latest NWSL, joining the latest announced additions in Boston and Denver. The Atlanta club will play home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta. Modifications will be made for an expected seating capacity of about 28,000 for the team.

“Atlanta is a city that embodies the energy, diversity, and ambition that define the next chapter of the NWSL,” said NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman, “From its passionate fan base to its deep sports culture, Atlanta has all the ingredients to become one of the league’s most dynamic markets. We are thrilled to partner with Arthur Blank and his exceptional team, whose commitment to building world-class organizations and community-driven impact aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of women’s soccer.”

Blank also intends to develop a dedicated training ground for the team and staff. The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation will also provide seed funding to launch the NWSL Foundation, focused on advancing research and innovation in women’s sports, with an emphasis on female athlete health and performance.

AMBSE has already been in touch with the league on the initial stages of developing a club name and brand identity that will include direct input from Atlanta and Georgia’s soccer fans. No timeline has been set for that process to be completed.