Arthur Blank, the owner of the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United, has expanded his sports portfolio with the addition of a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise in Atlanta. The new team is scheduled to start playing in 2028 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, joining the NFL and Major League Soccer teams already owned by Blank.
Atlanta will be the 17th team in the NWSL, following recent expansions in Boston and Denver. The NWSL Commissioner, Jessica Berman, emphasized Atlanta’s vibrant sports culture and enthusiastic fan base as key factors in the decision to award the expansion franchise to the city.
To accommodate the NWSL team, modifications will be made to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with an attendance capacity of around 28,000. The team will be managed by Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment group, which also oversees the Atlanta Drive Golf Club of TGL.
In addition to the NWSL franchise, Blank’s investment in women’s professional soccer includes establishing a training facility in the city. The organization is currently seeking team leadership and a name for the new Atlanta NWSL team.
Arthur Blank expressed excitement about bringing a women’s soccer team to Atlanta, emphasizing the goal of competing for championships and creating a source of pride for fans. He highlighted the city and state’s passion for soccer and expressed confidence that the new team will be embraced by Atlanta’s passionate soccer community, much like Atlanta United.