NWSL Announces New Franchise in Atlanta
Atlanta has officially been designated as the site for the 17th team in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), as revealed on Tuesday.
The franchise will be owned by AMB Sports and Entertainment, which is also the owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United FC. All teams will compete at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, where the NWSL team is set to commence play in 2028.
“Atlanta is a vibrant city that captures the energy, diversity, and ambition necessary for the next chapter of the NWSL,” stated league commissioner Jessica Berman. “With its dedicated fanbase and rich sports culture, Atlanta is poised to become one of the league’s most exciting markets.”
She added, “We are excited to collaborate with Arthur Blank and his outstanding team, whose dedication to fostering premier organizations and community engagement perfectly aligns with our vision for the future of women’s soccer.”
In line with their commitment to the new team, Blank and AMBSE plan to establish a top-tier training facility and appoint dedicated leadership to manage the club’s operations.
“We are delighted to introduce an NWSL franchise to Atlanta and Georgia for our passionate soccer fans,” said Blank. “Our goal is to work alongside the NWSL and fellow owners to further develop the best women’s soccer league globally, while building a leading organization on and off the field.”
“We aim to compete for championships from 2028 onwards and to be a source of pride for our supporters in Atlanta and beyond for many years. The passion for soccer in our city and state is immense, and I believe our fans will welcome this club just as they have embraced Atlanta United.”
The passion that built a movement now powers a new one, NWSL Atlanta 2028. pic.twitter.com/VBnl4trORy
As announced on Tuesday, modifications will be made to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to accommodate the NWSL club, with a spectator capacity set at about 28,000.
In 2026, the league will welcome its 15th and 16th teams, Boston Legacy FC and Denver. Berman has expressed aspirations for the NWSL to potentially grow to the size of the NFL, which includes 32 teams, at least conceptually.
Blank and Atlanta have been part of NWSL expansion discussions sporadically for nearly a decade, with many speculating that Atlanta’s entry into the league was a matter of timing rather than feasibility.
The city previously hosted women’s professional soccer when the Atlanta Beat participated in WUSA from 2001 to 2003 and in WPS during 2010 and 2011. The WPS incarnation of the Beat created a stadium in Kennesaw, Georgia, in partnership with Kennesaw State University.
Atlanta ranks as the seventh-largest television market in the United States, according to Nielsen ratings.
Since its inception in 2017, Atlanta United has achieved notable success in MLS, clinching a title in its second season and topping the league in attendance every year except for 2020, with an average of over 40,000 spectators per game.
Furthermore, Blank has contributed $50 million to position Atlanta as the home for U.S. Soccer’s headquarters starting next year. Mercedes-Benz Stadium will also serve as a prominent venue for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup, hosting eight matches including a semifinal.
“Atlanta has been pivotal in shaping the future of soccer in the country, and introducing an NWSL team marks another significant advancement,” remarked Cindy Parlow Cone, president of U.S. Soccer. “Arthur’s unwavering support for soccer at all levels, coupled with his investment in expanding the league’s presence here, underscores the extraordinary potential of women’s soccer.”
“With exceptional facilities, enthusiastic fans, and a community that embraces the sport’s ability to unite and inspire, Atlanta is set to establish a new benchmark for what is achievable in professional women’s soccer.”
This article includes information from ESPN’s Jeff Kassouf and The Associated Press.
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