Arthur Blank, the owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United in Major League Soccer, has added to his sports empire with the acquisition of a National Women’s Soccer League expansion franchise in Atlanta. The new NWSL team is scheduled to commence play in 2028 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, joining the league as its 17th team following recent expansions in Boston and Denver.
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman expressed excitement about Atlanta’s inclusion, highlighting the city’s vibrant atmosphere and sports culture as key factors in the decision. The team’s home games will see a maximum attendance of around 28,000, with stadium adjustments planned for the NWSL matches.
Operated by Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment group, the NWSL franchise will benefit from Blank’s commitment to women’s professional soccer, including the establishment of a dedicated training facility in the city. Plans are underway to form team leadership, select a team name, and build a top-tier organization focused on both on-field success and community engagement.
In a statement, Blank emphasized his enthusiasm for bringing NWSL to Atlanta and Georgia, aiming to create a premier soccer club that competes for championships from the outset. He highlighted the strong soccer following in the region and expressed confidence that fans will rally behind the new team, much like they have with Atlanta United.