Atlanta to Host 17th NWSL Franchise Starting in 2028

On Tuesday, Atlanta was officially announced as the site for the National Women’s Soccer League’s (NWSL) 17th franchise, which is slated to begin play in 2028.

The new team will be owned by AMB Sports and Entertainment, helmed by Arthur Blank, who also owns the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’ Atlanta United FC. Both teams currently play at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will serve as the venue for the NWSL franchise.

“Atlanta is a city that embodies the energy, diversity, and ambition that define the next chapter of the NWSL,” stated league commissioner Jessica Berman. “With its passionate fan base and rich sports culture, Atlanta possesses all the elements to become one of the league’s most vibrant markets.

“We are elated to collaborate with Arthur Blank and his outstanding team, whose commitment to building world-class organizations and fostering community impact aligns seamlessly with our vision for the future of women’s soccer.”

In a demonstration of dedication to the new franchise, Blank and AMB Sports and Entertainment will develop a state-of-the-art training facility and appoint a specialized leadership team to manage the club’s operations.

“We are excited to introduce a National Women’s Soccer League franchise to Atlanta and Georgia, home to passionate soccer fans,” Blank remarked. “Our aim is to work alongside the NWSL and fellow club owners in further establishing the best women’s soccer league globally, while also creating a remarkable organization both on and off the pitch.

“Our primary goal is to compete for championships starting in 2028 and to serve as a source of pride for fans in Atlanta, Georgia, and the league for many years to come. Our community has a profound love for soccer, and I am confident our supporters will embrace this new club just as they have with Atlanta United.”

The announcement also mentioned that modifications will be made to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with attendance for NWSL matches capped at approximately 28,000 spectators.

The NWSL is set to welcome its 15th and 16th teams, Boston Legacy FC and Denver, in 2026. Commissioner Berman has expressed optimism about the league’s future, suggesting it could grow to rival the 32-team NFL model conceptually.

Atlanta has been part of the NWSL expansion discussions for nearly a decade, with many viewing its entry into the league as a matter of timing rather than if. The city previously hosted women’s professional soccer through the Atlanta Beat, which played in WUSA from 2001 to 2003 and in WPS from 2010 to 2011.

As per Nielsen data, Atlanta ranks as the seventh-largest television media market in the United States. Since its inception in 2017, Atlanta United has experienced significant success in MLS, winning a championship the following year and leading in attendance each season since, averaging over 40,000 fans per game, barring the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.

Arthur Blank has also pledged $50 million to establish Atlanta as the new headquarters for U.S. Soccer starting next year, with the Mercedes-Benz Stadium set to host multiple matches, including a semifinal, during the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

“Atlanta has been at the forefront of shaping the future of soccer in this country, and the introduction of an NWSL team is a remarkable advancement,” remarked U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone. “Arthur has been a dedicated supporter of soccer at all levels, and his investment in this expansion team underscores the undeniable growth potential of women’s soccer.

“With world-class facilities, enthusiastic fans, and a community that recognizes the power of the game to unite and inspire, Atlanta is poised to set a new benchmark for professional women’s soccer.”