Garth Lagerwey Steps Down as CEO of Atlanta United FC Amid Health Challenges

Garth Lagerwey will not be returning as the CEO of Atlanta United FC for the upcoming season, as confirmed by a club spokesperson to ESPN.

At the age of 52, Lagerwey was diagnosed with cancer in July, prompting the club to announce a leave of absence for him at that time. He later made a limited return during the season but subsequently took a second leave in October to focus on his recovery.

The spokesperson indicated that the club has commenced a search for Lagerwey’s successor. The new hire will assume an expanded role that includes oversight of both Atlanta United and the recently announced NWSL expansion team, which is set to begin play in 2028. Preparations for this NWSL side will commence with staff hiring in 2026.

Lagerwey joined Atlanta United in 2022 after achieving significant success with Real Salt Lake and Seattle Sounders FC. Under his leadership, RSL captured the 2010 MLS Cup despite operating on a limited budget and reached the finals of the 2012 Concacaf Champions League. His tenure with the Sounders began in late 2014, leading to two MLS Cup titles in 2016 and 2019 and a Concacaf Champions League victory in 2022.

Lagerwey’s appointment was expected to usher in a new era for Atlanta United, as the team had been experiencing a decline from its initial successes, which included winning the MLS Cup in 2018 and the U.S. Open Cup the following year. However, his efforts failed to significantly reverse the team’s downward trend. Although the Five Stripes enjoyed a brief resurgence in 2023, highlighted by a notable playoff upset against Supporters’ Shield winners Inter Miami, their overall league performance continued to falter, culminating in a disappointing 14th place finish in the Eastern Conference, 25 points behind Orlando City for the final playoff spot.

This decline occurred despite Atlanta being one of the league’s highest spenders, ranking third with a salary expenditure of $28.48 million according to the latest MLS Players Association report.

Fortunately, Atlanta United retains substantial front office expertise, with Chief Soccer Officer Chris Henderson, hired in December, set to assist in roster-building efforts alongside new manager Gerardo Martino. On the business front, the club continues to be managed by Sarah Kate Noftsinger and Dimitrios Efstathiou.