Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur M. Blank will expand his sports empire with a newly awarded National Women’s Soccer League club. The franchise, which will begin play in 2028, will be operated by AMB Sports and Entertainment.
Atlanta will become the NWSL’s 17th team following the additions of Boston and Denver in the most recent round of expansion, according to a press release. Atlanta plans to play its home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
Blank’s investment in bringing women’s professional soccer to Atlanta will also include the development of a state-of-the-art training ground dedicated to the NWSL club and staff.
In addition, the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation will provide seed funding to launch the NWSL Foundation, which will focus on advancing research and innovation in women’s sports, with an emphasis on female athlete health and performance.
AMBSE is already engaged with NWSL in the initial stages of developing a club name and brand identity that will include direct input from city and state soccer fans, according to the press release.
The search for team leadership has already begun and is being led by Blank, leaders across AMBSE and the broader Blank Family of Businesses, with support from Sportsology.
The announcement comes as Atlanta is set to host eight games in next year’s FIFA World Cup.
“We are thrilled to bring a National Women’s Soccer League franchise to Atlanta and Georgia and the passionate soccer fans here. We look forward to working with the NWSL and other club owners to continue building the best women’s soccer league in the world and are committed to creating a world-class organization on and off the pitch,” Blank said in a statement. “Our clear goal is to compete for championships beginning in 2028 and serve as a source of pride for fans in Atlanta, Georgia and the league for decades to come. Our city and state have a deep passion for the game of soccer, and I know our fans will embrace this club as they have Atlanta United.
Atlanta Sports Council President Dan Corso said Blank’s leadership in bringing an NWSL team to Atlanta reinforces the city’s standing as the center of the soccer world in America.
“It builds on our incredible momentum heading into FIFA World Cup 2026 and helps to position Atlanta as a natural host city for FIFA Women’s World Cup 2031,” Corso said.
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