Atlanta NWSL Expansion Takes Major Step as Marietta Moves to Secure New Team Headquarters
Atlanta’s newest professional soccer team—the National Women’s Soccer League expansion club launching under Arthur Blank—may have just moved closer to finding its permanent home. On Monday night, the Marietta City Council approved an $18.5 million purchase of 34 acres along Franklin Gateway, buying the property directly from IKEA with the goal of redeveloping it for major economic impact.
Sources told the Marietta Daily Journal that the city hopes to sell or lease the land to Arthur Blank’s AMB Sports + Entertainment as the future headquarters and training center for Atlanta’s NWSL team. While the city has not officially confirmed the plan, all signs point to Marietta positioning itself to keep Atlanta’s next major franchise—and the jobs, visibility, and investment that come with it—within city limits.
This project is especially significant because Atlanta United’s current training ground already sits just a short distance from the newly acquired property. With the men’s club’s facility widely considered one of the best in MLS, many in the soccer community see the Franklin Gateway corridor as the natural home for the women’s team as well.
Marietta Buys Land From IKEA After Abandoned 2018 Development Plan
The 34-acre parcel was originally targeted by IKEA for a new store announced back in 2018, but the project never materialized. The site has sat empty for years, even as Franklin Gateway has seen steady redevelopment, anchored in part by the presence of Atlanta United’s state-of-the-art training ground.
In a statement shared with 11Alive, Marietta officials avoided explicitly naming the NWSL project but emphasized the city’s redevelopment goals:
“The City remains committed to advancing thoughtful redevelopment along the Franklin Gateway corridor. As next steps are considered, the city will prioritize projects that enhance long-term economic vitality and deliver meaningful benefits to the Marietta community.”
The purchase will be paid for using Redevelopment Bond funds approved by voters in 2013, meaning the city planned for opportunities like this more than a decade ago.
Arthur Blank’s New NWSL Team: Big Money, Big Vision, Big Expectations
Arthur Blank—owner of the Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United, and Mercedes-Benz Stadium—officially secured the 17th NWSL expansion franchise last month for a record-setting $165 million fee.
The team is expected to:
- Debut after the 2026 season
- Play home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Operate under AMB Sports + Entertainment, which has a proven track record of success
- Become a flagship brand in a rapidly growing NWSL
With Atlanta consistently ranked as one of the U.S.’s strongest soccer markets and youth participation booming statewide, the arrival of the NWSL feels not just appropriate but overdue.
A spokesperson for Blank told reporters that multiple sites are being evaluated for the new training facility, but confirmed “positive discussions with Marietta” and praised the city as an outstanding partner—especially given the success of Atlanta United’s campus nearby.
Why Franklin Gateway Makes Sense for Atlanta’s New Women’s Team
The Franklin Gateway corridor checks all the major boxes for a professional training headquarters:
1. Existing Soccer Infrastructure
Atlanta United’s Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Training Ground is already one of the premier soccer centers in the country. Locating the NWSL team nearby would create a shared ecosystem of elite coaching, sports science, and operations resources.
2. Easy Access to Major Highways and the ATL Metro
The site sits near I-75, I-285, and several key corridors, making it accessible to players, staff, and fans.
3. A Growing Sports and Technology District
Franklin Gateway has transformed over the past decade, with upgraded facilities, green space, and business development aimed at attracting both local and national organizations.
4. Economic Impact for Marietta
An NWSL headquarters could bring:
- Construction jobs
- Long-term sports administration jobs
- Increased tourism
- Brand visibility
- Additional private development
For a growing soccer hub like metro Atlanta, this move could anchor decades of investment.
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- Atlanta NWSL expansion news
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What This Means for Atlanta’s Soccer Future
Atlanta is already one of the most dynamic soccer markets in North America. The arrival of an NWSL franchise only strengthens that position. If this headquarters deal moves forward, the region could become a national epicenter for professional soccer development, hosting MLS, NWSL, USL, and extensive youth programming all within a tight geographic area.
For Fans:
This means new opportunities to watch women’s soccer at a world-class level—and potentially more access to open training sessions, academy programs, and community events.
For Marietta:
A state-of-the-art training campus would help solidify Franklin Gateway as one of Georgia’s fastest-developing sports corridors.
For the NWSL:
Landing a team backed by Arthur Blank is a major victory for the league’s stability, visibility, and long-term growth.
Next Steps: What Happens Now
- The city will finalize the land acquisition from IKEA
- AMB Sports + Entertainment will continue evaluating sites
- Negotiations between the city and Blank’s organization are expected to continue
- A formal training-ground announcement could come in 2026
Atlanta fans should keep an eye on City Council agendas and AMBSE updates as the process moves forward.
Call to Action
Do you think the Atlanta NWSL team should build its headquarters in Marietta?
Should Franklin Gateway become Atlanta’s full-time soccer corridor?
Share your thoughts in the comments below or tag us on social media @AtlantaSoccerNews.
Author: Quique Lopez
Quique Lopez doesn’t just cover soccer—he deconstructs it with the precision of a veteran and the wit of a storyteller. A former player who sees the pitch as both a tactical chessboard and a cultural stage, Quique balances sharp critiques with a genuine love for the game’s soul. He’s as quick to call out the ego of a superstar as he is to find the hidden beauty in a local derby.