ATLANTA, GA — Professional women’s soccer is officially coming back to Atlanta.
The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) has awarded its 17th franchise to Atlanta, with Arthur Blank’s AMB Sports & Entertainment confirmed as the ownership group, sources told ESPN on Thursday. The expansion team is expected to begin play in 2028, with Mercedes-Benz Stadium serving as the home venue.
This monumental announcement brings top-flight women’s soccer back to Atlanta for the first time in over a decade—and places the city at the center of the sport’s explosive growth.
A New Era Begins
The Atlanta NWSL franchise will join AMB Sports & Entertainment’s powerful sports portfolio, which includes:
- Atlanta United FC (MLS), 2018 MLS Cup champions
- Atlanta Falcons (NFL), Super Bowl LI runners-up
Both teams already call Mercedes-Benz Stadium home, and the new NWSL side is expected to share the same world-class venue, which regularly draws 40,000+ fans for Atlanta United matches.
“We have had productive engagement with NWSL,” said a spokesperson for AMBSE. “We have nothing to announce currently as those conversations are ongoing.”
Though officially unannounced by the league or AMBSE, the $165 million expansion fee (per The Athletic) marks a significant investment—nearly 50% higher than the $110M paid by Denver Summit FC earlier this year.
Why Atlanta? Why Now?
Atlanta has long been viewed as a “when, not if” city for the NWSL. Here’s why the timing finally aligns:
- Strong market: Atlanta is the 7th-largest TV market in the U.S. (Nielsen)
- Historic support: Atlanta United has led MLS in attendance every season since 2017
- New infrastructure: Atlanta will soon be home to U.S. Soccer’s new national headquarters, backed by $50M from Blank
- Women’s soccer momentum: NWSL continues to grow in valuation and visibility, with recent franchise sales, board expansion, and broadcast deals setting new standards
Remembering the Atlanta Beat
Atlanta previously fielded a pro women’s soccer team, the Atlanta Beat, in:
- WUSA (2001–2003)
- WPS (2010–2011)
The team played home matches at Kennesaw State University and built a loyal regional following. The return of a women’s pro team to Atlanta is not just growth—it’s a homecoming.
Looking Ahead to 2028
The 2026 FIFA World Cup and U.S. Soccer HQ relocation will further fuel Atlanta’s reputation as a national soccer hub. With an NWSL team joining the mix in 2028, the city will boast:
- 3 major pro soccer teams (MLS, NWSL, USMNT/USWNT training center)
- Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosting World Cup matches
- A growing youth and grassroots soccer ecosystem across Georgia
NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has hinted at expanding to as many as 32 teams in the long-term. Atlanta’s inclusion is a signal of intent—and sets a high bar for future markets.
Are you ready for NWSL in ATL?
Let us know your thoughts:
- What should the team be named?
- Will you support the Atlanta NWSL squad from day one?
- What players or coaches would you love to see in the A?
Join the conversation in the comments or tag us on social:
@AtlantaSoccerNews | @atlsoccernews
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.