In a landmark move for local soccer accessibility, Atlanta United and FOX 5 Atlanta (WAGA-TV) have announced a strategic partnership to bring “encore” broadcasts of the club’s MLS regular season matches to over-the-air television. This marks the first time in the 5-Stripes’ history that full-match replays will be available to fans without a subscription service.
The partnership kicks off today, Saturday, March 7, just hours before the highly anticipated 2026 home opener against Real Salt Lake. The inaugural broadcast will feature a full replay of Atlanta’s Feb. 28 road match against the San Jose Earthquakes, giving fans a chance to study the historic defensive performance of Tomás Jacob before tonight’s kickoff.
How to Watch: The Saturday Morning Tradition
While all live Atlanta United matches remain exclusive to Apple TV (MLS Season Pass), the new FOX 5 agreement creates a weekly destination for fans to relive the action or catch up on matches they missed during the work week.
- Broadcast Window: Every Saturday morning from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. ET.
- Availability: Accessible via antenna (Channel 5.1) or local cable/satellite packages across North Georgia.
- Replay Timing: Matches will air within a window of 48 hours to seven days following the live whistle.
“FOX 5 has provided top-tier coverage of our club since our inception,” said Skate Noftsinger, Atlanta United SVP and Chief Business Officer. “This agreement exemplifies a shared commitment to increasing access to soccer during a monumental year with the2026 FIFA World Cup on the horizon.”
The “Road to the World Cup” Strategy
The timing of this deal is no accident. With the World Cup just 100 days away and FOX Sports serving as the exclusive English-language rights holder for the tournament, the partnership aligns Atlanta’s local club with the biggest sporting event on the planet.
For WAGA-TV, this is an opportunity to solidify its status as “Atlanta’s Soccer Station.” By offering free, high-definition replays, the station is lowering the barrier to entry for new fans who may be curious about the sport as the World Cup hype builds.
What This Means: Greater Access for the 17s
This deal is a major win for the “17s” who may not have access to streaming services or those who want to watch the match analysis over their Saturday morning coffee. It also provides a massive platform for new signings like Matías Galarza to become household names across the region.
Next Steps for Fans:
- Tune In Now: If you’re reading this on Saturday morning, flip over to FOX 5 to catch the San Jose replay before heading to the stadium!
- Fuel Up: While you watch the encore, don’t forget to grab your free RaceTrac pizza using the rewards app—the perfect match-day breakfast.
- Head to the Benz: After the broadcast ends at 11:00 a.m., you have plenty of time to get downtown for the 7:30 p.m. home opener.
Will you be making the FOX 5 encore part of your Saturday morning ritual? Does having matches on local TV change how you follow the team?
Join the conversation in the comments below or join our match-day thread on social media using #ATLUTDonFOX5 and #UniteAndConquer!
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.