The 5-Stripes family is officially expanding its footprint in Cobb County. AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE) has reached a landmark deal with the City of Marietta to establish a world-class training headquarters for Atlanta’s incoming NWSL franchise, set to debut in 2028.
This isn’t just a new building; it’s a massive $100 million investment in the future of the women’s game, strategically located directly across from the Franklin Gateway Sports Complex. With Atlanta United’s training ground already nearby, Marietta is cementing its status as the premier hub for professional soccer in Georgia.
The Blueprint: A 33-Acre Masterpiece
The new facility is designed to provide the NWSL squad with the same elite resources that have helped Atlanta United become a global brand.
- The Facility: A sprawling 38,000-square-foot headquarters.
- The Pitches: Four full-sized regulation fields and two half-pitches.
- The Land Swap: In a win-win for the community, AMBSE is purchasing 33 acres from the city, while Marietta will receive 10 acres of land to be developed into new recreational park space for local families.
- Total Corridor Investment: Once completed, Arthur Blank’s total investment in the Franklin Gateway corridor will approach a staggering $200 million.
Building a Foundation for 2028
While the club’s name and branding are still under wraps, the business side is already moving at full speed. Just last month, the team secured a historic seven-year front-of-kit sponsorship with Aflac, which is believed to be the most lucrative deal of its kind in NWSL history.
“Securing this property in Marietta is a critical first step as we begin building the foundation of NWSL Atlanta 2028. We made a commitment to provide the necessary resources to create a world-class organization on and off the pitch.”
— Arthur M. Blank, Owner
A “Home for Soccer” in Georgia
The timing couldn’t be better. With the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center set to open this spring in Fayette County and the World Cup arriving in 100 days, Georgia has officially become the epicenter of the American soccer movement.
Marietta Mayor Steve Tumlin noted that having both men’s and women’s professional teams training in the city will “inspire young women and girls in Marietta and beyond” for generations.
Related ASN Coverage
- NWSL Atlanta 2028: Breaking Down the Record-Setting Aflac Sponsorship
- The Marietta Hub: How Franklin Gateway Became a Soccer Hotspot
- Road to the Pitch: What to Expect Between Now and the 2028 Debut
ASN Fan Voice: We’ve got the facility and the sponsor—now we just need the name! What are your early ideas for Atlanta’s NWSL identity? Are you feeling something classic like “Atlanta SC” or something more localized? Let us know in the comments! #NWSLATL #MariettaSoccer #WomenInSports #AtlantaSoccerNews #BlankFamily #SoccerDevelopment
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.