Arthur Blank’s sports empire in Atlanta has expanded with the introduction of a new National Women’s Soccer League team, as announced on Tuesday. Blank, who already owns the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United, will now add an NWSL franchise that is scheduled to start playing in 2028 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
The addition of the Atlanta team will make it the 17th franchise in the NWSL, following recent expansions in Boston and Denver. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman praised Atlanta as a city that embodies the qualities needed for a successful NWSL market, citing its energetic fan base and deep sports culture.
Modifications will be made to Mercedes-Benz Stadium to accommodate the NWSL team, with attendance capped at around 28,000. Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment group will oversee the operation of the new team, in addition to owning the Atlanta Drive Golf Club and being involved in the indoor golf league with Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Blank’s commitment to women’s professional soccer includes plans for a training facility in Atlanta. The search is underway for team leadership and a suitable team name. Blank expressed his excitement about bringing an NWSL franchise to Atlanta, highlighting the city’s passionate soccer fans and the goal of competing for championships from the outset in 2028.
The vision is to establish a world-class organization that will not only represent Atlanta and Georgia but also contribute to the growth and success of the NWSL for years to come, building on the foundation laid by Atlanta United and the strong soccer culture in the city and state.
