Atlanta to set new benchmark for NWSL

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Atlanta (US) was confirmed recently as the location for the 17^th franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL).

‘ESPN’ stated that the team will be owned by Arthur Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment which also owns the National Football League (NFL) team Atlanta Falcons and the Major League Soccer (MLS) team Atlanta United FC. Both teams play at the 71,000-capacity Mercedes-Benz Stadium where the NWSL franchise will begin play in 2028.

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is a women’s professional soccer league and the highest level of the United States soccer league system.

The league Commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement, “Atlanta is a City that embodies the energy, diversity and ambition that define the next chapter of the NWSL. From its passionate fan base to its deep sports culture Atlanta has all the ingredients to become one of the league’s most dynamic markets. We are thrilled to partner with Arthur Blank and his exceptional team whose commitment to building world-class organizations and community-driven impact aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of women’s soccer.”

‘ESPN’ further stated that as part of its commitment to the new team Blank and the AMBSE will also build a “first-class training ground” and hire a dedicated leadership staff to oversee the operations of the club.

Stated Blank, “We are thrilled to bring a National Women’s Soccer League franchise to Atlanta and Georgia and the passionate soccer fans here. We look forward to working with the NWSL and the other club owners to continue building the best women’s soccer league in the world and are committed to creating a world-class organization on and off the pitch. Our clear goal is to compete for championships beginning in 2028 and serve as a source of pride for fans in Atlanta, Georgia and the league for decades to come. Our City and State have a deep passion for the game of soccer and I know our fans will embrace this club as they have Atlanta United.”

According to the above announcement, there will be modifications to the Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the NWSL club. Attendance will be capped at approximately 28,000.

In 2026, the NWSL will see its 15^th and 16^th teams begin play with the introduction of Boston Legacy FC and Denver. Berman has said several times this year that the NWSL can eventually be as big as the 32-team NFL, at least conceptually.

Atlanta and Blank had been part of the NWSL expansion conversation intermittently for nearly a decade with many describing the market as a when-not-if situation once Blank is ready to join the league.

Atlanta is the seventh-largest TV media market in the United States, as per Nielsen data.

The Atlanta United has been a major success for MLS since launching in 2017. The team won a Championship the following year and has led MLS in attendance every season since launching (except during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020) averaging over 40,000 fans per game.

Blank donated $50 million to help make Atlanta the new home of U.S. Soccer’s headquarters beginning next year and the Mercedes-Benz Stadium will be a featured host venue to eight games, including a Semifinal, for the 2026 FIFA Men’s World Cup.

Commented Cindy Parlow Cone, U.S. Soccer President, “Atlanta has been a leader in shaping the future of soccer in the United States and the launch of a NWSL team is another incredible step forward. Arthur has been a consistent and passionate supporter of soccer at every level and his investment to bring an expansion team here reinforces the unmistakable rising potential of women’s soccer. With world-class facilities, passionate fans and a community that believes in the power of the game to unite and inspire Atlanta will set a new standard for what’s possible in professional women’s soccer.”

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