ATLANTA (AP) — Arthur Blank’s Atlanta sports empire is growing again with Tuesday’s announcement that the city has acquired an expansion franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League.
Blank is the owner of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United, both of which play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Blank’s NWSL team is scheduled to debut in 2028 and will also play in a giant dome downtown.
Atlanta becomes the NWSL’s 17th team, following the addition of Boston and Denver in the league’s latest expansion.
“Atlanta is a city that embodies the energy, diversity and ambition that will define the next chapter of the NWSL,” Commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement. “From our passionate fan base to our deep sports culture, Atlanta has all the ingredients to be one of the league’s most dynamic markets.”
Renovations will be made to Mercedes-Benz Stadium for the NWSL club, according to an announcement Tuesday. The maximum number of attendees will be approximately 28,000 people.
The NWSL team will be managed by Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment Group. Blank is also the owner of TGL’s Atlanta Drive Golf Club, an indoor golf league led by Tiger Woods and Rory McIlroy.
Blank’s investment in women’s professional soccer also includes the development of a practice field in the city. AMBSE has begun searching for team leadership and a team name.
“I’m excited to bring the National Women’s Soccer League franchise to Atlanta, Georgia and the passionate soccer fans here,” Blank said in a statement. “We look forward to working with the NWSL and other club owners to continue building the best women’s soccer league in the world and are fully committed to building a world-class organization on and off the pitch.
“Our clear goal is to compete for a championship starting in 2028 and be a source of pride for the fans of 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 in the same way they have embraced Atlanta United.”
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