ATLANTA (AP) — Arthur Blank has added Mauricio Culebro as president of soccer for the MLS Atlanta United team and Blank’s NWSL team, which will debut in 2028.
Mr. Culebro has served as president of Tigres UANL for the past five years, overseeing the athletic and business operations of Mexico’s men’s and women’s programs. He also served as Chief Operating Officer of Mexican Football Operations.
In his new role at Blank Family of Businesses, Mr. Culebro will report to AMBSE CEO Rich McKay.
“Today is an exciting day to welcome Mauricio to Atlanta and our business family,” Blank said in a statement released by AMBSE. “As we progressed through our search process, we knew Mauricio’s great experience and clear vision for improving our club made him an excellent fit to lead Atlanta United and NWSL Atlanta 2028.”
Blank confirmed that Culebro is joining MLS and NWSL for the first time, adding, “Mauricio is new to building and running a successful global soccer club. I have full confidence in his ability to lead the launch of an NWSL club while helping bring Atlanta United back to the level that our fans deserve.”
In his role with the Mexican Football Federation, Mr. Culebro led Mexico’s plans for multiple host cities for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
“It is an honor to join AMBSE’s highly successful leadership team and to be part of an organization with such a strong culture and foundation already in place,” said Culebro. “I’m excited to bring my experience, passion and commitment to the service of Atlanta United and NWSL Atlanta 2028, and to work with a great team to build a long-term project that our fans can be proud of. A team that truly represents the passion, energy and ambition of this city.”
Atlanta United’s Chief Soccer Officer and Athletic Director Chris Henderson, Senior Vice President of Strategy Dimitrios Efstatiou, and Senior Vice President and Chief Business Officer Sarah Kate Noftsinger will remain in their roles and report to Culebro.
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