A yet-to-be-named women's professional soccer team based in Atlanta, Georgia, currently operating under the placeholder identity "NWSL Atlanta 2028," was awarded the National Women's Soccer League's 17th franchise on November 11, 2025. Owned by Arthur Blank of Atlanta United FC and the Atlanta Falcons, the team will begin play in 2028 alongside a second expansion club in Columbus, sharing Mercedes-Benz Stadium with Atlanta United.

History

Background and announcement

Atlanta previously had two professional women's soccer teams named the Atlanta Beat, the first in the Women's United Soccer Association (2001–2003) and a second in Women's Professional Soccer (2010–2012).[1] For nearly a decade, Atlanta had been viewed as a top candidate for NWSL expansion.[2]

On November 9, 2025, The Athletic first reported the deal,[1] and the franchise was officially awarded on November 11.[3] The expansion fee was reported at a record $165 million, exceeding the $110 million paid by Denver Summit FC earlier in 2025.[4] Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which the team will share with Atlanta United, is expected to be modified for an NWSL capacity of approximately 28,000.[5] According to ESPN, the club is planned to debut in the 2028 NWSL season alongside an expansion team in Columbus.[2]

Front office

In March 2026, AMB Sports + Entertainment (AMBSE) named Mauricio Culebro, formerly president of Tigres UANL, as President of Soccer overseeing both Atlanta United and the NWSL franchise.[6] The following month, Deandra Duggans, previously chief marketing officer of the Las Vegas Aces, was named the club's Vice President and Chief Business Officer,[7] and in May 2026, Keith McCloat, previously of the New York Mets, was named Vice President and Chief Financial Officer.[8]

Training facility

In early 2026, the club reached an agreement with the City of Marietta to acquire a 33-acre site on Franklin Gateway SE for a dedicated training facility, with construction breaking ground on April 24, 2026.[9] Plans call for a 38,000-square-foot facility with four full-size fields.[10] The project is part of an AMBSE investment in the Franklin Gateway corridor reported at approximately $200 million when combined with the existing Atlanta United training facility.[11] In May 2026, Marietta's Development Authority approved a tax-incentive agreement tied to the project.[12]

Sponsorship

In February 2026, AMBSE announced Aflac as the team's front-of-kit jersey sponsor in a seven-year agreement reported to be among the largest jersey sponsorships in women's sports history.[13]

Name and identity

As of mid-2026, the franchise has not announced a permanent name, crest, or color scheme, instead using "NWSL Atlanta 2028" as a working identity.[14] According to the team-focused outlet Scarves and Spikes, Arthur Blank said in April 2026 that the club's name and branding would likely be revealed in the fall of 2026, and that "Atlanta United Women" would not be used, since the Atlanta United trademark is held by Major League Soccer rather than AMBSE.[15]

References

  1. 1 2 Pelit, Asli (November 9, 2025). "Atlanta lands NWSL expansion franchise backed by Arthur Blank for record $165 million: Sources". The Athletic.
  2. 1 2 Kassouf, Jeff (November 10, 2025). "Sources: Atlanta in line to get 17th NWSL franchise". ESPN.
  3. ↑ "NWSL Awards Expansion Franchise to Atlanta" (Press release). National Women's Soccer League. November 11, 2025. Retrieved November 12, 2025.
  4. ↑ Giannoto, Mark (November 10, 2025). "Atlanta set to be awarded NWSL franchise for record expansion fee". USA Today.
  5. ↑ "Atlanta, backed by Falcons owner Blank, get 17th NWSL team". ESPN. November 11, 2025. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  6. ↑ "Ex-Tigres exec Culebro to run Atlanta's MLS, NWSL teams". ESPN. Associated Press. March 25, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  7. ↑ "Sportico Transactions: Moves and Mergers Roundup for April 17". Sportico. April 17, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  8. ↑ "Sportico Transactions: Moves and Mergers Roundup for May 8". Sportico. May 9, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  9. ↑ "Arthur Blank breaks ground on Marietta NWSL training facility". FOX 5 Atlanta. April 25, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  10. ↑ "National Women's Soccer League breaks ground on Marietta training facility". Atlanta News First. April 25, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  11. ↑ "Arthur Blank breaks ground on $100M training facility for Atlanta's new NWSL team". 11Alive. April 25, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  12. ↑ "Development Authority OKs tax breaks for Arthur Blank's women's soccer HQ". Marietta Daily Journal. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  13. ↑ "Aflac to sponsor future Atlanta NWSL team, 'believed to be' largest jersey deal in women's sports history". 11Alive. February 25, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  14. ↑ "NWSL Atlanta 2028: News, ownership, training ground, tickets, and everything to know". Scarves and Spikes. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
  15. ↑ "Arthur Blank: NWSL Atlanta team name announcement "probably in the fall"". Scarves and Spikes. April 24, 2026. Retrieved June 17, 2026.
source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlanta_NWSL_team