NWSL confirms when Atlanta will join the league amid plans to play inside an NFL stadium

Arthur Blank is the owner of a new NWSL side coming to Atlanta
Arthur Blank (pictured at an Atlanta Falcons game on November 9th) is also the owner of a new NWSL side in Atlanta. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) have officially confirmed Atlanta as its 17th club, announcing when they will debut in the league and what stadium they plan to play in.

Arthur Blank’s AMB Sports and Entertainment, the same group behind the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’s Atlanta United FC, will also own the new NWSL team.

The NWSL confirmed the news on social media, while Blank also spoke at an unveiling in Atlanta.

Blank said: “Today marks another tremendous milestone for our city, for our state and for the sport of soccer in America.

“It is an honour to announce that Atlanta has been awarded National Women’s Soccer League club number 17. The theme of this event reflects my deep belief, ‘Empower her, inspire all’.

“I was raised by a determined woman whose strength, fire and resilience shaped every part of who I am today. My mother taught me that true power is found in perseverance and the courage to chase your dreams when the path ahead is uncertain.”

The team name and crest will be unveiled at a later date.

When will Atlanta join the NWSL?

The NWSL have confirmed that Atlanta will officially make their debut in the league in the 2028 season.

It comes after reports that Atlanta paid a record expansion fee of  $165 million (£125m) to join the league.

This compares to the $110m (ÂŁ83m) paid by Denver Summit and Boston Legacy, who will join the NWSL in 2026.

Both of those new franchises have already started recruiting players ahead of next season.

They also plan to play their opening matches inside NFL stadiums, with the Legacy set to play the full season at the home of the New England Patriots, Gillette Stadium. The Denver Summit, though, will look to move into a temporary home after playing their first match at the home of the Denver Broncos.

Which stadium will Atlanta play at?

Atlanta are expected to play at the same stadium where the Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United FC play.

A statement from the NWSL read: “The club plans to play its home matches in the world-renowned Mercedes-Benz Stadium in the heart of downtown Atlanta, with modifications like those deployed by Atlanta United to make the venue unique to the NWSL club.”

There will be an expected capacity of approximately 28,000 at Atlanta’s games from 2028.

The NWSL statement added: “Blank’s investment in bringing women’s professional soccer to Atlanta will also include the development of a first-class training ground dedicated to the NWSL club and staff.”

Arthur Blank to provide funding to launch NWSL foundation

It has also been revealed that Atlanta’s owner, Arthur Blank, will “provide seed funding to launch the NWSL Foundation”.

The NWSL Foundation aims to advance research and innovation in women’s sports, particularly in the areas of health and performance.

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About Kieran Lynch 496 Articles
Kieran Lynch is a sports writer specialising in women's football who started writing for SheKicks in June 2025. He writes about clubs and players across the Women's Super League, European football and international tournaments including Women's Euro 2025.