Atlanta Set to Become NWSL’s 17th Franchise in League-Record Deal
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The national Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) is poised to announce Atlanta as the home of its 17th franchise, in a deal reportedly valued at a league-record $165 million. The expansion team will be spearheaded by AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE), the ownership group behind both Major League Soccer’s Atlanta United and the National Football League’s atlanta Falcons, according to reporting from The Athletic. A formal announcement is anticipated on Tuesday, marking a significant moment for both the league and the city’s growing soccer landscape.
Record Expansion Fee Signals NWSL Growth
The $165 million entry fee represents a significant increase in expansion costs within the NWSL. In January,the group acquiring the Denver Summit franchise reportedly paid $110 million,with both Denver and the Boston Legacy slated to join the league in 2026. Previously, the boston club and Bay FC, which began play in 2024, each contributed approximately $53 million to become NWSL teams. This escalating investment underscores the increasing value and attractiveness of NWSL franchises.
Atlanta’s Soccer Roots Run Deep
Atlanta’s embrace of soccer is well-documented, beginning with the successful launch of Atlanta United in 2017. the city is further solidifying its position as a soccer hub with the forthcoming U.S. Soccer National Training Center, set to open next year in Fayetteville, thanks to a $50 million contribution from Arthur M. Blank, founder of The Home Depot and chairman of AMBSE.
however, Atlanta’s history with professional women’s soccer predates Atlanta United. The Atlanta Beat competed in the Women’s United Soccer Association (WUSA) – the nation’s first professional women’s league – from 2001 to 2003, and later in Women’s Professional Soccer (WPS) from 2010 to 2011. The new NWSL team will build upon this legacy, tapping into a pre-existing fanbase and a city demonstrably passionate about the sport.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium to Host New Franchise
The Atlanta expansion team is expected to play its home matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, a state-of-the-art venue already familiar to soccer fans. The stadium, home to both Atlanta United and the Falcons, boasts a soccer capacity of 42,500. in April 2024, Mercedes-Benz Stadium hosted the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT) for a shebelieves Cup match against Japan, attracting a record-breaking crowd of 50,646 for a friendly on home soil.
Notably,the team will be the first NWSL expansion franchise to gain approval despite plans to play on an artificial turf surface.while venues for the Portland thorns and Seattle Reign also utilize artificial turf, and the Boston Legacy will play at Gillette Stadium, Atlanta’s commitment to turf is a first for a newly established team.
Specific details regarding the inaugural season, including the team name and roster, remain undisclosed.However, the arrival of an NWSL franchise in Atlanta signifies a new era for women’s soccer.
