NWSL’s rapid expansion continues in Atlanta, targeting 18 teams by 2028

Photo Credit: NWSL Atlanta

On Tuesday, Nov. 11, the National Women’s Soccer League awarded an expansion franchise to Atlanta. The club will become the 17th team in the NWSL and will begin playing in 2028.

"Atlanta is a city that embodies the energy, diversity, and ambition that define the next chapter of the NWSL," league commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement. "From its passionate fan base to its deep sports culture, Atlanta has all the ingredients to become one of the league's most dynamic markets.

The club will be owned and operated by AMB Sports and Entertainment, a group led by Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United owner Arthur Blank. The former co-founder of The Home Depot paid a reported $165 million to acquire the NWSL franchise. Like the Falcons and Atlanta United, the NWSL team will play its home games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in downtown Atlanta. According to Blank, the stadium will be tailored to women’s soccer on gamedays, and the capacity will be capped at 28,000.

As part of the agreement with the NWSL, Blank and AMB will construct a “first-class training ground” for the club.

"We are thrilled to bring a National Women's Soccer League franchise to Atlanta and Georgia and the passionate soccer fans here," Blank said. "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 committed to creating a world-class organization on and off the pitch.

"Our clear goal is to compete for championships beginning in 2028 and serve as a source of pride for fans in 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 as they have Atlanta United."

Blank has seen plenty of success in American soccer, most notably with Atlanta United. Blank’s Major League Soccer franchise joined the league in 2017, winning MLS Cup the following year and consistently leading the league in attendance.

As soccer continues to blossom in America and Atlanta, the U.S. Soccer Federation is making the Peach State its permanent home. U.S. Soccer will open its new headquarters and a state-of-the-art training facility in South Atlanta prior to the 2026 World Cup in North America. Blank donated $50 million to the project.

"Atlanta has been a leader in shaping the future of soccer in this country, and the launch of a NWSL team is another incredible step forward," U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone said. "Arthur has been a consistent and passionate supporter of soccer at every level, and his investment to bring an expansion team here reinforces the unmistakable rising potential of women's soccer.

"With world-class facilities, passionate fans, and a community that believes in the power of the game to unite and inspire, Atlanta will set a new standard for what's possible in professional women's soccer."

Atlanta’s yet-to-be-named NWSL team might not be the only expansion franchise to enter the league in 2028.

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman’s goal is to have 18 teams in the league by 2028.

“It is our intention to admit Team 18, and we are targeting a 2028 launch,” Berman said.

The NWSL will welcome teams 15 and 16 to the league next year, with Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit playing their inaugural seasons in 2026. Atlanta will serve as the 17th team, with the hope of an 18th team joining the league with them in 2028.

Since 2022, the league has introduced expansion teams in pairs. Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC kicked off for the first time in 2022. Bay FC and Utah Royals FC began playing two years later. Next year, Boston and Denver will enter the league together. Berman is confident the NWSL will continue the trend of adding two teams every two years, at least until 2028.

“We're definitely working on expansion,” Berman said. “It will likely always be, at least for the foreseeable future, going on in the background, and when and if we determine that a deal is ready to be presented to our board and move forward, we'll be able to add Team 18."

If an 18th team is added for the 2028 season, the league will have gone from nine teams in 2019 to 18 in less than 10 years.