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Atlanta Awarded NWSL’s 17th Team for 2028 Under Arthur Blank’s AMBSE

The move signals rising franchise values under the league’s new rolling expansion model.

Overview

  • League officials confirmed Mercedes-Benz Stadium as the home venue starting in 2028 with an initial configuration of about 28,000 seats.
  • The Athletic reports a record $165 million expansion fee for the franchise, exceeding recent fees for Denver and Boston.
  • AMB Sports and Entertainment will build new training facilities, with Arthur Blank pledging more than $20 million and hiring dedicated team leadership.
  • The NWSL announced a new foundation with seed funding from the Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation to advance women’s sports research focused on athlete health and performance.
  • Commissioner Jessica Berman said Atlanta is the first club admitted via the ad hoc process and the league is targeting a 2028 launch for Team 18, with research underway on optimal playing surfaces given the stadium’s turf.