NWSL officially awards 17th franchise to Atlanta

The National Women's Soccer League officially awarded its 17th franchise to Atlanta on Wednesday.

The team will be owned by Arthur Blank and operated by AMB Sports and Entertainment. Blank's sports portfolio also includes the NFL's Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta United FC of MLS and Atlanta Drive Golf Club of TGL.

The expansion team will host matches at Mercedes-Benz Stadium when it begins play in 2028, with an expected capacity of 28,000.

The Athletic reported Tuesday that Blank is paying an expansion fee of $165 million, a massive jump from the $110 million paid by Denver Summit FC in January.

"We are thrilled to bring a National Women's Soccer League franchise to Atlanta and Georgia and the passionate soccer fans here," Blank said in a statement. "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."

The NWSL is expanding to 16 teams next season with the additions of Denver and Boston Legacy FC.

Atlanta hosted a women's pro soccer team called the Atlanta Beat in the Women's United Soccer Association from 2001-03 and in Women's Professional Soccer from 2010-11.

"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 news release. "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. We are thrilled to partner with Arthur Blank and his exceptional team, whose commitment to building world-class organizations and community-driven impact aligns perfectly with our vision for the future of women's soccer."