Owner Arthur Blank Statement on Atlanta NWSL Expansion Team

He owns the Falcons, Atlanta United (MLS) and Atlanta Drive Golf Club (TGL); but now he is adding to his sports portfolio. Or should we say, the family business? Nevertheless, AMB Sports and Entertainment (AMBSE) announced this week that it has been awarded a new expansion franchise in the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL). Atlanta’s NWSL club will be owned by Arthur M. Blank and operated by AMB Sports and Entertainment. As news about this exciting enterprise spread, owner Arthur Blank released a statement regarding the new Atlanta NWSL Expansion Team.

Blank is thrilled about being a part of the accelerating growth in women’s soccer. The league has been experiencing tons of positive success. For instance, in the USA alone growth has been driven by record-breaking attendance, a major new media deal worth $240 million, and significant sponsorship revenue. Furthermore, the NWSL reports,

“The NWSL delivered its fourth consecutive year of linear viewership growth, up 22 percent year-over-year, reflecting the league’s sustained rise as a major force in live sports entertainment. Growth among women 18-34, up 30 percent year-over-year, further solidifies the NWSL’s position as one of the fastest-growing sports properties with this key audience.

Digital viewership surged as well, with total live streams up 30 percent year-over-year and a record 2.62 billion minutes watched across all platforms – the highest total in league history. Viewership on ION’s FAST (Free Ad-Supporting Streaming TV) platform contributed significantly to this record, with 3.25 million total hours viewed, up 24 percent year-over-year.

In-person fandom reached new highs, marking another season of robust growth in live attendance and local engagement. [Including] the largest single-game crowd in league history: 40,091 fans attended Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit at Oracle Park in August. The NWSL now owns 48 of the top 50 most attended matches in U.S. women’s professional league sports history.”

Wow, very cool. Now in the near future the Atlanta expansion team will add to this thriving legacy as well. Regarding the team and its future Arthur Blank says,

“We are thrilled to bring a National Women’s Soccer League franchise to Atlanta and Georgia and the passionate soccer fans here. 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.

I want to thank Commissioner Jessica Berman, NWSL owners and the expansion committee for their trust in awarding Atlanta this opportunity, as well as our executive leadership team for their tireless efforts as we have worked to make this dream a reality. We can’t wait to see our NWSL club take the pitch in 2028.”

Owner Arthur Blank Statement on Atlanta NWSL Expansion Team

Atlanta will become the NWSL’s 17th team. Following the additions of Boston and Denver in the most-recent round of expansion. Also, Atlanta plans to play its home matches in the world-renowned Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Right in the heart of downtown Atlanta.

Lastly, NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman had a few thoughts to express regarding the ATL expansion team. She says, “Atlanta is a city that embodies the energy, diversity, and ambition that define the next chapter of the NWSL. 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.”

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