### Atlanta Welcomes NWSL's 17th Franchise: A New Era for Women's Soccer The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) has officially awarded its 17th franchise to Atlanta, marking a significant expansion in women's professional soccer in the United States. This new team will be owned by Arthur Blank, a prominent sports figure who also owns the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and MLS's Atlanta United FC. The franchise is set to debut in 2028 and will play its home games at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which has a capacity of 28,000. The expansion fee for this franchise is reported to be a record $165 million, reflecting the growing interest and investment in women's soccer. Blank expressed his excitement about the new team, emphasizing a commitment to building a world-class organization and competing for championships from the outset [https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/nwsl_officially_awards_17th_franchise_to_atlanta/s1_17183_43056466][https://www.apnews.com/article/nwsl-atlanta-arthur-blank-262b539fce50df76f1f57dbc946b71ae]. ### Structure of the NWSL Expansion Announcement 1. **Franchise Awarded**: Atlanta is confirmed as the 17th franchise in the NWSL. 2. **Ownership and Management**: The team will be owned by Arthur Blank and operated by AMB Sports and Entertainment. 3. **Stadium and Capacity**: Matches will be held at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, with a capacity of 28,000. 4. **Expansion Fee**: The franchise fee is set at $165 million, a significant increase from previous fees. 5. **Future Plans**: The NWSL aims to expand further, targeting an 18th team for 2028 [https://www.espn.co.uk/football/story/_/id/46945488/nwsl-expansion-18th-team-2028][https://www.georgiaentertainment.com/2025/11/national-womens-soccer-league-nwsl-awards-expansion-franchise-to-atlanta]. ### Supporting Evidence and Data - **Expansion Fee**: The $165 million fee for Atlanta's franchise is a record, surpassing the $110 million paid by Denver Summit FC earlier in the year [https://www.yardbarker.com/general_sports/articles/reports_atlanta_lands_nwsl_franchise_for_record_fee/s1_17183_43051484]. - **Stadium Details**: Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to both the Falcons and Atlanta United, will host the new NWSL team, providing a state-of-the-art venue for fans [https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/sports/soccer/atlanta-nwsl-expansion-debut-season-2028/4301010]. - **Timeline**: The franchise is set to begin play in 2028, aligning with the league's ongoing expansion efforts [https://www.wsbtv.com/news/local/atlanta/atlanta-lands-nwsl-expansion-team-owned-by-arthur-blank-with-debut-planned-2028/6C3PQKTREND33NJVGML5FJFIZM]. ### Conclusion: A Bright Future for Women's Soccer in Atlanta In summary, the awarding of the NWSL's 17th franchise to Atlanta represents a pivotal moment for women's soccer in the region. 1. **Franchise Launch**: Atlanta will join the NWSL as its 17th team, with a debut planned for 2028. 2. **Ownership**: Arthur Blank's involvement promises strong management and investment in the team. 3. **Record Expansion Fee**: The $165 million fee indicates a robust market for women's sports. 4. **Stadium Venue**: The use of Mercedes-Benz Stadium will enhance the fan experience and visibility of the league. 5. **Future Growth**: The NWSL's plans for further expansion signal a commitment to growing women's soccer in the U.S. [https://www.starsandstripesfc.com/uswnt-news/41215/nwsl-reported-to-add-17th-team-with-expansion-to-atlanta][https://www.essentiallysports.com/us-sports-soccer-with-one-hundred-sixty-five-million-nwsl-fee-nfl-atlanta-falcon-set-to-be-home-for-new-soccer-team]. This development not only strengthens the league but also enhances Atlanta's reputation as a hub for professional sports.