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Jeff Kassouf
NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman stated on Wednesday that «we are aiming to include Team 18, with a planned launch in 2028.»
The previous evening, Berman took to the stage in Atlanta to declare that the NWSL’s 17th team would commence operations in the city at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in 2028. Arthur Blank, the proprietor of the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS’ Atlanta United, will have ownership of the as-yet-unnamed NWSL Atlanta franchise.
The NWSL has recently undergone expansions in pairs. Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC kicked off in 2022, followed by Bay FC and the (return of) Utah Royals FC in 2024. Boston Legacy FC and Denver Summit FC commence their expansion seasons next year.
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Bay, Boston, and Denver all came out on top in a bidding competition. Atlanta marks the first NWSL expansion team to join the league under the new ad hoc process.
«I believe the philosophy behind our strategy shift regarding expansion remains consistent, which is that we will now accept teams as we and a prospective bidder consider ready and suitable, utilizing a slightly different assessment approach to make decisions on a case-by-case basis,» Berman remarked on Wednesday while seated next to Blank in an Atlanta boardroom.
«With this in consideration, we are indeed advancing with expansion. It will probably always continue, at least for the near future, in the background, and when and if we conclude that a deal is prepared to be presented to our board for progression, we will be able to introduce Team 18.»
Denver triumphed over offers from Cincinnati and Cleveland last year for the 16th NWSL franchise.
The NWSL has experienced rapid growth in recent times, expanding from nine teams in 2019 to a potential 18 by 2028. Expansion fees have surged dramatically during this period, escalating from around $2 million to the $165 million paid by Blank for the Atlanta franchise.
Berman has repeatedly emphasized that the key factors for potential expansion are appropriate ownership, market suitability, and infrastructure — including stadium facilities.
Atlanta will host its games at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, which will initially accommodate 28,000 spectators. The stadium is enclosed, with an artificial turf playing surface.
Atlanta has been considered as a prospective NWSL expansion market for several years. Blank mentioned on Wednesday that part of the timing involved ensuring that the franchise «could properly compete with the NWSL schedule.» Mercedes-Benz Stadium is already home to NFL and MLS teams, as well as hosting 15-18 concerts and approximately 150 private events each year.
Blank also highlighted the synergy in timing with U.S. Soccer relocating to the Atlanta area next year. He contributed $50 million to support that project.
