Atlanta's Big Bet on Women's Soccer: A New NWSL Team Joins the Game

Atlanta is getting a new soccer team, but not just any team. This one's for the NWSL, and it's a big deal. The league just gave the green light to a new team in Atlanta, set to start playing in 2028. They'll call Mercedes-Benz Stadium home, the same place where Atlanta United and the Falcons play. This isn't just any expansion. The NWSL is charging Atlanta a whopping $165 million to join, the most ever. That's a lot of cash, but it shows how serious the league is about growing. Other new teams, like Denver and Boston, paid way less, but Atlanta's team is backed by some serious money. Arthur Blank, the guy who co-founded Home Depot, is behind this. He already owns Atlanta United and the Falcons, so he knows a thing or two about sports teams. The new team won't just be playing matches. They'll have their own training ground, and Blank's foundation is putting money into the NWSL Foundation. That's all about making women's sports better, focusing on research and health for female athletes. Atlanta isn't new to women's soccer. There was the Atlanta Beat years ago, but that team folded. Now, the city is getting another shot, and people are excited. Mercedes-Benz Stadium already set a record for a women's soccer friendly, with 50, 000 fans showing up. That's a lot of support. The NWSL is growing fast, and Atlanta fits right in. The league is picking big cities with lots of fans and media attention. Atlanta is the fourth team in a top 10 media market since 2022. Plus, they're okay with playing on artificial turf, even though some teams prefer grass. It's all about making the league stronger and more exciting.