Atlanta lands NWSL expansion team with debut season planned for 2028

Arthur Blank's Atlanta sports empire is growing again with Tuesday's announcement that the city has been awarded a National Women's Soccer League expansion franchise.

Blank owns the NFL's Atlanta Falcons and Atlanta United of Major League Soccer, both of which play at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Blank's NWSL team is set to debut in 2028 and will also play at the massive downtown dome.

Atlanta will become the NWSL's 17th team, following the additions of Boston and Denver in the league's most recent expansion.

"Atlanta is a city that embodies the energy, diversity, and ambition that define the next chapter of the NWSL," Commissioner Jessica Berman said in a statement. "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."

Atlanta’s next story begins. The future of women’s soccer starts here. <br><br>Our commish makes the call